Narrative Structure: The Bones of a Great Story

Narrative Structure: The Bones of a Great Story

“Act I, get your guy up a tree. Act II, throw rocks at him. Act III, get your guy outta the tree.”

            ­–Julius Epstein

Anyone can tell a story, but telling a great story is no easy feat. While having a strong premise and compelling characters are important, structure—how the various parts of the story are sequenced and arranged in relation to one another—plays an integral role in building a great story. In this workshop, we will examine structural models that can be applied to narratives of all forms (including short stories, novels, and films), as well as tap into the key structural approaches that can help writers create and maintain momentum, push past the dreaded middle slump, and build towards a cohesive manuscript.

Speakers