The thing I would say is that *doing* structure is much much harder than *seeing* structure. I’ve studied more how-to-write-a-book books than I can remember. Brooks’s trio, snowflaking, Poetics (Aristotle is most definitely worth a read) and scores of others that all basically talk about the same thing. I can see structure in detail in every book I read and every movie I see, including the flaws. (Especially the flaws.)

But after three novels and a novella, I *still* have problems getting it right in my own work. It’s tough. Now, I don’t know if it’s just me and other writers are able to get the structure down pat from the git go, but this is where I think the “just write” advice is actually good. Because you won’t get it right, even after you understand it. You have to practice. It’s like I can tell you about the power chord progression and why layering the bass clarinet with your double-bass will give you that nice fat ominous bass line, but to really get it, you have to put together some notes and listen to what they sound like. Same with writing. “Just write” is a necessary part of the learning curve – but you do have to work at the structure as part of that process.

A good story is like a beer. You get it right and people will drink it up even though they’ve had many bottles of beer before. Why? The effect. Understand the effect of story and generate it in the reader’s mind and you’re all set. Much harder than it sounds.

Anyway, good post and thanks.

Though, I will have to take away hubby’s phone so he can’t take a picture.