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The Structure of Story: How to Write Great Stories by Focusing on What Really Matters
What do all great stories have in common? What techniques do great writers use? How do you take your writing to the next level?
There are no storytelling rules-but there are patterns. The Structure of Story details the specific writing tools that will help you recognize and apply the patterns of great stories.
You will learn how to shift your focus from storytelling rules to storytelling tools. By applying these tools, you'll be able to keep the reader on the edge of their seat while delivering an emotional, meaningful story.
In The Structure of Story, you'll learn the four dramatic tools that keep the reader engaged, the two things every story must accomplish, how to write multi-dimensional characters that drive plot, how a story's theme can be conveyed through a character arc, how to create an organic plot driven by cause and effect, the critical things that your opening must accomplish, what goes in the middle of a story, how to write an emotional climax, how subtext works and when to use it, how to create a twist ending, tools for showing rather than telling, how to pace your story properly, how to write an ending that's both satisfying and inevitable, and how to avoid a repetitive plot.
No matter where you are in your writing career, The Structure of Story will give you new techniques to take your writing to the next level.
There are no storytelling rules-but there are patterns. The Structure of Story details the specific writing tools that will help you recognize and apply the patterns of great stories.
You will learn how to shift your focus from storytelling rules to storytelling tools. By applying these tools, you'll be able to keep the reader on the edge of their seat while delivering an emotional, meaningful story.
In The Structure of Story, you'll learn the four dramatic tools that keep the reader engaged, the two things every story must accomplish, how to write multi-dimensional characters that drive plot, how a story's theme can be conveyed through a character arc, how to create an organic plot driven by cause and effect, the critical things that your opening must accomplish, what goes in the middle of a story, how to write an emotional climax, how subtext works and when to use it, how to create a twist ending, tools for showing rather than telling, how to pace your story properly, how to write an ending that's both satisfying and inevitable, and how to avoid a repetitive plot.
No matter where you are in your writing career, The Structure of Story will give you new techniques to take your writing to the next level.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
457 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2020
124 people are currently reading
1467 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 14, 2020
This book has so many GREAT story hacks. I really love how it's a set of guidelines rather than a set of hard rules. Hartmann does an excellent job of providing examples of what he's talking about from ALL over the place. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to learn more about the craft of writing and storytelling. I look forward to seeing more from this author.
December 28, 2021
I have read many, many books about writing. Hartmann does an excellent job of breaking down specific techniques to drive the narrative engine. His book provided many thought starters and specific suggestions such as emotional throughline, dramatizing choices/debate, creating anticipation and agitation, and a detailed breakdown of story and character arcs.
I highly recommend The Structure of Story!
I highly recommend The Structure of Story!
January 15, 2024
Exactly the kind of book I needed
January 6, 2022
This book relays the basics in a clear, digestible way. I wish I had been able to read it 20 years ago. I plan to refer to it often for quick, straightforward reminders as I write my next book. I'm excited about that!
November 20, 2020
"Tools NOT Rules!" That simple statement was enough for me to read yet another writing book. I've been following Ross Hartmann on Instagram, Youtube, and LinkedIn for a while. Every time a bite-size post goes up with a buffet of information, I smile because I can't believe how practical the methods to his madness are and how I've never connected the dots in that particular way before.
If you've ever participated in an Instagram live session hosted by Ross, you know how carefully and sincerely, he answers questions from aspiring and established writers. The generosity and time he devotes to focusing on what REALLY matters is unmatched by any other writing gurus I've come across. It's as if he's been thinking about every answer for quite some time. That's what this book is; pages filled with carefully crafted, practical tools to make you a better thinker and writer.
We all have ideas and concepts stifled by a lack of confidence, writer's block, or the lack of knowledge regarding practical tools. But now, those tools are in a book–for us to learn, use, and apply to the craft of writing. Ross provides excellent examples of "why" something should be done in your writing. It's not a paint by numbers way of writing; it's a get your thinking hat on and figure out the best approach to your specific story's way of writing. A book that wants you to find your way of telling your story. I've read it once, and I'll continue to use it and recommend it to my writing friends. If you feel like you're always on the edge of creating something astonishing, do yourself a favor and read this book. Now.
If you've ever participated in an Instagram live session hosted by Ross, you know how carefully and sincerely, he answers questions from aspiring and established writers. The generosity and time he devotes to focusing on what REALLY matters is unmatched by any other writing gurus I've come across. It's as if he's been thinking about every answer for quite some time. That's what this book is; pages filled with carefully crafted, practical tools to make you a better thinker and writer.
We all have ideas and concepts stifled by a lack of confidence, writer's block, or the lack of knowledge regarding practical tools. But now, those tools are in a book–for us to learn, use, and apply to the craft of writing. Ross provides excellent examples of "why" something should be done in your writing. It's not a paint by numbers way of writing; it's a get your thinking hat on and figure out the best approach to your specific story's way of writing. A book that wants you to find your way of telling your story. I've read it once, and I'll continue to use it and recommend it to my writing friends. If you feel like you're always on the edge of creating something astonishing, do yourself a favor and read this book. Now.
October 22, 2020
I hate to say that anything is perfect, not least because it can detract from one's credibility. But honestly, I am hard-pressed to find any glaring shortcomings here. This book is one of the most comprehensive (and yet easy-to-understand) guides on screenwriting I have ever encountered. The book offers great context on various story structures, their components, and their utility/effect on audience. Notably, it's not limited to just screenwriting, as the principles covered in the book can be applied to written stories of all kinds. The author (Ross Hartmann) has an encyclopedic knowledge of the subject area, but perhaps more importantly, he has a knack for making things fun, accessible, and understandable.
You can read the book cover-to-cover, and you'll learn a lot, especially if you're coming from a novice background. But it is a lengthy book, so it can also be taken in chunks--or perhaps, even as more of an advanced writer's reference/toolkit.
Before I started reading this book, I was excited about screenwriting. But now, I'm not just more thrilled, I'm amply equipped to craft the stories I've always want to.
You can read the book cover-to-cover, and you'll learn a lot, especially if you're coming from a novice background. But it is a lengthy book, so it can also be taken in chunks--or perhaps, even as more of an advanced writer's reference/toolkit.
Before I started reading this book, I was excited about screenwriting. But now, I'm not just more thrilled, I'm amply equipped to craft the stories I've always want to.
October 12, 2021
The best storytelling manual I have ever read!
January 31, 2021
I got this book to help me revise a novel (my first, which I drafted by the seat of my pants). Hartmann is definitely helping me make my plot tighter and more interesting. Above all, he explains how to tell a satisfying story by developing dramatic tension and combining it with a transformation in your main character's approach to life.
There are several things that this book is not. They aren't flaws, just characteristics that you should understand:
1. The book never claims to be original. It is a collection of advice that you can find in many other spots. But Hartmann has gathered it together into a large yet coherent volume.
2. It isn't written with much style or charm. It's straightforward, clear, and repetitious. This is not a book you read because it makes you laugh, or keeps you on the edge of your seat; you read it because you want to write a book that keeps readers on the edge of their seat. If you care about making your own creation strong, you'll care about Hartmann's solid advice.
3. It isn't a formula or set of rules, but a collection of tools. Hartmann is not dogmatic.
4. That said, he doesn't advise you on how to deviate from the norm. He just explains the norm. His purpose is to make explicit many patterns that you've experienced thousands of times in books, plays, TV, and films. (This book often seems especially geared to screenwriters.) It would have been interesting to study some examples of stories that break conventions and are stronger for doing so. If you want your story to be "literary" and avoid falling into a genre, you may want to look skeptically at Hartmann's advice. However, if you don't understand the good reasons why the norms exist, you can't intelligently break them. I should also add that Hartmann does explain many established ways of creating surprise and playing with the audience's expectations.
5. It doesn't cover style. The book is about plotting, pacing, character development, and other fundamentals of storytelling. The fine points of literary grace, elegance, and beauty are simply not a topic here.
As I keep revising my novel, I'm going to be much more aware of what readers typically want and expect, and of what my job is as I craft each scene. That's thanks to Ross Hartmann.
There are several things that this book is not. They aren't flaws, just characteristics that you should understand:
1. The book never claims to be original. It is a collection of advice that you can find in many other spots. But Hartmann has gathered it together into a large yet coherent volume.
2. It isn't written with much style or charm. It's straightforward, clear, and repetitious. This is not a book you read because it makes you laugh, or keeps you on the edge of your seat; you read it because you want to write a book that keeps readers on the edge of their seat. If you care about making your own creation strong, you'll care about Hartmann's solid advice.
3. It isn't a formula or set of rules, but a collection of tools. Hartmann is not dogmatic.
4. That said, he doesn't advise you on how to deviate from the norm. He just explains the norm. His purpose is to make explicit many patterns that you've experienced thousands of times in books, plays, TV, and films. (This book often seems especially geared to screenwriters.) It would have been interesting to study some examples of stories that break conventions and are stronger for doing so. If you want your story to be "literary" and avoid falling into a genre, you may want to look skeptically at Hartmann's advice. However, if you don't understand the good reasons why the norms exist, you can't intelligently break them. I should also add that Hartmann does explain many established ways of creating surprise and playing with the audience's expectations.
5. It doesn't cover style. The book is about plotting, pacing, character development, and other fundamentals of storytelling. The fine points of literary grace, elegance, and beauty are simply not a topic here.
As I keep revising my novel, I'm going to be much more aware of what readers typically want and expect, and of what my job is as I craft each scene. That's thanks to Ross Hartmann.
April 27, 2021
The Structure of Story uses an apt analogy for story structure, describing it as a house to be built up from the ground up. Ross Hartmann extends the metaphor to the writer and effectively describes the numerous "tools" any storyteller can implement to "build" their story. As an Creative Writing MFA graduate, I found that Hartmann tackled a topic that was surprisingly missing from my classes and delivered a much needed guide/refresher on story structure. I've read a few other books on structure that specifically pertained to films (Screenplay by Syd Field, Save The Cat by Blake Snyder, and Story by Robert McKee) and was curious to see how Hartmann's book differed.
The Structure of Story tries not to tie itself to film exclusively but attempts to remain broadly about story in all its forms, whether a novel, short story, or TV show. However, the majority of the examples used to illustrate the main points are from TV shows and films (lots of references to The Office for which I was grateful). Hartmann does state in the beginning that because movies are more accessible than books, the references would skew in that direction. I do believe that a novelist or short story writer could gain from the overall "tools" Hartmann describes in the book but a screenwriter may find the book more applicable.
I do look forward to using this book as a reference guide moving forward as it does contain good dramatic "tools" to use in building story structure. I did find it a bit difficult to read and I couldn't help but compare the book to the other screenwriting books I had read. I loved the analogy of using different "tools" depending on the story that was being told but did find some parts a bit dry at times. I wondered at times if a breakdown of a movie or a book with "tools" and "house" terms would've helped illustrate his analogy further. I imagine a breakdown of multiple movies or books would require another book or perhaps a workbook attachment. Regardless, it was beneficial to read about story structure and refreshing to read a book that doesn't tout rules or some dogmatic approach to story structure but instead tools to help every writer build each of their stories, myself included.
The Structure of Story tries not to tie itself to film exclusively but attempts to remain broadly about story in all its forms, whether a novel, short story, or TV show. However, the majority of the examples used to illustrate the main points are from TV shows and films (lots of references to The Office for which I was grateful). Hartmann does state in the beginning that because movies are more accessible than books, the references would skew in that direction. I do believe that a novelist or short story writer could gain from the overall "tools" Hartmann describes in the book but a screenwriter may find the book more applicable.
I do look forward to using this book as a reference guide moving forward as it does contain good dramatic "tools" to use in building story structure. I did find it a bit difficult to read and I couldn't help but compare the book to the other screenwriting books I had read. I loved the analogy of using different "tools" depending on the story that was being told but did find some parts a bit dry at times. I wondered at times if a breakdown of a movie or a book with "tools" and "house" terms would've helped illustrate his analogy further. I imagine a breakdown of multiple movies or books would require another book or perhaps a workbook attachment. Regardless, it was beneficial to read about story structure and refreshing to read a book that doesn't tout rules or some dogmatic approach to story structure but instead tools to help every writer build each of their stories, myself included.
February 25, 2023
This is an excellent book for anyone involved in storytelling! If you aspire to write stories, novels, or scripts of any kind (or you read - see note below), this book can help you figure out areas you might need to strengthen or places your writing is falling down a bit. If you've ever written something you're very excited about and then it languishes on your laptop because you just don't know where to go from here, give this book a shot. Really good examples, excellent framing of problems and possible solutions, and broken into tight sections that make it a reference I'll be going back to again and again.
Note: This book does come at literature through a specific lens. It does recognize that there are many kinds of story telling and not all of them follow the patterns laid out here but that recognition is one of this book's strengths! While it is telling you 'watch how the writers on this sitcom put the main character through this trauma' it is also telling you that this is just something to be aware of- another lens through which to view your work. It completely acknowledges that not all stories follow the same patterns and not all problems can be solved the same way.
I've read too many 'creative writing' self-help books that say they're just giving suggestions but are actually putting forth dogma that worked for them. This book is much more an extensive reference of many different strategies and angles to view your own story through.
Reader's note: I also think this book would be really good for anyone studying literature/storytelling and not specifically writing. This is an eye opener for those that don't write but do read as to why stories may or may not be working.
Note: This book does come at literature through a specific lens. It does recognize that there are many kinds of story telling and not all of them follow the patterns laid out here but that recognition is one of this book's strengths! While it is telling you 'watch how the writers on this sitcom put the main character through this trauma' it is also telling you that this is just something to be aware of- another lens through which to view your work. It completely acknowledges that not all stories follow the same patterns and not all problems can be solved the same way.
I've read too many 'creative writing' self-help books that say they're just giving suggestions but are actually putting forth dogma that worked for them. This book is much more an extensive reference of many different strategies and angles to view your own story through.
Reader's note: I also think this book would be really good for anyone studying literature/storytelling and not specifically writing. This is an eye opener for those that don't write but do read as to why stories may or may not be working.
December 28, 2022
B+ | Helpful if used correctly.
EXTREMELY repetitive...which is great for us slow learners. It's important to note this works better when understood as a resource more than as a straight-forward guide. Similar to a toolbox or a reference, it's the kind of book you flip to certain chapters when needed most. A linear read, though also helpful, may get a little tedious. He uses his own terminology, which takes some time to recognize in context. He also references the same films/stories over and over. But then in other chapters, he contextualizes some of the most illusive story concepts into systems a writer can easily follow, such as twists. So many times I wished he would just get to the point. As a story structure book, it's not nearly as succinct as others in the genre. But as a reference guide, it's approachable, easy to read, and full of valuable insight worth keeping on hand.
EXTREMELY repetitive...which is great for us slow learners. It's important to note this works better when understood as a resource more than as a straight-forward guide. Similar to a toolbox or a reference, it's the kind of book you flip to certain chapters when needed most. A linear read, though also helpful, may get a little tedious. He uses his own terminology, which takes some time to recognize in context. He also references the same films/stories over and over. But then in other chapters, he contextualizes some of the most illusive story concepts into systems a writer can easily follow, such as twists. So many times I wished he would just get to the point. As a story structure book, it's not nearly as succinct as others in the genre. But as a reference guide, it's approachable, easy to read, and full of valuable insight worth keeping on hand.
January 9, 2023
A great resource for serious readers and writers. If you want to have a solid understanding of how the elements of the story work, I recommend that you read this book at least once. Although most of the content could be found through reading other resources, none of the books I have read were as comprehensive and inclusive as this one. Ross Hartman has been able to gather different ideas under one umbrella and narrate them in a coherent structure.
Many examples are used to explain each topic, often chosen from classic and popular movies that most people are familiar with.
In some chapters, I think the author wanted to look at the subject from different angles and not miss any details, that's why some of the content seems repetitive. I would have preferred this book to be more concise.
Many examples are used to explain each topic, often chosen from classic and popular movies that most people are familiar with.
In some chapters, I think the author wanted to look at the subject from different angles and not miss any details, that's why some of the content seems repetitive. I would have preferred this book to be more concise.
June 29, 2024
A Lot of Good Information
The Structure of Story by Ross Hartmann gives the reader almost no information on written/visual format, but a swath of information on the elements which make a good story, focusing on character development and plot movement.
I highly recommend this book for any who wish to improve their story development, and wish to learn more about the fine points of creative writing.
The Structure of Story by Ross Hartmann gives the reader almost no information on written/visual format, but a swath of information on the elements which make a good story, focusing on character development and plot movement.
I highly recommend this book for any who wish to improve their story development, and wish to learn more about the fine points of creative writing.
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September 13, 2023Luar biasa luar biasa.
Berkat buku ini aku mengalami lompatan keahlian.
Naskahku jadi lebih bagus. Aku jadi lebih paham cerita dan tetek bengeknya.
Bagi teman-teman yang berkecimpung dalam dunia kreatif, wajib baca buku ini.
It's mind-opening! Englightment!
Berkat buku ini aku mengalami lompatan keahlian.
Naskahku jadi lebih bagus. Aku jadi lebih paham cerita dan tetek bengeknya.
Bagi teman-teman yang berkecimpung dalam dunia kreatif, wajib baca buku ini.
It's mind-opening! Englightment!
August 8, 2024
I got a lot out of this book. I appreciate the way it breaks down what a story is without creating a rigid set of rules to follow. (Tools, not rules!) I can see myself referring to this book a lot in the future.
August 11, 2025
This is a great book for new writers and authors. It gives you the tools to keep readers reading your stories.
November 15, 2020
The worst thing about this book is that it didn’t exist earlier! No, really, this was a book I didn’t know I needed. It became quickly clear that each chapter was loaded with wisdom. Ross Hartmann definitely knows his stuff. So many things he said resonated with and validated my own ideas on writing, but he also put words to concepts that I hadn’t yet nailed down. While all about structure, this isn’t a book strictly about beat sheets (like Save the Cat, or The Hero’s Journey, or the 3-Act Structure). Instead, it’s about all the components that make up a great story—he talks about everything from character, plot, and theme, to dramatic irony, subtext, and mystery, to pacing, showing, and convergence. It’s one of the most comprehensive books I’ve read on what goes into storytelling.
One of the things I appreciated in particular is that early on, Hartmann talks about how there really aren’t “rules,” there are tools. Some tools are more difficult to pull off than others, but they are just as valid, and they are definitely not “wrong.”
The book openly admits it may not be for everyone. I probably wouldn’t use it to introduce someone to storytelling. I know as a brand-new beginner, a lot of the ideas would have, frankly, gone over my head. But it is for anyone who is ready to get to the heart of storytelling. I know I’ll be returning to it time and again, along with my other favorite books on writing.
One of the things I appreciated in particular is that early on, Hartmann talks about how there really aren’t “rules,” there are tools. Some tools are more difficult to pull off than others, but they are just as valid, and they are definitely not “wrong.”
The book openly admits it may not be for everyone. I probably wouldn’t use it to introduce someone to storytelling. I know as a brand-new beginner, a lot of the ideas would have, frankly, gone over my head. But it is for anyone who is ready to get to the heart of storytelling. I know I’ll be returning to it time and again, along with my other favorite books on writing.
November 14, 2020
Writing is a continuous learning process over years, in which you pick up new snippets of information that change your writing for the better. I’m forever in the look out for books that will help me improve my skills and “ The Structure of Story” is packed with ways to do this. From the foundations of story telling to the more complex and delicate ideas that go into writing a good story, Ross has managed to capture them on the page!
If you’re looking to brush up on your story writing skills, learn something new or simply explore the intricate techniques that go in to writing a novel this is the book for you! Packed with information that can be applied to your own writing it’s a valuable resource for any writer to have in their back pocket. It will be one I’m referring back to many times in the future! I highly recommend!!
If you’re looking to brush up on your story writing skills, learn something new or simply explore the intricate techniques that go in to writing a novel this is the book for you! Packed with information that can be applied to your own writing it’s a valuable resource for any writer to have in their back pocket. It will be one I’m referring back to many times in the future! I highly recommend!!
November 14, 2020
The Structure of Story is essential reading for anyone who is developing their writing and storytelling skills. Hartmann has an outstanding grasp of storytelling principles and he presents them here in a way that is logical, clear, and useful for writers of all levels. I loved the user-friendly structure and the helpful ‘take away’ points at the end of each section. Even for the most accomplished storytellers, this is a book that they will return to time and again for practical tips, troubleshooting, and inspiration. I will be recommending this book to all my writer friends.
I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews