Crafting Compelling
Novel Structure
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Aspiring writers often ask me for the secret to writing a captivating novel that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. While there are certainly many factors that contribute to a successful novel, one of the most important is novel structure. Novel structure essentially refers to the way in which a story is organized and told. A strong novel structure can help create an emotional journey for readers, drawing them in and keeping them engaged throughout the narrative. In this article, I will share my insights on crafting an appealing novel structure, including the key ingredients, how to execute a novel outline for maximum emotional impact, the character and action beats expected in an engaging novel structure, and the common mistakes writers make when planning out their book idea, especially as novel structure varies across genres.
What Is Novel Structure?
At its core, a novel structure is made up of three key parts: the beginning, middle, and end. However, within these three broad movements, there are various components that can help create a compelling narrative arc. (While some writers like a five-act structure instead of a three-act structure, there are still clear divisions between movements.) For the beginning of a novel, it’s important to set up the story world and introduce readers to the protagonist, the inciting incident, and an initial shot of conflict. This can include providing details about the setting, the character’s backstory, and other relevant information. But keep an eye on the balance of action and information, as you don’t want to offer too much data at the beginning, without also providing a lot of conflict and tension. The middle of the novel is typically where the action occurs, including the rising tension and conflict that help keep readers engaged. There are also moments of character development during this period, as the protagonist goes from trying to achieve their goal the wrong way, to realizing how they want to show up in the story (and their lives). The end of the novel should provide the toughest battle yet (the story climax), then some resolution, tying up loose ends and providing closure for readers.
One key ingredient in a captivating novel structure is having clear and distinct character and action beats. Character beats refer to specific moments in the story where a character is revealed or develops in some way. They can even fall behind or make a mistake, which can be endearing to readers. These beats can help readers feel more invested in the character’s journey and create emotional resonance. Similarly, action beats can help drive the plot forward and keep readers engaged. These beats can involve moments of high drama or tension, where something significant happens that changes the course of the story.
Pulling the Novel Structure Together
Once you have a general idea of the components that make up a novel structure, it’s important to think about how to execute it for maximum emotional impact. One way to do this is by keeping the pacing of the story consistent throughout. Too much slow buildup with no action can cause readers to lose interest, while too much action with no time for reflection or interiority can make the story feel shallow. It’s also important to have a clear sense of the emotional notes you want to hit throughout the story and to plan out how to achieve those moments. Even action-heavy projects should be anchored in character development, and moments of deep emotion and truth.
Despite the importance of having a clear and well-structured novel structure, many writers still make common mistakes when crafting their novel or memoir stories. One common mistake is not having a clear idea of the protagonist’s character arc or journey. Without a clearly defined arc, readers may lose interest in the character or be unsure of how to feel about them. The character’s experience should reflect the theme without being overbearing. Another mistake is relying too heavily on plot twists or other surprises to carry the story. While plot twists can be exciting, they should not be the sole focus of the story, as this can make for passive character. A proactive protagonist who is driving the action forward is much more appealing. Finally, it’s important to remember that each genre of story has different expectations when it comes to novel structure. What works for a romance novel may not work for a horror novel, so it’s important to research the expectations for your chosen genre.
Crafting a captivating novel structure is essential to creating a story that will connect with readers and keep them engaged from the beginning of your story to the end. By focusing on key ingredients, executing it for maximum emotional impact, and being aware of common mistakes, aspiring writers can create a structured, well-paced story that is sure to capture readers’ hearts and minds. And while each genre of novel has its own unique expectations when it comes to structure, by keeping these tips in mind, you can be well on your way to crafting a compelling narrative that readers won’t be able to put down.
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