I'm trying to begin a non-traditional memoir. Meander, Spiral, Explode has been in my stack too, since I heard about it recently on another webinar. Your post got it from stack to hand today. Maggie Smith's book first got me thinking that what I want to do was not ridiculous. Your interview with her—along with Grant Faulkner—was so helpful. Thank you for a terrific post, Brooke. I too, will keep it close by when my project confuses me, again.
Many thanks to you Brooke for this thorough deconstruction of structure. I feel more confident that I can read as a writer and recognize different structures due to the books you highlight and offer as examples.
Yes, the idea of organic structures that appear in nature is very appealing, as there is order and pattern, but not in straight lines! I love the idea that we can find a structure that fits with each work of art, and sometimes that structure needs to find us! We need an open mind and a willingness to experiment! Love doing these classes with you!
Brooke, I love this metaphor: "To me, structure feels like the net below our acrobatics. When we do our best writing, we’re soaring like trapeze artists, testing our capacities, practicing our art. It’s a little bit reckless at times, which is why structure and form so often feel like a balm—something to lean into, to steady us, to catch us when we fall." Quite brilliant.
It's so helpful to see these different structures broken down like this. I am trying to outline a memoir and have been struggling to decide how to structure it, so this post really couldn't have come at a better time. I'd like to take your course, but this month is not good for me. I imagine you'll be holding future sessions?
Fascinating. I think I've been a fractal writer for my last several novels, without realizing it. I did know that I was moving away, organically, from the standard story arc of my earlier work. Interestingly, it was right about the time the fractal style emerged that my traditional publisher lost sight of how to market my work. I've been on my own since then (indie), writing for my relatively small and loyal readers and doing what I can to broaden my reach, all the while suspecting that the casual reader gravitates toward that old, time-warn arc, kind of like how they might prefer the kind of mystery story in which they can guess who done it.
I've got Jane's book and I always go back to it for a refresher. It's a slow read for me, one that I stop and digest, and then start back up for more. I highly recommend it for any writer. Thanks for bringing this well executed discussion of structure to our writerly attention!
Thanks for this. I'm contemplating a novel, and I plan to buy the book you recommend. I assume it has examples of novels with the various types of structures.
Thank you Brooke. This is a little course on Structure in itself. I’ll never forget your using the analogy of a hallway as you coached me with my Framed Memoir that I didn’t officially know was one until now😊
I'm sorry I missed you back in March. I appreciate the wisdom-sharing online. I saved a few of your insights on structure to my "writing notes" to try out later. Thanks again!
I'm trying to begin a non-traditional memoir. Meander, Spiral, Explode has been in my stack too, since I heard about it recently on another webinar. Your post got it from stack to hand today. Maggie Smith's book first got me thinking that what I want to do was not ridiculous. Your interview with her—along with Grant Faulkner—was so helpful. Thank you for a terrific post, Brooke. I too, will keep it close by when my project confuses me, again.
Agreed that Maggie's book is a game-changer!
Many thanks to you Brooke for this thorough deconstruction of structure. I feel more confident that I can read as a writer and recognize different structures due to the books you highlight and offer as examples.
I remember when you asked Cheryl about that in SMA and she was like, what?
I wish I'd seen this post earlier, sounds like a great course. Meander, spiral, explode has been on my list for too long. Will grab it today.
Lol, I'm so glad you can corroborate this moment!! Also, good to see you here. It's been a minute... ❤️
Yes, the idea of organic structures that appear in nature is very appealing, as there is order and pattern, but not in straight lines! I love the idea that we can find a structure that fits with each work of art, and sometimes that structure needs to find us! We need an open mind and a willingness to experiment! Love doing these classes with you!
Me too!
Brooke, I love this metaphor: "To me, structure feels like the net below our acrobatics. When we do our best writing, we’re soaring like trapeze artists, testing our capacities, practicing our art. It’s a little bit reckless at times, which is why structure and form so often feel like a balm—something to lean into, to steady us, to catch us when we fall." Quite brilliant.
Thank you, Jennifer. I appreciate you reading the post.
It's so helpful to see these different structures broken down like this. I am trying to outline a memoir and have been struggling to decide how to structure it, so this post really couldn't have come at a better time. I'd like to take your course, but this month is not good for me. I imagine you'll be holding future sessions?
We do courses like these twice a year, but always different. Thanks, Natalie!
I love Meander Spiral Explode—her writing about structure is wonderful and makes you think about Freytag etc. in a very different way.
Fascinating. I think I've been a fractal writer for my last several novels, without realizing it. I did know that I was moving away, organically, from the standard story arc of my earlier work. Interestingly, it was right about the time the fractal style emerged that my traditional publisher lost sight of how to market my work. I've been on my own since then (indie), writing for my relatively small and loyal readers and doing what I can to broaden my reach, all the while suspecting that the casual reader gravitates toward that old, time-warn arc, kind of like how they might prefer the kind of mystery story in which they can guess who done it.
Fun to put language to what you're doing—as long as it resonates. :)
Great topic! Clear explanations and great lists of examples. Thank you, Brooke! I love Alison’s book and go back to it often.
I've got Jane's book and I always go back to it for a refresher. It's a slow read for me, one that I stop and digest, and then start back up for more. I highly recommend it for any writer. Thanks for bringing this well executed discussion of structure to our writerly attention!
Such a great post on structure!
Another one to keep nearby, book marked and will be read a few more times for sure. Thank you Brooke!
Love the metaphor of structure being the net below us, as we fly through the air as writers. Another great piece!
Thanks for this. I'm contemplating a novel, and I plan to buy the book you recommend. I assume it has examples of novels with the various types of structures.
Many!!
Thank you Brooke. This is a little course on Structure in itself. I’ll never forget your using the analogy of a hallway as you coached me with my Framed Memoir that I didn’t officially know was one until now😊
I'm sorry I missed you back in March. I appreciate the wisdom-sharing online. I saved a few of your insights on structure to my "writing notes" to try out later. Thanks again!