Story Structure Architect

by Victoria Lynn Schmidt

Build a Timeless, Original Story Using Hundreds of Classic Story Motifs It's been said that there are no new ideas; but there are proven ideas that have worked again and again for all writers for... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582973253
• ISBN13: 9781582973258
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

A lifesaver!

I wish this book was available or I knew about it when I started writing. Definitely a must have for every writer. Makes everything so much simpler

if you write seriously, i'd say buy it...

I just bought this book recently and devoured all of its contents from beginning to end in one long sitting. UNLIKE so many other books that claim to help a writer flesh out their novel and then only give vague refrences as to character and plot, this book just about details step-by-step how one can go about doing it. Another reviewer commented that the print in the book is 'too small' and that it is very hard to read -NO. It has the same print size of any paperback novel. Another reviewer said something about an error relating to the book saying that the book states that stories are either plot related or character related with the other taking second and then gives examples which are actually the same as each other. Well, i have the book in front of me and this is NOT true. What the book says is that (and you can skim the other reviews to find the one i'm talking about) plot driven stories have the characters REACTING to the events of the story and that character driven stories have the characters ACTING to cause the plot to further itself. What this means is that in a character driven story if the main character(s) stop deciding to act, which will further the plot of the story because of what they then do, then the story would simply be over. Think of it like your main character deciding that they need milk for their cereal and decide to go to the store to get some. That decision furthers the plot but at any time during their trip to the store they could just as easily decide that they change their mind and don't need milk after all. Then they could just turn around and the story of them taking a trip to the store to buy milk would be over with their decision. Plot driven stories are like if you are driving to the store to pick up some milk and then on the way there your tire blows out causing your car to veer off the road. When you wake from the crash you try to call on your cell phone for help but just as the operator picks up the line your battery dies. Then you are forced to walk and as you do a storm comes and drops tornados down all around you. Can you see the difference? That is what the book explains and i think that the reviewer whom i mentioned earlier missed that point. Anywho, this is a very well written book that explains the information within so well that it is hard not to understand it. Not only is there a great amount of detail to what is stated inside but there are numerous examples to follow and guide the reader. In my opinion: buy it. I'm glad i did.

Saved my writing career!!!

I can not tell you enough how impressed i was with this book!!!! This book changed my life!! I was working on a few books at the time and i was feeling rather overwhelmed; my storie was flopping in the middle, it just didn't seem to be going aywhere! I basically gave up and didn't plan to finish at all when i saw this book and thought, "Well, maybe this is the motivation i need." After the first few pages i was on a roll!! I worked and worked into the wee hours of the morning and had my entire story, from start to finish, planned out in a very satisfactory manner!!! This book saved my writing career!! THANKS SO MUCH!!

help your plot structure and character motivations

Part 1 - Drafting a Plan Six basic conflict types you need to decide upon as you structure your story. The 21 genres listed, though not extensive (the fantasy genre was highly lacking), helped realize that there are other niches open to me as a writer and not pigeon-hole myself. Part 2 - Building the Structure Eleven structures from the traditional 3-Act format to some non-traditional formats. No 4- or 5-Act structures covered here, but when you think about what is presented you can have some creativity in combining elements of different structures or taking away. Part 3 - Adding Stories Fifty-five dramatic situations that expand on the traditional 36 are explained well with examples from contemporary movies/books. Character types and their motivations are presents which drive the types of story options listed. This helped me consider some additional motivations for my characters in my stories. Overall this is a fantastic reference. The book is practically a book of lists to pick and choose and consider as you construct your story. No fifteen examples to support a point and fill pages. The author keeps things straight and to the point letting the 270 pages consist of meaty, helpful information and not fluff. A must have for any reference library.

Formulas for great fiction, without being "formulaic."

Written clearly and without any extra bells and whistles, this book guides a writer through the steps needed to get to a layered and in-depth novel or screen/play. Using classic and modern examples, just as in her previous book 45 Master Characters, Schmidt lays out the possible and probably plotlines, subplots or ideas that can enrich almost any story. Just as her previous book may seem, at first look, to be a guide to creating stereotypes or generic stories, but is instead a fresh look at the stories and characters that exist in almost every culture. These are stories and characters that we resonate with and can see ourselves in. I hope she has another book in her because I have great confidence in Schmidt as a writer and a teacher.

A compass and a map

With this book and Victoria's other book "45 Master Characters", you are lifted above the tree tops to see the way. I'll never read another book or watch another movie without looking for the threads in the fabric of the plot. Victoria has truly written a standard that will stand as well as George Polti's "Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations", which she extends and clarifies. These two books are destined to become the corner stones of my writing library. Also, the binding and cover of this book are sturdy and critical passages are fonted in blue. There are insightful quoatations and cool margin borders for writing in the margins. Great work! I can't wait for her next book: The Holistic Writing Method. If its as good as her first too, it's sure to be a standard as well.