The Writer's Study Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

by Savannah Gilbo

J.K. Rowling's magical tale, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, has captivated millions of readers for decades, transporting them into a world where a young boy discovers he is not only a wizard but also the key to a larger, hidden world of magic. As Harry navigates the challenges of his new life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he uncovers secrets about his past and faces the ultimate test of courage and friendship. For writers, Rowling's work stands as an aspirational model of world-building and character development.

In her Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, Savannah Gilbo meticulously dissects Rowling's captivating narrative. She breaks down each scene, revealing the intricacies of how Rowling weaves together themes of bravery, loyalty, and the hero's journey in a way that resonates deeply with readers of all ages. Gilbo highlights the essential elements that make Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone a masterwork of storytelling, providing invaluable insights for writers aiming to craft their own tales of adventure and self-discovery.

For aspiring authors and fans of the series alike, this guide offers a comprehensive look at the narrative structure and storytelling techniques that make Harry's first year at Hogwarts an unforgettable and enduring classic.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published July 31, 2024

About the author

Savannah Gilbo is a developmental editor and book coach who helps fiction authors write, edit, and publish stories that work. She’s also the host of the top-rated Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, where she delivers weekly episodes full of simple, actionable, and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away. When she’s not busy crafting her own stories, you can find Savannah curled up with a good book, a cozy blanket, and her three perfect puppies.

Reviews

[Sharon Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilbo does a masterful job of breaking out the key scenes in the book where meaningful action takes place and the critical value shifts occur. She provides clear explanations of how of the elements identified in the Story Grid process work to make this story one that engages and resonates on multiple levels. Whether or not you have looked at the Story Grid process for writing, if you are looking for a solid guide on how to read a novel as a mentor text and see how the inner workings can be pulled apart and analyzed to show how the moving parts all work together, this guide is for you.

NOTE: I received a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Peter Szabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN EXCITING ANALYSIS OF A MASTERWORK OF FICTION.

Like millions of readers and writers, I have come to love Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as a story worth revisiting over and over. J.K. Rowling wrote a beautifully crafted story with engaging, relatable characters caught up in compelling personal and societal conflicts that are entirely believable despite being set in a fantasy world of wizards and magical creatures. But how did Rowling manage to write such a thrilling, complex, and heartfelt masterpiece of fiction?

With The Writer's Study Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide), certified editor and book coach, Savannah Gilbo, presents a detailed analysis of J.K. Rowling's first Harry Potter novel for fiction writers seeking to understand the intricate mechanics of storytelling.

Gilbo uses the Story Grid methodology and resources for breaking down the entire novel as well each chapter and scene to reveal the intricate web of perfectly placed details and connections that support the progression of interest and conflict over the whole novel as well as tying into the overarching threads throughout the entire seven-novel series. Gilbo doesn't claim to know how Rowling herself crafted the pieces and planted the seeds for the story in her writing process, but this doesn't lessen the accuracy of the Story Grid application nor the revelations about the majesty of Rowling's writing.

While it might be interesting to readers and intuitive writers, this analysis of what it takes to craft an effective work of fiction is most valuable, if not essential, for 'word-nerds'--fiction writers who lean into craft and technique strategies for story plotting and character development.

If you're not well versed in the Story Grid universe of techniques, you'll be inspired by how Gilbo peels back Rowling's layers of plot, character, and theme to create a unified, satisfying story that connects with readers' hearts and minds. As an emerging author, I've already had several ah-ha moments with clues and ideas for improving my own storytelling.

And if you're not a fan of the Harry Potter novels (I'll withhold judgement here :)), but are interested in seeing what's under the hood of a premium quality, well oiled fiction machine, you can still learn plenty from seeing the Story Grid process applied to a popular, critically acclaimed novel.

I've added this guide as a practical reference manual for my fiction writing and know I'll refer to it often whenever I need to find inspiration and insight into the magic of storytelling.

Thanks to Savannah and Story Grid for providing a free, advance copy of this book.

[Ginger Calem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I’ve been waiting for. As a writer and soon to be certified book coach, there is nothing I love more than talking stories and the craft of writing. Add in my enduring, deep love of all things Harry Potter, this was a match made in perfection!!

There is no greater exercise than to use such a powerful tool such as this Story Grid Master Guide with a book you know so well that all the lightbulbs turn on!

I hope they do the rest of the series to see how to breakdown the storylines as they get more complex.

A true power tool!

Note: I received an advanced reader copy in an exchange for an honest review.

[Alannah Birkinsha]

So helpful!!

[Havingfun_ISKEY · Rating 2 out of 5]

We as a society have moved past the need to praise JK Rowling

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Analyzing a story we all know becomes a blueprint for writers

Story Grid is a framework for analyzing and writing stories and books that identifies the critical elements that make a story really work. The framework is intended to not only help readers dig into stories but illustrates for writers how to make their own efforts work that much better.

In this analysis of the first Harry Potter book, Savannah Gilbo shows us the genre and detailed scene-by-scene breakdown on character development, conflict, relationships among the characters, layers of plot development, levels of antagonists, red herrings and clues, for every scene in the book with hints on what will be important later in the series. It’s a speedy read but so interesting to see the mechanics of how it all fits together. It’s the equivalent of a “behind the scenes” tour of a movie studio – you see how the work was created.

Gilbo’s tone is personable and optimistic, reminding writers that first drafts don’t necessarily have all the layers and elements that make for a masterwork, but with the right framework and planning, writers can add in the key elements to level up their own stories.

Thank you to Savannah and Story Grid for the free copy of this book.

[Gary Seto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever seen those videos where a magician shows you a cool magic trick, and then they do the trick again except this time they reveal how the trick is done? And that makes the trick twice as cool because now you appreciate how clever it was? This book is the literary version of that.
As an aspiring writer, I learned more about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone than I ever thought possible from Savannah Gilbo’s book. It is a very DEEP dive into the story, with an expert analysis on why it resonates so well with readers.
Here are some of J.K. Rowling’s (JKR) techniques that I learned from Savannah’s analysis:
1. JKR doesn’t overwhelm the reader with world-building and only includes terminology and backstory when they are relevant to the story. She drip feeds backstory details to avoid info dumping.
2. JKR foreshadows stuff that will be used/relevant later in the story. Kind of like a Reverse Chekhov’s Gun: If a magic object is used is Act 3, she makes sure to show it to the reader in Act 1.
3. “Rule of Three”. JKR mentions crucial details at least 3 times before they are shown their actual relevance in the story. This prevents readers from being surprised by a “deus ex machina”-like situation.
Now, I have a even deeper appreciation for Harry Potter and the skill with which JKR crafted this beloved book. It’s even more amazing when you see all the work that she put into writing it. Hopefully I will get to use some of those same techniques to create a little magic in my own story someday.
Thank you to Savannah and Story Grid for the free copy of this book!

[Tanya Deke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the book I’ve been looking for!

The Writer's Study Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone takes a deep dive into the pages of one of J.K. Rowling’s best selling novels breaking down the entire story scene by scene using the Story Grid methodology. The great thing about this book is you don’t need to have prior knowledge of this method as Savannah clearly explains how to use these tools…and you don’t need to be writing fantasy or a book for middle-grade readers to understand and benefit from this book.

The book’s genre framework and conventions, character development and world building strategies are discussed along with a complete analyses of how the story was constructed scene by scene. Savannah takes each scene and begins by asking the four key questions to determine the story event (which every working scene contains), then examines how the scene abides by the five commandments of storytelling and then finishes with her own notes.

As I read this guide I couldn’t help but think about my own work in progress, which is for an older audience and in a different genre, and I'm confident I will be able to apply most of these principles and techniques during the crafting stage and later when analyzing my story.

I predict Savannah Gilbo's Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide will become every aspiring author’s Go-To Guide...I know I will be revisiting this invaluable resource often!

[Don White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide" by Savanna Gilbo, and I am blown away by the sheer depth and insight that goes into this book. This guide is a must-read for aspiring writers and seasoned authors looking to understand the intricate storytelling techniques that have made J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series a cultural phenomenon.
One of the standout features of this guide is the expert application of the Story Grid methodology, a powerful analytical tool developed by Shawn Coyne. Savannah deconstructs the story into its fundamental components, revealing the inner workings of plot, character development, and thematic elements.
While this guide is a thorough analysis, it's also a practical resource for writers. It offers how the five commandments of storytelling are used throughout the story and notes on scenes, making these aspects actionable tips to apply to your writing. This analysis reinforces the concepts discussed and helps writers improve their craft.
In short, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide" is a remarkable resource that will leave even the most seasoned writer amazed by the depth and detail that goes into the art of storytelling. Whether you're a writer looking to hone your skills or a Harry Potter fan eager to delve deeper into the series, this book is a must-read.

[Warren Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard some of the information in this book through the author’s podcast and various events surrounding its release, and the rest of the book doesn’t disappoint. The in-depth analysis of each scene made me think of my own writing and how it should hook the reader, and keep readers interested throughout. While the analysis itself was very clinical and easy to follow, I found that it probably wasn’t necessary to repeat the definitions of each component for every scene, which often took up a full page on my screen. Still, I understand that it must be intentional, and because it’s best to digest the information over several sessions, might be a good reminder after a pause. Her notes were extremely interesting, and contain details that spill over the rest of the book and series, bringing everything together. The real gem here is the masterwork spreadsheet, which summarized everything at a (scrolling) glance. Looking it over before reading a group of scene analyses helped with my global understanding. Finally, the introduction had some very helpful hints on how to write a scene, and how to intertwine different story elements, a lot of which is also covered in her podcast episodes, but nicely brought together in one place here.

[Nicole Wilbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah has provided an INCREDIBLE resource for writers in this book! They say the best way to learn how to be a better writer is to read, but it can be hard to read with intention, to take concrete lessons from a book.
In this book, Savannah breaks down the genre, characters, and world building strategies for the book as a whole as well as does a deep analysis of every scene:

This is why I loved it:
1. It's a great way to better understand Story Grid principles, which can sometimes feel theoretical. You'll leave being better able to identify the shifts in a scene, the story events, and the commandments
2. For each scene, Savannah directly relates her notes to concrete advice for our own books/series, making it all relevant
3. It's pure fun! An awesome reading experience! If you're a Harry Potter fan like me, you'll be completely obsessed with all the details, the connections between books, and how Savannah incorporates small bits of fandom/theories/interviews etc. into her analysis!

I can't wait for The Chamber of Secrets!!
-Nicole Wilbur!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I'm continually blown away by everything Savannah produces from her podcast, writing classes, coaching, and now this book. I recommend it to all authors looking to improve their writing whether they write in the action genre or not. The Writer's Study Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone breaks down the first Harry Potter book on a scene-by-scene basis helping readers understand the essential aspects of what makes a scene work. The terms at the beginning of the book can be a little overwhelming, but having Savannah walk through real, tangible examples in one of my favorite books, solidified my understanding and made me think of how this could be applied to my own work-in-progress. Savannah has a great eye for the details and inner workings of the writing craft, and she takes that information and packages it in a way that's easily understood and immediately applicable to my writing.

Great work Savannah! Thank you to Savannah and Story Grid for the free copy of this book.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for writers (and curious readers—especially Harry Potter fans). Savannah Gilbo has provided an excellent craft book on how the Story Grid elements work. This book goes deeper into understanding story structure. The book provides an extensive understanding of the Story Grid framework. The book delves into specific details with a study of the 12 elements. These 12 elements unpack and communicate the essential elements of narrative and plot structure. What works brilliantly is that each element is further supported and explained with examples from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. By doing so, the book models precisely how the elements work in a published (successful) book. The book is easy to read, written with clarity, and paced well. The Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, is a master lesson in plot structure for adventure themed stories.

Thanks to Savannah and Story Grid for the chance to read an advanced copy of the book.

[Stefanie Medrek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal clear, in depth breakdown of how and why Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone works and has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers across age ranges, cultures, and time. Although the Story Grid tools are paramount in Savannah’s analysis, she fully explains them so the reader understands the analysis fully even if they’re not familiar with Story Grid. As a writer working on my first series, I especially loved how Savannah called out the connections set up and paid off between book 1 and the rest of the Harry Potter series, and diving deep into Snape’s setup as a red herring for Quirrell. I learned so much and definitely hope Savannah continues and will analyze the rest of the series.

Writers and readers alike who are interested in how JKR was able to weave such a captivating story will love this book!

[Poornika Savidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an informative and helpful read! I recently finished drafting a new adult fantasy novel, and I've been struggling to stay motivated through the stages of editing. I was excited to read this book because I wanted tools to help me pinpoint things that I could add or change in my own novel. I'm also a huge Harry Potter fan, so it was fun to read this analysis of a book that is near and dear to my heart. I like how this book breaks down every scene of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone so that the reader can see every little detail that went into making such a successful and impactful book. An added bonus of this book is that it isn't overly long or complex. The scene analyses are straightforward and clear. If you are writing a novel or if you just love Harry Potter, I recommend giving this a read. Thank you to Savannah and Story Grid for the free copy of this book!

[Lindsay Sfara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Have Resource for Writers!

One of the best guides to storytelling out there. This book is hands down a wealth of knowledge that I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn the craft of storytelling.

Savannah is a master at teaching the concepts and getting deep into the details at a scene-by-scene level; all while explaining it in a way that’s easy to understand. Her added resources like the Story Grid spreadsheet are a bonus to not only use along with her analysis of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, but to apply to your own Novel or WIP as well. And to have such an in-depth analysis of an existing novel is a goldmine to refer to over and over again. One that I argue no other resources have to this extent!

Add this to your pile of novel-writing resources like Save the Cat or Story Genius, and I guarantee you're well on your way to writing a story that works.

[Leigh Ann Deluna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you're engrossed in a book as magical as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," you don't often think about the craft behind it. Savannah Gilbo's "The Writer's Study Guide" unlocks this magic.

As a new author working on my second novel, I found this guide to be an indispensable resource. It provides clear, easy-to-follow steps that have boosted my confidence in crafting complete, engaging scenes. The practical advice on pacing, world-building, and avoiding info-dumps is applicable to any fiction genre, not just fantasy.

I highly recommend this book to both aspiring and published authors. Whether you're writing your first novel or your tenth, Gilbo's insights will elevate your storytelling and help you create compelling narratives. Add this guide to your resource library—it's a game-changer for writers aiming to master their craft.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Gilbo in your pocket? It's an absolute no-brainer. What a gift!

If you're interested in writing your own novel or want to understand more about the craft, this book is an absolute gem.

I've been looking for a way to break down the beats of a story that's clear and simple, and where I have sometimes been overwhelmed by the detail of the Story Grid method, Savannah's clever use of a novel that's so well known, breaking down every single scene of J.K. Rowling's first Harry Potter novel and explaining why it works - is such a very clever tool.

I really needed these examples to see the Story Grid at work, and now I have a much better understanding of the process. It's been fun, rather than feeling like hard work. Thank you Savannah.

I received this book for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[KL Hewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Savannah Gilbo's insights on storytelling for a few years now, and am familiar with the Story Grid method. As both a fan of the writing craft and the Harry Potter stories, I was eager to read her Study Guide on the first book in the Harry Potter series. I love pulling back the curtain to learn how my favorite stories and scenes are created. This book does just that, and it is fascinating to see. If you, like me, enjoy a behind the scenes glimpse of how tales are brought to life, or need a unique gift for the writer or Harry Potter fan in your life, this fits the bill.

Synopsis: For aspiring authors and fans of the series alike, this guide offers a comprehensive look at the narrative structure and storytelling techniques that make Harry's first year at Hogwarts an unforgettable and enduring classic.

[Heather Dodge Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great peek behind the curtain!
This book was like having an architect as your tour guide through, ahem, a magic castle.
Savannah Gilbo lays out, scene by scene, how Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was crafted. The use of the Story Grid methodology really helped me to organize my thinking about how stories work, as I got example after example in the context of J.K. Rowling’s masterwork.
It was so much fun to revisit the book in a total deep dive, and I feel more confident in my own ability to write complete, functioning scenes that add up into a book after reading it.
I highly recommend it for writers in any fiction genre.
Thank you to Savannah Gilbo and Story Grid for the free advance copy. I know it will be useful for a long time!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story Grid Sorcery: A Deep Dive into Masterful Storytelling

I just finished this book and it’s a game-changer for any writer. It breaks down J.K. Rowling’s classic in a way that’s super accessible and incredibly insightful following the Story Grid method.

Savannah takes us through what makes Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone an action story before analysing every scene from cover to cover. It is packed with practical advice and clear examples, making it a fantastic tool whether you’re new to writing or looking to polish your skills.

Huge thanks to Savannah Gilbo and Story Grid for the free advance copy. This guide has made me appreciate Harry Potter even more and what it takes to write such an outstanding story. It has given me a ton of ideas for my own writing.

[Aly Torline · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you’re trying to think of stories that work, that are successful, and have withstood the test of time it’s impossible not to think of Harry Potter. The series was a cultural phenomenon that was adapted into movies, spin-off series, and amusement parks. It also inspired tattoos and Lego sets and buzzfeed quizzes about what Hogwarts house you’re in and so much more. The question is why… and this Story Grid analysis does an incredible job of diving deep and working to answer that very question. This book fleshes out the Action genre and dives into specific scenes and why they work to really get into the heart and soul of why Harry Potter is so prominent. Can’t recommend this enough for aspiring writers and people who just enjoy nerding out about books! I loved it!!

[Jessica Filip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how much the book would apply to me since I'm working on a romance fantasy and not an action fantasy, but it proved to be packed with helpful information. I've already read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, but missed so many of the details that Savannah points out in her book. How did I miss these?!

I would recommend this book to any author who's in the process of writing a fantasy or action novel. There are tips for how to not info-dump all the intricate details of your world in one page, how to pace the action and keep your story moving, and loads more.

I received an advanced reading copy from the author and am voluntarily writing this honest review.

[Jennifer Lauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a writer - buy this book!

What a delightful and practical book - loved it! This analysis is exactly the kind of resource that a writer needs to help them structure their own novel.

Savannah does all of the hard work of deconstructing each scene, showing us exactly how this became a story millions of readers adore. My favorite part are the 'Notes' at the end of each section, with fun details and further exploration of the themes and character arcs.

Will you get a thorough, super specific nerdy analysis of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone? YES. Will you also get a detailed structure for crafting your own standout story? YES! A must for writers and HP lovers alike.

[Brandon McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful look at one of the most popular novels of all time. Savannah Gilbo delivers practical scene-by-scene analysis that explores what made The Sorcerer's Stone work so well. As I guy who nerds out the craft of writing, I particularly loved how Gilbo applied Robert McKee's "value shift" principle to every scene. She analyzes the surface-level events as well as character goals and underlying themes--and she does it while sticking to the point and delivering only the necessary information. Potter fans and writers will learn plenty from this one.

[Cheryl Arko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Gilbo's analysis of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone offers valuable insights into the art of storytelling. Through the lens of the Story Grid Universe, Savannah breaks down the story structure into its underlying elements and shows how they are woven together to make a compelling and satisfying experience for the story's readers. Not only does Savannah lay out the roadmap for writing an Action story that works, but she goes on to show in detail, scene by scene, how J. K. Rowling navigated that game plan to delight readers with what has become a timeless classic. Bravo!

[Deb Eisloeffel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a strong and insightful resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the flow and structure of Rowling's classic. Even though I'm only partway through the guide, I can already see how it effectively breaks down the Story Grid methodology and applies it to this masterwork. The authors' approach is practical and clear, making it easier for writers and enthusiasts alike to grasp the intricacies of storytelling. This guide is proving to be an invaluable tool in my own journey to understand and apply narrative techniques.

[George Akin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun reading ABOUT the first Harry Potter book. I enjoyed the analysis of the scenes and explanation of what drive them, the overall plot, and the entire story. The only issues I really have is the repetition of the key points of what the author views as a PROPER structure. As a writer (learning), I found the structure a bit confining. but not unuseful. That aside, the analysis made me want to re-read "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" again, this time for both fun and to look at how Rowling told the story.

[Jes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved Savannah's podcast for awhile now, especially the episodes she did analyzing Harry Potter chapters, so I was very excited to hear she was coming out with this book. I love how she breaks down each scene, including the scene's value shifts and how each element of scene structure is present. She also has a notes section after every scene with other important details or interesting facts. Thank you to Savannah and Story Grid for the free copy of this book!

[Lia K Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learn something every time I listen to Savannah’s podcast or tune into one of her classes, and this book was no different. Savannah uses the Story Grid Method to analyze the big-picture story, to break down each scene of the novel, and to discuss why HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE works. It doesn’t matter if you are writing in a different genre or to a different demographic, this study guide is a resource for all writers wanting to understand how to construct a story that works.