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Structuring Your Novel Workbook: Hands-On Help for Building Strong and Successful Stories (Helping Writers Become Authors) Paperback – November 15, 2014
Purchase options and add-ons
Discover the Proven Blueprint for Creating Stories That Sell!
Veteran writing teacher K.M. Weiland’s previous book, Structuring Your Novel, showed writers how to create stories with strong and compelling plot structure. Now it’s time to put those lessons to use! Building upon the principles you’ve already learned, the Structuring Your Novel Workbook presents a guided approach to writing solid first drafts, identifying and fixing plot problems, and writing consistently good stories.
Containing hundreds of incisive questions and imagination-revving exercises, this valuable resource will show you how to:
- Implement a strong three-act structure
- Time your acts and your plot points
- Unleash your unique and personal vision for your story
- Identify common structural weaknesses and flip them around into stunning strengths
- Eliminate saggy middles by discovering your story’s “centerpiece”
- And so much more!
This accessible and streamlined workbook will empower you to create a powerful structure—and an outstanding novel.
Start writing your best book today!
- Print length154 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateNovember 15, 2014
- Dimensions7.5 x 0.35 x 9.25 inches
- ISBN-100985780436
- ISBN-13978-0985780432
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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Product details
- Publisher : PenForASword; First Thus Used edition (November 15, 2014)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 154 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0985780436
- ISBN-13 : 978-0985780432
- Item Weight : 10.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 7.5 x 0.35 x 9.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #180,386 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #226 in Words, Language & Grammar Reference
- #322 in Writing Skill Reference (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
K.M. Weiland lives in make-believe worlds, talks to imaginary friends, and survives primarily on chocolate truffles and espresso. She is the internationally published author of the acclaimed writing guides Outlining Your Novel, Structuring Your Novel, and Creating Character Arcs. Her fiction includes the gaslamp fantasy Wayfarer, the historical/dieselpunk adventure Storming, the portal fantasy Dreamlander, and the medieval epic Behold the Dawn. When she’s not making things up, she’s busy mentoring other authors on her acclaimed blog Helping Writers Become Authors.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book helpful and useful for writing a novel. They say it covers the pre-writing process in detail and helps them build their story. The book is described as a practical resource with exercises, question prompts, and guidance. Many readers consider it a worthwhile investment and say it provides a solid foundation for both aspiring and already published authors.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book helpful for writing. They say it covers the pre-writing process in detail, making getting a story on paper easier. The book is suitable for beginners and provides a clear, systematic approach with relevant examples.
"Shows how to build your story." Read more
"...First of all, you will never find a more writer-friendly book. I'm a linear-type person who likes to follow a "plan."..." Read more
"...gives you a lot of great questions to chew on and is formatted pretty logically..." Read more
"...the workbook contains good information, making it more straightforward to use. I am glad I got this workbook." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for planning a novel. They appreciate the exercises, question prompts, and guidance. The examples expand on the original content and make the book more compelling.
"...weaknesses, both psychological and moral, makes his book innovative and sophisticated...." Read more
"...process, you will find your story becoming richer, more cohesive, more compelling...." Read more
"...Still, I think it's a very useful resource." Read more
"...I think this book benefits everybody, but may actually benefit writers who have been at the game a little while than newbies...." Read more
Customers find the book worth the investment and say it helps plan novels.
"...I have all her books, no wasted money for sure." Read more
"...I found this one very valuable." Read more
"...Worth the $$$ & you will reuse it over & over again." Read more
"A truly valuable, fun, and writer-friendly guide to story structure..." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for solidifying their novels. It forces them to think deeply about every aspect of the story, providing a solid foundation for both aspiring and already published authors. They mention the beginnings are strong now.
"...A thoughtful refresher on the Inciting Incident, the three plot points and the two pinch points, cited from Syd Fields' pioneering Screenplay..." Read more
"...The greatest thing about it is that it FORCES you to think deeply about every aspect of your story...." Read more
"...to take the time to slow down and think through characterization, foreshadowing, theme, plot, everything!..." Read more
"...by KM Weiland is a good read but this one will really help you to solidify your novel." Read more
Reviews with images
Excellent Book: K. M. Weiland's 5 Secrets of Story Structure
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024Shows how to build your story.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 20155 Secrets of Story Structure: How to Write a Novel That Stands Out
(Helping Writers Become Authors Book 6) Kindle Edition
by K. M. Weiland
.
Reviewed by C J Singh (Berkeley, California)
.
In the opening chapter, Weiland presents a 5-minute summary of her book “Structuring Your Novel” and the companion “Workbook.” A thoughtful refresher on the Inciting Incident, the three plot points and the two pinch points, cited from Syd Fields' pioneering Screenplay book.
The second chapter begins with the author's candid acknowledgement that this supplement clarifies the crucial concept of the Inciting Incident, which she now recognizes was explained rather vaguely: “What is important isn’t so much nailing down your Inciting Event to a specific place in the story, as it is presenting the Inciting Event at the optimal moment. Sometimes that means throwing the Inciting Event at readers right away, and sometimes that means holding off a bit.” Yes, that was vague. And the clarification in this supplement: “The most important thing that you can take away form this chapter is this: There isn’t just one moment that can be called ‘the inciting event.’ There are three.”
Weiland suggests that Inciting Events comprise the Hook -- "the opening scene, possibly even the first line"; the Turning Point --12% mark of the book – "the match is officially lit and held over the tinder of the conflict”; and the First Plot Point -- 25% mark. However, Weiland then chooses to discard the term the Turning Point and calls it the Inciting Event, presumably because all of the points—the plot as well as pinch points are also turning points.
The third chapter explains the Key Event and the First Plot Point as not the same but as “two distinct and important sides of the same coin.” She examples this by apt citations from Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and other stories.
The fourth chapter explains the two Pinch Points: “To use your Pinch Points to their maximum potential, you need to make certain that they create distinct moments that influence every scene leading up to their subsequent Plot Points.” Weiland examples them by citations from Henry James’s classic novella “The Turn of the Screw” and other stories.
The fifth chapter explains the Midpoint: “After the reactive period in the First Half of the Second Act, the Midpoint happens and along with it the Moment of Truth. This is where everything changes for the protagonist… provides him with a new understanding of the conflict… suddenly he gets it.” Reactive no more, he starts acting.
The sixth chapter explains building up from the Third Plot Point (‘the darkest moment for your character’) to the Climactic Moment and Resolution. Weiland examples this by citing from Victor Hugo’s classic, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” and other stories.
This 60-page e-book will definitely help me in drafting my work-in-progress.
Five shining stars.
--------------------------
STRUCTURING YOUR NOVEL
By K. M. Weiland
Reviewed by C J Singh
STRUCTURING YOUR NOVEL hooked me from the beginning: On page 2, K. M. Weiland writes, “Some experts’ approach to structure is mesmerizingly complex. John Truby’s must-read ‘The Anatomy of Story” presents twenty-two elements of story structure. Syd Field’s canonical ‘Screenplay’ (which is just as valuable for novelists as for screenwriters) breaks story down to the simpler three-act structure....The macro level of story structure I’ll be presenting in the following pages is a happy medium of the two.”
John Truby’s THE ANATOMY OF STORY is indeed a “must-read book.” (I posted my detailed review on amazon in 2007 and rank it as a contemporary classic.) Equally impressive is Syd Field’s “SCREENPLAY: The Foundations of Screenwriting” the pioneering book on the subject. (I posted my review on amazon, also, in 2007.) Recently, I have taught workshops using both books as texts. Truby's emphasis on creating characters with weaknesses, both psychological and moral, makes his book innovative and sophisticated.
Completing the exercises in SRUCTURING YOUR NOVEL WORKBOOK for my short stories. Particularly useful are the exercises on Structuring Scenes and Sequels. I am happy to say Weiland fully delivered the promise. Currently, I am using the WORKBOOK for structuring a 60,000- word Novel/Screenplay "Five Rivers."
A five-star book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book: K. M. Weiland's 5 Secrets of Story Structure5 Secrets of Story Structure: How to Write a Novel That Stands Out
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2015
(Helping Writers Become Authors Book 6) Kindle Edition
by K. M. Weiland
.
Reviewed by C J Singh (Berkeley, California)
.
In the opening chapter, Weiland presents a 5-minute summary of her book “Structuring Your Novel” and the companion “Workbook.” A thoughtful refresher on the Inciting Incident, the three plot points and the two pinch points, cited from Syd Fields' pioneering Screenplay book.
The second chapter begins with the author's candid acknowledgement that this supplement clarifies the crucial concept of the Inciting Incident, which she now recognizes was explained rather vaguely: “What is important isn’t so much nailing down your Inciting Event to a specific place in the story, as it is presenting the Inciting Event at the optimal moment. Sometimes that means throwing the Inciting Event at readers right away, and sometimes that means holding off a bit.” Yes, that was vague. And the clarification in this supplement: “The most important thing that you can take away form this chapter is this: There isn’t just one moment that can be called ‘the inciting event.’ There are three.”
Weiland suggests that Inciting Events comprise the Hook -- "the opening scene, possibly even the first line"; the Turning Point --12% mark of the book – "the match is officially lit and held over the tinder of the conflict”; and the First Plot Point -- 25% mark. However, Weiland then chooses to discard the term the Turning Point and calls it the Inciting Event, presumably because all of the points—the plot as well as pinch points are also turning points.
The third chapter explains the Key Event and the First Plot Point as not the same but as “two distinct and important sides of the same coin.” She examples this by apt citations from Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” and other stories.
The fourth chapter explains the two Pinch Points: “To use your Pinch Points to their maximum potential, you need to make certain that they create distinct moments that influence every scene leading up to their subsequent Plot Points.” Weiland examples them by citations from Henry James’s classic novella “The Turn of the Screw” and other stories.
The fifth chapter explains the Midpoint: “After the reactive period in the First Half of the Second Act, the Midpoint happens and along with it the Moment of Truth. This is where everything changes for the protagonist… provides him with a new understanding of the conflict… suddenly he gets it.” Reactive no more, he starts acting.
The sixth chapter explains building up from the Third Plot Point (‘the darkest moment for your character’) to the Climactic Moment and Resolution. Weiland examples this by citing from Victor Hugo’s classic, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” and other stories.
This 60-page e-book will definitely help me in drafting my work-in-progress.
Five shining stars.
--------------------------
STRUCTURING YOUR NOVEL
By K. M. Weiland
Reviewed by C J Singh
STRUCTURING YOUR NOVEL hooked me from the beginning: On page 2, K. M. Weiland writes, “Some experts’ approach to structure is mesmerizingly complex. John Truby’s must-read ‘The Anatomy of Story” presents twenty-two elements of story structure. Syd Field’s canonical ‘Screenplay’ (which is just as valuable for novelists as for screenwriters) breaks story down to the simpler three-act structure....The macro level of story structure I’ll be presenting in the following pages is a happy medium of the two.”
John Truby’s THE ANATOMY OF STORY is indeed a “must-read book.” (I posted my detailed review on amazon in 2007 and rank it as a contemporary classic.) Equally impressive is Syd Field’s “SCREENPLAY: The Foundations of Screenwriting” the pioneering book on the subject. (I posted my review on amazon, also, in 2007.) Recently, I have taught workshops using both books as texts. Truby's emphasis on creating characters with weaknesses, both psychological and moral, makes his book innovative and sophisticated.
Completing the exercises in SRUCTURING YOUR NOVEL WORKBOOK for my short stories. Particularly useful are the exercises on Structuring Scenes and Sequels. I am happy to say Weiland fully delivered the promise. Currently, I am using the WORKBOOK for structuring a 60,000- word Novel/Screenplay "Five Rivers."
A five-star book.
Images in this review - Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2019Just a few brief points, since so many others have already discussed the countless wonderful aspects of this workbook. First of all, you will never find a more writer-friendly book. I'm a linear-type person who likes to follow a "plan." For me, this workbook (plus the book) is ideal. You progress through the workbook, it's satisfying and productive (and exciting.) The greatest thing about it is that it FORCES you to think deeply about every aspect of your story. Katie will not allow you to just give flippant responses; you have to really, really think; to dig deep, and truly understand and justify every detail of your story, and how it all ties in with your characters' motivations. She does this by asking loads of follow-up questions, that hit the same points from slightly different angles. She will not let you off the hook! You MUST think about, plan, and justify everything about your plot. By going through this process, you will find your story becoming richer, more cohesive, more compelling. I leave every session w/the workbook feeling jazzed about my progress w/the story.
As others advise, I would also buy the book. What I did is read a section of the book at a time, then complete the matching workbook section. Keeps you totally focused on the plot point you're working on at the time.
I cannot imagine ever writing a novel again without going through this process. Thank you Katie Weiland!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2017This workbook gives you a lot of great questions to chew on and is formatted pretty logically (wish the little infographics weren't just pasted in there; they look...compressed in a not so great way), but I did find it a little frustrating that it referenced quite a few movies when it's titled Structuring Your NOVEL. There are also a few typos (one really early into the workbook on page 18). Still, I think it's a very useful resource.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2024And now I wish I had gotten the paperback of the Structuring Your Novel book. It takes work to go from the book to the Workbook. Thankfully, the workbook contains good information, making it more straightforward to use. I am glad I got this workbook.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2016For any writer who has struggled with structure, this is the ultimate help book. I used note cards myself to answer the questions and man, let me tell you. Ms. Weiland pushes you to think about things in your book you would have never thought of or at least, I would have never thought of on my own. At times, it can even become exhausting to answer them all and run my brain in all of those different directions, but I have to say that it is not only a lot of fun, it makes for stronger writing.
I think this book benefits everybody, but may actually benefit writers who have been at the game a little while than newbies. For newbies, I think the key is to write and not think of anything until you have some material to work with. I've written a few books and can tell you that this book helps me think through future books in ways I never did before. There's no guarantee with anything in life of course, but I know I feel like a much stronger writer to using this workbook.
Top reviews from other countries
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on January 19, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Good quality
The media could not be loaded.
- The OracleReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 28, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book if you want to write.
I never realised that writing novels could be structured. I have always thought its just instinctive. But after reading this book I now understand that some writers are natural authors, but most need to follow a structure. I am so glad I have read this book. This is the type of book that you keep with you as a reference (If you write). I really like how Weiland uses examples of popular books and movies to demonstrate the message, very clever. I have written Non-fiction, and now looking to write my first fiction book, and in Weiland have finally found someone I can work with.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Australia on May 13, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent help for the novice writer.
K.M. Weiland's books are wonderful for anyone starting out on the road to novel writing. Written as if she is talking to you, face to face, her advice and "lessons" have a personal feel. Along with all the excellent information, advice, ideas and guidelines... there is a hint of humour that reminds the reader that writing should be fun and rewarding, despite all the hard work. I believe that these books have given me the confidence and knowledge to take my ideas and start crafting some real stories from them.
-
KarynReviewed in Canada on March 7, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Très utile!
Ce livre pratique complète bien sa version théorique. Il permet non seulement de nous interroger sur divers éléments, mais aussi de mettre de l'ordre dans toute la panoplie d'idées qui peut nous travailler et nous encombrer par moment.
- Shay57Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 21, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Great asset.
This is great for the price. She has a wealth of additional articles to backup the work. There are also several other books in the series.