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What's the Story? Building Blocks for Fiction Writing
What's a story? Is it character? Plot? Conflict? Change? Why do some stories fall flat with audiences while others sweep the globe, captivating people in every corner of the world?
Stories are made up of many moving action, dialogue, description, and exposition are just a few components of a story. These, and many other building blocks, are woven together to create a compelling and entertaining narrative. What's the Story? Building Blocks for Storytellers parses the elements that work together to form a story, fostering a broader and deeper understanding of stories, what they are made of, and how they are developed. Ideal for beginning to intermediate storytellers, this book is designed to be used individually or in the classroom. The Storyteller's Toolbox series of books helps you develop skills and strategies to tell the best stories possible while exploring your creativity and developing a storytelling process that works for you.
Stories are made up of many moving action, dialogue, description, and exposition are just a few components of a story. These, and many other building blocks, are woven together to create a compelling and entertaining narrative. What's the Story? Building Blocks for Storytellers parses the elements that work together to form a story, fostering a broader and deeper understanding of stories, what they are made of, and how they are developed. Ideal for beginning to intermediate storytellers, this book is designed to be used individually or in the classroom. The Storyteller's Toolbox series of books helps you develop skills and strategies to tell the best stories possible while exploring your creativity and developing a storytelling process that works for you.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2016
18 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Donovan
19 books164 followersI have been inhaling books for as long as I can remember. I started writing poetry and keeping a journal at thirteen and haven't stopped writing since.
I studied creative writing at Sonoma State University, earning a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing. Since then, I have worked as a technical writer, copywriter, professional blogger, and writing coach.
My blog, Writing Forward, is packed with creative writing tips and ideas.
Check out my books: The Adventures in Writing series includes 101 Creative Writing Exercises, 10 Core Practices for Better Writing, and 1200 Creative Writing Prompts. The Storyteller's Toolbox series includes What's the Story? Building Blocks for Fiction Writing.
I studied creative writing at Sonoma State University, earning a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing. Since then, I have worked as a technical writer, copywriter, professional blogger, and writing coach.
My blog, Writing Forward, is packed with creative writing tips and ideas.
Check out my books: The Adventures in Writing series includes 101 Creative Writing Exercises, 10 Core Practices for Better Writing, and 1200 Creative Writing Prompts. The Storyteller's Toolbox series includes What's the Story? Building Blocks for Fiction Writing.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 10, 2018
What's the Story? Building Blocks for Fiction Writing provides a brisk education on the art of storytelling. (Please note I received this book through Goodreads' Giveaways program in exchange for a review.)
In the introduction, author Melissa Donovan describes the need for the book she's written: "I found plenty of books on character creation or plot development and even more on structure and formulas. There were lots of books on writing in genre. I even found some that promised to show me how to write a story--step-by-step instructions for producing a novel. But I never did find a book that simply gathered all the elements of storytelling in one place, a book that said, 'Here are your tools and materials. Now go build something.'"
What's the Story? fulfills this need admirably. Written in a breezy, straightforward manner, the book serves as a helpful primer on a wide range of topics. Donovan starts with the core elements of storytelling (characters, plot, setting and theme) and then progresses into more detailed discussions regarding narrative, structure, etc. She provides plenty of practical advice along the way, including an appendix of worksheets for story analysis, character building and story structure development. All relevant terminology is well-explained.
Donovan keeps the focus broad, recognizing that the fundamentals of crafting a good story are the same whether one is writing a novel, movie or other type of narrative. She uses plenty of popular works as examples to effectively illustrate her points throughout. I also appreciated her frequent reminders to write with an understanding of the needs and expectations of a potential audience in mind.
While What's the Story? doesn't get into any single topic in depth, it does offer some suggestions for further reading. Rather than approaching this book as a comprehensive textbook, think of it as a handy pocket guide: If you run into trouble while you're working on a narrative, this book is likely to give you the tools to quickly diagnose the problem.
I'd recommended this book for both new writers and more experienced writers looking for tools to improve their storytelling abilities. I've already applied some of Donovan's insights to a writing project of my own.
In the introduction, author Melissa Donovan describes the need for the book she's written: "I found plenty of books on character creation or plot development and even more on structure and formulas. There were lots of books on writing in genre. I even found some that promised to show me how to write a story--step-by-step instructions for producing a novel. But I never did find a book that simply gathered all the elements of storytelling in one place, a book that said, 'Here are your tools and materials. Now go build something.'"
What's the Story? fulfills this need admirably. Written in a breezy, straightforward manner, the book serves as a helpful primer on a wide range of topics. Donovan starts with the core elements of storytelling (characters, plot, setting and theme) and then progresses into more detailed discussions regarding narrative, structure, etc. She provides plenty of practical advice along the way, including an appendix of worksheets for story analysis, character building and story structure development. All relevant terminology is well-explained.
Donovan keeps the focus broad, recognizing that the fundamentals of crafting a good story are the same whether one is writing a novel, movie or other type of narrative. She uses plenty of popular works as examples to effectively illustrate her points throughout. I also appreciated her frequent reminders to write with an understanding of the needs and expectations of a potential audience in mind.
While What's the Story? doesn't get into any single topic in depth, it does offer some suggestions for further reading. Rather than approaching this book as a comprehensive textbook, think of it as a handy pocket guide: If you run into trouble while you're working on a narrative, this book is likely to give you the tools to quickly diagnose the problem.
I'd recommended this book for both new writers and more experienced writers looking for tools to improve their storytelling abilities. I've already applied some of Donovan's insights to a writing project of my own.
February 26, 2019
I was given this book to review, but it is a book I have wanted to read for a while.
Donovan says when she began writing fiction she wanted a book to use as a primer to teach her all the essential elements of fiction writing, but a book containing a step-by-step explanation of the process was not to be found. So Donovan set out to write that book, "a primer for fiction writers who want to master the building blocks of storytelling." I believe she accomplished her goal as this is an excellent overview of the basics of storytelling/writing to get one started. Is it an exhaustive resource for all fiction writing? No, but it is an excellent guide to a wide variety of aspects of writing fiction that I have not found in any other fiction writing guide.
Donovan includes normal subjects such as plot, character, and setting, but she also includes topics I have not seen in any other basic writing book, such as a review of story structure and a look at medium, format, and tools, as well as an in-depth survey of story analysis. In addition to her commentary, Donovan provides several worksheets to help you apply techniques and plan your story.
Donovan writes in an easy to read style and uses modern, well-known examples to explain each building block. If you want an in-depth explanation of writing character development or using literary devices, you may want to find a book on those subjects, but if you want a brief overview of many topics, this book is for you.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to employing these tips and ideas in my writing, and I will undoubtedly be looking to this book as a reference.
Donovan says when she began writing fiction she wanted a book to use as a primer to teach her all the essential elements of fiction writing, but a book containing a step-by-step explanation of the process was not to be found. So Donovan set out to write that book, "a primer for fiction writers who want to master the building blocks of storytelling." I believe she accomplished her goal as this is an excellent overview of the basics of storytelling/writing to get one started. Is it an exhaustive resource for all fiction writing? No, but it is an excellent guide to a wide variety of aspects of writing fiction that I have not found in any other fiction writing guide.
Donovan includes normal subjects such as plot, character, and setting, but she also includes topics I have not seen in any other basic writing book, such as a review of story structure and a look at medium, format, and tools, as well as an in-depth survey of story analysis. In addition to her commentary, Donovan provides several worksheets to help you apply techniques and plan your story.
Donovan writes in an easy to read style and uses modern, well-known examples to explain each building block. If you want an in-depth explanation of writing character development or using literary devices, you may want to find a book on those subjects, but if you want a brief overview of many topics, this book is for you.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to employing these tips and ideas in my writing, and I will undoubtedly be looking to this book as a reference.
March 5, 2019
As a writer of fiction, I can never read enough on the where’s and how-to’s of the craft. My bookshelves are filled with books on writing. One of my latest additions is an e-book entitled What’s the Story? Building Blocks for Fiction Writing by Melissa Donovan. This book is an excellent resource for writers of all levels, but it’s an especially good reference book for beginning writers. It offers invaluable suggestions on how to tell a good story, complete with all the elements needed to turn out a work a writer can be proud to claim as their own.
I especially like the emphasis on the mechanics of writing: the use of proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, as well as formatting. Sadly, there is still a certain stigma attached to self-publishing and the only way this stigma can be overcome is for writers to produce works that stand up to the scrutiny of critics. So be ever mindful of punctuation, spelling and proper sentence structure. Then Proofread. Proofread. Proofread! Independent authors everywhere will thank you! (Sorry. I’ll get off my soapbox now.)
What’s the Story addresses so many other good points: genre and the importance of knowing one’s audience; plotting, and how to develop realistic, multi-dimensional characters that will resonate with readers. The book is well-developed and it’s clear the author knows her stuff.
For all writers, the learning process is ongoing. No matter what level they have achieved, there is always something more to learn. Personally, What’s the Story? Building Blocks for Fiction Writing gave me a lot to think about, and I recommend it to any writer who has a desire to improve on their craft.
I especially like the emphasis on the mechanics of writing: the use of proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, as well as formatting. Sadly, there is still a certain stigma attached to self-publishing and the only way this stigma can be overcome is for writers to produce works that stand up to the scrutiny of critics. So be ever mindful of punctuation, spelling and proper sentence structure. Then Proofread. Proofread. Proofread! Independent authors everywhere will thank you! (Sorry. I’ll get off my soapbox now.)
What’s the Story addresses so many other good points: genre and the importance of knowing one’s audience; plotting, and how to develop realistic, multi-dimensional characters that will resonate with readers. The book is well-developed and it’s clear the author knows her stuff.
For all writers, the learning process is ongoing. No matter what level they have achieved, there is always something more to learn. Personally, What’s the Story? Building Blocks for Fiction Writing gave me a lot to think about, and I recommend it to any writer who has a desire to improve on their craft.
February 8, 2019
I must say that I was given this book to review. The following views are my own.
This book is a good introduction to the business of writing fiction, written in a highly readable form. It explains the key aspects of a story from the plot and characters to the style, genre, point of view and dialogue. It is, as the author says, the kind of book she wished had been around when she started writing.
Using Vogler's 'The Writer's Journey', she talks about the things that should be considered when writing a story - the key points that will help improve the story for the reader.
The final part of the book shows how to analyse a story and a film, using 'The Wizard of Oz' as an example. The thinking around this is that in analysing what other people write you can come to an understanding as to how you can improve your own writing. At the back of the book is a useful glossary with various writing terms that I will return to.
This was an enjoyable book from which I learned a lot.
This book is a good introduction to the business of writing fiction, written in a highly readable form. It explains the key aspects of a story from the plot and characters to the style, genre, point of view and dialogue. It is, as the author says, the kind of book she wished had been around when she started writing.
Using Vogler's 'The Writer's Journey', she talks about the things that should be considered when writing a story - the key points that will help improve the story for the reader.
The final part of the book shows how to analyse a story and a film, using 'The Wizard of Oz' as an example. The thinking around this is that in analysing what other people write you can come to an understanding as to how you can improve your own writing. At the back of the book is a useful glossary with various writing terms that I will return to.
This was an enjoyable book from which I learned a lot.
February 11, 2021
The subtitle of this book is building blocks for fiction writing, and that describes it perfectly. Everything you need to get started writing is here. Like building any structure it starts with the foundations and takes you through every single step required to bring your project to completion. Each step is carefully crafted to aid understanding and provide clarity. Nothing is left out. The writing tips at the end of each chapter are little golden nuggets of pure magic, supporting and expanding everything which went before. These alone are worth the price of the book. Whilst there is a lot of value to the new writer, does it have anything to offer an established writer? Having weighed this up carefully I would say, on balance, the answer is yes. In this instance it acts as both an aide memoir and a refresher. Overall and excellent book, full of extremely useful wisdom. I would have no hesitation in heartily recommending it to the writer.
September 15, 2022
Excellent book for both the beginner writer and experienced writer.
Her introduction points out why this book is very much needed. A straight-forward book on all the aspects of storytelling. Other books don't do this, or at least not as well.
This is help for not just writing a novel but also writing short stories and even non-fiction. Any experienced memoir writer will tell you that a memoir needs a similar structure in order to capture and maintain the reader's attention. Storytelling is universal in our attempts to communicate nearly anything!
She touches on many aspects that aren't covered in other books, such as the importance of grammar and spelling. Too many writers don't understand why this area is crucial. It all goes towards readability, which directly affects how much your reader understands and enjoys your writing. There is science to back this up!
Overall, I highly recommend this fantastic book to any writer.
Her introduction points out why this book is very much needed. A straight-forward book on all the aspects of storytelling. Other books don't do this, or at least not as well.
This is help for not just writing a novel but also writing short stories and even non-fiction. Any experienced memoir writer will tell you that a memoir needs a similar structure in order to capture and maintain the reader's attention. Storytelling is universal in our attempts to communicate nearly anything!
She touches on many aspects that aren't covered in other books, such as the importance of grammar and spelling. Too many writers don't understand why this area is crucial. It all goes towards readability, which directly affects how much your reader understands and enjoys your writing. There is science to back this up!
Overall, I highly recommend this fantastic book to any writer.
September 9, 2018
The subtitles for this book sum it up quite well. One basic structure for this book which spoke to my own personal values is that it does not provide you with answers, but rather it asks many vital, probing questions about one's writing project.
Quite often after finishing ARCs I scrounge around looking for someone with which I can share them, but I think I'll keep this one for myself.
I've read these meta books on writing a number of times this year and Donovan's book had something new and refreshing to say.
A keeper.
I received an ARC in exchange for the possibility that I might write a review (. . . albeit a disjointed one without proper transitions. Perhaps I should re-read that part of the book.).
Quite often after finishing ARCs I scrounge around looking for someone with which I can share them, but I think I'll keep this one for myself.
I've read these meta books on writing a number of times this year and Donovan's book had something new and refreshing to say.
A keeper.
I received an ARC in exchange for the possibility that I might write a review (. . . albeit a disjointed one without proper transitions. Perhaps I should re-read that part of the book.).
February 15, 2021
this book has everything you need to know about writing, but it really covers a lot.
It covers basics such as character, plot, point of view, and setting but it also gets into deeper topics like theme, story structure, and even topic such as concept and premise. For the first time, I finally understand what concept means and the difference between low and high concept which is something I see in agent wish lists all the the time.
Full review available here: https://catherinelanser.com/2020/12/0...
Thank you to the author for a review copy.
It covers basics such as character, plot, point of view, and setting but it also gets into deeper topics like theme, story structure, and even topic such as concept and premise. For the first time, I finally understand what concept means and the difference between low and high concept which is something I see in agent wish lists all the the time.
Full review available here: https://catherinelanser.com/2020/12/0...
Thank you to the author for a review copy.
October 6, 2018
Good Book
Overall this was a good book. I thought the first few chapters were fairly basic, meaning they covered topics I've read in other writing books, but about two thirds through it got interesting. I also liked the business of writing section at the end. The writing was good and well researched. The examples also helped illustrate her points. Overall, I would recommend this book.
Overall this was a good book. I thought the first few chapters were fairly basic, meaning they covered topics I've read in other writing books, but about two thirds through it got interesting. I also liked the business of writing section at the end. The writing was good and well researched. The examples also helped illustrate her points. Overall, I would recommend this book.
November 18, 2018
I have been waiting on this book.
What's the story is a long-awaited resource for the new and experienced writer? Beginning authors have an excellent checklist of pointers that are like breadcrumbs to the heart of your story. Other writers will find a handy reference to aid in problem areas of a plot, character or narrative. I like the clean, straight language which makes the book easy to read. I have used Melissa's other books have not been disappointed.
What's the story is a long-awaited resource for the new and experienced writer? Beginning authors have an excellent checklist of pointers that are like breadcrumbs to the heart of your story. Other writers will find a handy reference to aid in problem areas of a plot, character or narrative. I like the clean, straight language which makes the book easy to read. I have used Melissa's other books have not been disappointed.
December 29, 2018
I won this book on goodreads for an honest review.
This is a very helpful addition to the books and guides out there to assist one in writing a book of their own. With plenty of antidotes and helpful hints this book guides you through the steps needed to start your own book. If you have the inspiration and willingness to write a book, this book is one to read and follow.
This is a very helpful addition to the books and guides out there to assist one in writing a book of their own. With plenty of antidotes and helpful hints this book guides you through the steps needed to start your own book. If you have the inspiration and willingness to write a book, this book is one to read and follow.
December 28, 2018
This is a wonderful book that will help new authors greatly with it’s information. I would highly recommend this book for people interested in writing fiction books. I won this book through a giveaway on Goodreads website.
October 30, 2018
Good for beginners, great for reviewers of the wordcraft. Includes worksheets and practical stuff like that. Very reader and writer friendly. This was a win from the giveaways.
September 30, 2019
Excellent book
Great book, very helpful!!!
Includ alot of tools and techniques to create the perfect basic (sitting, story pilot and character) for a story
.
Great book, very helpful!!!
Includ alot of tools and techniques to create the perfect basic (sitting, story pilot and character) for a story
.
August 29, 2021
Disclaimer: Even though I was sent this book for review, this review is based on my unbiased thoughts about the book.
Author's Purpose for the book: "This book is designed to provide you with a basic but comprehensive understanding of those building blocks - the elements that work together to form a story. Using a range of stories from books, films and television shows as example, we'll examine the components of good storytelling and explore how they fit together."
This book is most suited for fiction writers. Each chapter deals with a specific aspect of fiction writing and the layout and structure of the book is easy to follow along with.
The following below has been cited in the book (SPOILER ALERT):
BOOKS: The Associated Press Stylebook; The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories; Fahrenheit 451; The Hero With A Thousand Faces; The Chicago Manual of Style; The Hunger Games; Heart of Darkness; Jurassic Park; Lord of the Flies; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; To Kill A Mocking Bird; A Song of Ice and Fire; The Merriam-Webster Dictionary; The Road; Bright Lights, Big City; Oxford Dictionary of English; Harry Potter; The Catcher in the Rye; Romeo & Juliet; A Modest Proposal; Battle Royale; Lord of the Rings; The Story of a Horse; The Writers' Journey: Mythic Structures for Writers
FILM: Avatar; Batman Begins; The Breakfast club; Cinderella; The Matrix; Star Wars Episode IV; Sudden Impact; The Terminator; Titanic; When Harry Met Sally; The Wizard of Oz
TELEVISION: Battlestar Galactica; Friends; Lost; Sex & the City; Star Trek
There is a Story Analysis on the Wizard of Oz (movie) and The Wonderful World of Oz (novel). There are also a couple of spreadsheets available.
I recommend getting this book.
Author's Purpose for the book: "This book is designed to provide you with a basic but comprehensive understanding of those building blocks - the elements that work together to form a story. Using a range of stories from books, films and television shows as example, we'll examine the components of good storytelling and explore how they fit together."
This book is most suited for fiction writers. Each chapter deals with a specific aspect of fiction writing and the layout and structure of the book is easy to follow along with.
The following below has been cited in the book (SPOILER ALERT):
BOOKS: The Associated Press Stylebook; The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories; Fahrenheit 451; The Hero With A Thousand Faces; The Chicago Manual of Style; The Hunger Games; Heart of Darkness; Jurassic Park; Lord of the Flies; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; To Kill A Mocking Bird; A Song of Ice and Fire; The Merriam-Webster Dictionary; The Road; Bright Lights, Big City; Oxford Dictionary of English; Harry Potter; The Catcher in the Rye; Romeo & Juliet; A Modest Proposal; Battle Royale; Lord of the Rings; The Story of a Horse; The Writers' Journey: Mythic Structures for Writers
FILM: Avatar; Batman Begins; The Breakfast club; Cinderella; The Matrix; Star Wars Episode IV; Sudden Impact; The Terminator; Titanic; When Harry Met Sally; The Wizard of Oz
TELEVISION: Battlestar Galactica; Friends; Lost; Sex & the City; Star Trek
There is a Story Analysis on the Wizard of Oz (movie) and The Wonderful World of Oz (novel). There are also a couple of spreadsheets available.
I recommend getting this book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews