Still haven't gotten that first novel out? This is one of the better regarded books on the craft, it's usually $17.99.
This and Story Genius (Lisa Crown) are the only two books I've found to be of substantial worth. I'll check out that last one you mentioned
where is the link to your book?
I use my own variant of STC as a checksum; it has a “Mission Accomplished” moment after the midpoint and a “Last Exit” beat in the finale (I got from watching Finding Nemo - a moment for the protagonist to prove they’ve changed).
I’ve written:
The All of It: A Bogan Rhapsody (shortlisted for
The Age Book of the Year) - a memoir but it uses the modified version of STC. Available in all good bookstores and Amazon.
Letters to Our Robot Son (exclusively on Audible until next year) - was checked through with STC but designed with an inverted dual loop structure instead. An upcoming adaptation of it is a little closer to STC in structure.
And my most recent novel, Shazza Slays a Dragon, was written as a free association stream, but I could feel STC reflexes nudging me subtly. That one’s an exclusive on my site.
Upcoming unannounced novel goes back to using STC heavily; better suited to its U.S. market.
No idea what this means "I use my own variant of STC as a checksum".
But thanks, ill check the books out for sure :)
@Headless: I don’t start with structure, I start with flow to yield bluesky; I learn who my characters are, what it is that’s inspiring me about them and why they feel the way they feel. I generate much more than is used; a story substrate, if you will. Can take me a long time; sometimes years.
Structure helps sort all that out.
So, a modified version of STC (if that’s the structure that best fits the story) is then used to discipline the story, if you will. I can check against STC to broadly see what should be where - a checksum.
STC is just one tool. You can use multiple tools, especially when looking at internal and external character arcs.
Whatever leads you to finishing works.
Thanks for the info… still trying to get through number one.
@bootlace Have you ever considered the 24 chapter outline… or is it too "commercialised"
@Commodore64: Haven’t heard of it. Don’t worry about commercialised or not - story is story; find what works for you, whatever gets it done - gets it done. Worry about the commercial stuff once it’s in a healthy, shareable state.
Finding a good structure is like finding a good psychologist; your problems will have their own demands - if the 24 chapter thing works for you; it works.
Hard copy available to borrow at my local library.
![[eBook] Save The Cat! Writes a Novel $3.99 (Was $17.99) @ Amazon AU](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/83/875883.jpg?h=4da41d9d)
Terrific book! Helped me through the congestion of my first novel. I re-applied its logic adapting another novel recently. Helps to identify weakness in structuring.
The Save the Cat website has some great tools, too.
Also check out Dan Harmon - his story circles are great for working through internal (and/or episodic) structures.