Please welcome Lauren Kerstein as our June Featured Author. Lauren’s debut picture book ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES launched last month and we couldn’t more excited for her. For the June check-in prize, Lauren is offering a picture book critique and a copy of her book. So, get those June drafts started right away!
THE STRUCTURE ZONE
Curiosity killed the cat, right? Or, in my case, it spawned a dragon.
Let me explain.
April 2016: (10 years into my writing journey), I read a ReFoReMo post by Tammi Sauer about plot structure.
May 2016: I participated in NaPiBoWriWee, and challenged myself to write using different structures, just like Tammi suggested.
Why not? It might be fun!
Voila! My debut book, ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES was born.
Sort of…
It started as a “how to” put your mommy to bed” book.
Critiquers said: “Make it unique.”
Hmmmm…
How about a dragon…
…who wants to…
SWIM!?
September 2016: I submitted to Deborah Warren (East/West Literary) through…
…YUP…
…12×12!
Hurray! She loved it!
March 2017: We signed!
October 2017 (a short period of time in this industry) an editor asked: “Can you rewrite this as a character-focused manuscript with a more typical structure?”
“OF COURSE!”
Welcome ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES!
So, as you can see, my curiosity about structure did spawn a dragon.
(And guess what, another Rosie and Charlie adventure is heading your way in 2020!)
But, why is plot structure important?
Would you buy a car without a frame? Would you build a house without walls?
Plot structure provides a framework that supports the opening hook, emotional resonance, pacing, tension, the all-is-lost moment, and a satisfying ending.
Keep in mind, the classic or traditional story structure is our friend—quite possibly our best friend.
Why?
It works. It sells. It’s appealing.
But, it’s also fun to experiment with different structures. You can even layer multiple structures. For example, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is a mix of circular, Hero’s journey, and traditional plot structure.*
Remember, no matter which structure you choose, you’ll need:
A clear beginning, middle, and end,
increasing tension,
and seeds that are sown from exposition to resolution.
You are now entering the structure zone! Check out the different options below. Even after a ton of research, I’m not convinced this is an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start!
THE STRUCTURE ZONE
TRADITIONAL: MC has a goal (what they want), motivation (why they want it), stakes (what they will lose), and a conflict that interferes with the goal. This structure typically has three tension-building tries, a low moment, and a successful (yet hopefully not predictable) ending.
Example:
CIRCULAR: The end of the book circles back to the beginning.
Example:
REVERSAL: The MC or the narrative arc is depicted in a way that is the opposite of what we might expect/the norm.
Example:
MIRROR: The second half of the story reflects the beginning of the story.
Example:
CUMULATIVE: With each new event, previous events are repeated.
Example:
PARALLEL: Two storylines take place simultaneously and intersect at the end.
Example:
HOW TO: Instruction manual of sorts.
Example:
THEMATIC: Specific examples around a particular theme.
Example:
SLICE OF LIFE/ SMALL MOMENT: The text zooms in on a small moment and expands it with rich details.
Example:
CONCEPT (Days of the Week, Alphabet, Counting, Opposites): A single topic or category.
Example:
HERO’S JOURNEY: Subset of circular. The MC leaves the ordinary world, goes on an adventure, and then ends up back in the ordinary world again.
Example:
EPISTOLARY: The arc moves forward via letter writing.
Example:
SYMMETRICAL PARADIGM (Created by Eve Heidi Bine-Stock): Plot twists separate the beginning from the middle and the middle from the end.
Example:
STORY WITHIN A STORY: There is an outer and an inner story. Typically one character within the story narrates.
Example:
COMBINATION: Multiple types of structures are layered throughout the story.
Example:
Circular, Hero’s journey, and traditional plot structure.
Example:
Traditional, how to (swimming skills are actual skills), and a hint of reversal.
Which structure works best for your manuscript? Which structure supports the heart, voice, and character development? Which structure are you itching to try?
Okay…
Ready. Set. Go!
Try a new structure. Exercise your creativity. And most of all, have fun!
In the words of my main character, Charlie, “you’ve got this!”
Lauren Kerstein is an author and psychotherapist. She is a Jersey girl at heart who loves reading, drinking tea, and devouring chocolate. Lauren currently lives in Colorado with her husband, Josh, their two dragons…er, daughters, Sarah and Danielle, and Hudson, the dog. Her picture book, ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES, recently swam to shelves near you. She runs a critique business, is a judge for Rate Your Story, and is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek. Lauren also writes books in the mental health field. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts.
*According to a StoryTeller Academy blog post by Ryan Roberts from 9-26-2017.
322 Responses
This is absolutely excellent! Thank you so much.
Thank you! I am so happy you enjoyed it!
Trying new structures and POV can bring you back sometimes to the traditional ones, but you will always discover something different when trying new things. So, I agree, just do it. Thanks.
Super-duper suggestions and examples, Lauren. Thank you!
Thank you, Jerrianne! You’re welcome! Happy writing!
Congratulations! Thank you for the refresher course. I think I need to start on some revisions.
Happy revising! We hope to see you at #ReVISIONweek in September!
Great examples of different types of structure-super helpful!
Thank you, Sara! Happy writing and revising!
What a great list, Lauren! I plan to study your picture book examples as mentor texts. Congratulations on the work you put into discovering the different structures and on your new book. Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves looks like a fun book.
I hope you enjoy reading the mentor texts, Pamela! Thank you! I had so much fun writing Rosie and Charlie!
This is a great post, Lauren! And you already know I LOVE the book! Folks, keep your fingers crossed to win the critique—you’re lucky if you do!
Oh, thank you so much, Sherry! I am so grateful that we are able to share our writing journey together! Kuda, Rosie, Charlie and beyond!
Great Post Lauren! Can’t wait to read this one!
Thank you, Sherry!
What great texts you have to illustrate these structures! Thanks for your insight and congratulations!
Thanks, Kathy! I’m so happy you found the post helpful!
What an amazing, fabulous, stupendous, post! But I would expect no less from our crit-sista Lauren! You GO GIRL! Wishing you, Rosie and Charlies make a splash in the publishing world! XOXO
Thank so much, Lynne! That means the world! I am so happy you enjoyed the post and found it helpful. We are so lucky to be on this writing journey together! I can’t wait for MOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE SCARES and LET’S EAT!: MEALTIMES AROUND THE WORLD to join Hedgehog and The Star in the Christmas Play on the shelves!
Thanks so much for a great post, and examples too! I can’t wait to read your book.
How I love this post! This is a fantastic list. I’ve saved the books I haven’t read and will be looking out for your book!
Thank you!
Thank you, Linda. I hope you love Rosie and Charlie!
I’m not sure why this comment ended up attached to the wrong post, Leila! Sorry. Thank you! I’m so happy you liked the post!
Thank you, Linda! My response to you ended up attached to the below response. Hmmm… I’m not sure why. Anyway, I hope you love Rosie and Charlie!
Fantastic examples of different structures! Thank you so much for sharing your research!
Thank you, Tracy!
What an inspiring — and super helpful — post! Thanks, Lauren!
I’m thrilled you found this post helpful! Happy writing!
Wonderful post on the many possible structures of a picture book. Can’t wait to read your dragon story.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy meeting Rosie and Charlie!
What a great list of structure types, plus stellar examples. Thanks so much. Keep making waves!
Thanks! I plan to continue making waves for sure! 🙂 Happy writing and revising to you!
Wonderful examples! Thank you so much.
You’re welcome! Write on!
I really need to diversify my plot types and be more deliberate in how I structure stories. Thanks for the examples!
You’re welcome! I hope you have fun playing around with different plot types and structures!
I love it when lists have examples! It makes everything so much clearer. I think I need to try something different. Thank you so much.
I’m so glad the examples helped! Happy writing!
Thank you for the great information and wonderful examples. Congratulations, too!
Thank you, Kim! I hope you have a productive writing month!
Lauren,
I love your post and the complete list of structures and examples. Congratulations on publishing your book. Can’t wait to read it!
Thank you so much! I am so happy you loved the post and hope you love Rosie and Charlie!
This is great. I need to learn more about structure and this helped me out a lot.
Hi Natalie! I am so happy it helped!
Thank you, thank you, Lauren. I’ve never really thought through my plots this way. That’s going to change — and I’m going to be checking out your examples soon.
Terrific! I hope you enjoy reading the mentor texts!
Great post, Lauren! Thank you for giving us a peek at your publishing journey and for sharing your insights on the many different structures of picture books, along with great mentor texts!!
You’re welcome! I hope the mentor texts and structure information helps you on your writing journey!
You’re welcome! I hope the mentor texts and structure information enhance your writing!
Thanks Lauren, for the great list and examples of story structure. I am familiar with most of the stories and look forward to reading a few new ones!
You’re welcome, Mary! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the post!
I needed this!! Been struggling with structure lately. Thanks for the encouragement to try something different!
I hope this post helps you with your structure struggles! Happy writing!
Lauren, Thank you for the wonderful summary of story structure. I can’t say I’ve ever had a firm grasp on identifying plot structures, so your article has really clarified things for me. For fun and practice, I’m excited to try and pinpoint structure in all of the pbs I read from here on out. Also, I belong to a picture book study group where I think this could become one of our fun exercises. It will really help us sharpen our skills both as readers and writers!
Joann- That is a terrific idea! I love the idea of practicing identifying structure with a picture book study group. Gosh, I love the idea of a picture book study group! I hope you have fun continuing to explore structure.
This was an excellent read! I often struggle with hitting certain plot points and I really enjoyed reviewing your list of structures and examples. I’m already dreaming about shaking off some “retired” manuscripts with a new structure! Great idea!
Wonderful idea! I hope pulling out manuscripts to examine and revise structure goes well! Happy writing!
Wow! What great tips! Thank you.
You’re welcome! Write on!
Thanks for the great list and examples. There are some I haven’t rea – I’ll have to give them a look. And congratulations!!
Thanks! I’m excited Rosie and Charlie are making waves in the world! Happy reading and writing!
Story structure is something I have been experimenting with on some of my stories. I like the clarification you have given here and I learned that you can sometimes combine structures. Thank you for this post.
You’re welcome! I’m happy it was helpful!
Really cool information. Cheers 🙂
Thank you! Cheers to you too!
What a charming post – with homework! Congratulations on the book which looks very charming itself. Thanks for this wisdom!
Happy playing with different plot structures! Thank you! I hope you love Rosie and Charlie.
Thanks for this brilliant post. So much information to absorb and play with! Congratulations on your book.
Thank you! Happy writing!
Kudos on Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves. My copy is on its way. Your journey to publication is a great Story Storm winner and well deserved. Thanks for the helpful post on structure, too, Lauren.
Thank you, Dee! I hope you love Rosie and Charlie! Happy writing, reading, and revising!
This is such a great post. You’ve offered so many structure examples to study. I love your challenge to try writing, using a new structure. A June challenge! I’m game. Congratulations on your book(s). Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I hope the challenge to write in a new structure goes well! Happy writing!
Thanks so much for sharing how to build a story around plot.
You’re welcome! Write on!
Thanks, Lauren, for the great examples. Your journey to publication as it relates to structure underlined the importance of trying out different structures. It is tricky to find the right one. Thanks for the tips.
You’re welcome! I am happy to hear the examples helped you think further about different structures.
Thank you! This post is chock-full of great information. Fingers crossed I win this month. Congratulations on ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES!
Yay! I’m so glad it was helpful! Thank you– I’m thrilled my characters are splashing into the world.
Fabulous post! I’ve always shied away from experimenting with different plot structures with particular stories I’ve written. No more! Thanks for the push!
Good luck trying different plot structures! I hope it goes well!
Thanks for this great post. And congratulations on your debut!!!
Thank you so much, Jenna!
Lauren, this is a fantastic list. Thanks for including examples of each type, and for giving me some new structures I’ve never heard of, to play around with. I love trying out different formats.
Congrats on your book — and being willing and able to change the structure as requested. Not always (ever?!) an easy task!
I am so glad this post was helpful! Yay! Yes! You’re right–Changing things and changing things again can be quite challenging. Thank goodness I’m thrilled with the outcome! 🙂
Wow, Lauren, I thought I knew all the structural forms of picture books. But I need to do some
more reading and research and try something new. Thanks for all of your research and Tammi
Sauer’s group of structures, too.
You’re welcome. I hope experimenting with new structures goes well!
Thanks for the information on structure! So helpful! And congrats on Rosie!
You’re welcome! Thank you so much, Suzie!
This was such an informative post. I especially appreciated the examples you included for clarity. Thank you!
Great! I’m so glad the examples were helpful! Happy writing!
Wow! Talk about comprehensive! Thanks for all the examples of story structure – I can’t imagine that you left any out. 🙂 And congratulations on your publishing success.
Thank you, Deborah! I am nothing if not thorough. 🙂 Happy writing and thank you for your congratulations! I’m thrilled to see these characters making waves!
So helpful! Thank you!
You’re welcome! Happy writing!
Sometimes it takes a little bit of bravery to try a plot structure other than the traditional. But it can also be fun! Thanks for sharing your list, and congratulations on your debut book!
So true, Lauri, so true! Thank you and happy writing!
Thank you so much for the reminder of how we can change up structure! I’ve been reading StoryGenius by Lisa Cron and have been obsessing over the core idea of story – and how the structure can help or hurt the story. Totally interesting! Thanks again!
StoryGenius looks very helpful! I will have to read it! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the awesome post! I’ll be saving your list and examples for future reference.
You’re welcome, Becky! I’m thrilled it was helpful.
Lauren, congratulations on your debut picture book and on another Rosie and Charlie adventure coming in 2020!!! Thanks for all your clear examples of story structure. I’m keeping your post near my desk so I can re-read it every time I start a draft. Your post will help me make sure my stories don’t veer off track into another structure.
Hello, my dear friend and CP! Thank you for loving Rosie and Charlie and helping me launch them into this world! I am happy my post was helpful! Hugs to you!
thanks so much for a great list of PB structures! I’m ready to jump in with a couple I haven’t tried before with some PB ideas. And thanks for sharing your story toward finding success! Congratulations on Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves and the next one to follow!
You’re welcome! Thanks for your congratulations! It is exciting to launch these characters into the world!
Thanks for the list of structures. Interesting article.
You’re welcome! Happy reading and writing!
This is such a great post. I love how your book morphed from one thing to another. Also thank you for the excellent mentor texts and structure forms. Finally I just signed up to your blog so I can participate in ReVISION week love it!
OH, YAY! I’m excited you signed up for my blog! We will be sending ReVISIONweek updates soon! Happy writing and revising!
Looking forward to reading all the examples!
I hope you enjoy them!
I will be bookmarking this for reference! So many structures to try – thanks!
Terrific! Happy writing, Carrie!
Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on your book!
Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing your journey!
You’re welcome. It is so much sweeter to be on this journey with everyone in 12×12!
Lauren, the Structure Guru! Thank you for your willingness to share your wisdom. Your outlined list will help guide my plot development as I brainstorm my next ideas. I tend to write at least two stories within one PB draft. BLAHHHHH…. Your structure “lesson” will help me learn to recognize that tenancy with better clarity. Reading the journey that your debut PB has traveled is encouraging. As an active 12 x 12er, I “embrace feedback, grow each day, work hard, [am even more] passionate, [and] write courageously…[to] touch children’s hearts.” You’ve captured the joys we experience writing for children.Your words inspire me to continue to tackle a PB that I’ve worked and reworked multiple times for my JUNE DRAFT. I’ll begin with outlining my existing structure and ramp it up a bit by exploring others. Sending you inspiration for continued success and tossing confetti your way to celebrate your debut book!
Hi Marsha! I am thrilled to hear that my words inspired you to tackle a PB that you’ve worked and reworked multiple times. I hope it goes well! I love your idea regarding outlining your existing structure and then exploring and experimenting with others. Thank you for the inspiration and confetti! We are all so lucky to be on this journey together!
Interesting post on structure. Thanks, Lauren
Hi Laura!! You’re welcome! I love the structure of your book: ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON!
Thank you so much for making me think about plot structure in some new ways! Congratulations on your book!!!
You’re welcome! Thank you so much!
Great post on picture book story structure with excellent examples, Lauren. Inspiring story, too, on your journey to publication. Congrats on the debut! I’m eager to read it.
Thank you, Robin. I hope you love Rosie and Charlie!
LOVE this post! Thanks for sharing some of your writing journey and reminding me that the possibilities are endless in terms of plot!
So thrilled you loved the post! You’re welcome and THANK YOU for EVERYTHING you do for this community!
Thank you Lauren for this super informative post! You have inspired me to break out of my structure shell and try some new formats. 🙂 Congratulations on your book – it looks adorable!
Hurray! I love that–“break out of your structure shell!” I can’t wait to hear how it goes! Thank you–I hope you enjoy reading about Rosie and Charlie’s adventures!
Great post. I like the examples you shared of different plot structures.
Thank you! Happy summer to you!
This is such a great post with wonderful examples. Thank you so much and congrats on your success!
Thank you! I’m thrilled you found it helpful!
Thanks so much for the information on structure and their examples. What a fun post to read! I will do this! 🙂
You’re welcome! Yes, you’ve got this!
Thanks so much for the list, and especially the examples. Taking a risk and trying different structures is so important to keeping a story fresh.
Yes, Rose! I just know your risk will pay off!
What a great post – will definitely be referring back to this on numerous occasions to get a handle on the different story structures. Lab coat and goggles on … time to begin experimenting!
What a wonderful image! I love that! Happy experimenting!
Great post! I love the examples and explanations. Thank you, Lauren!
You’re welcome. Happy writing!
Sooooo thrilled for your book launch Lauren!
This is an awesome run-down of story structures and I’ll be adding a few of these to my to read list (which keeps growing!!) Can’t wait to receive my copy of Rosie and Charlie Make Waves. Biggest congrats.
Thanks so much, Evelyn! I just love Captain Green and the Plastic Scene so much and can’t wait to see more of your terrific manuscripts and books!
What a great post! I’m going to think more about plot structure in the future.
Congratulations on your book!
Thank you! I hope you have fun exploring different structures in your writing!
Wow, Lauren! Plot structure in a nutshell! Well done!! Now I am going back and checking my tales to see where I write. Congratulations on your book, and may you publish many more.
Thanks! Happy checking and writing! May we both enjoy plentiful publishing! 🙂
Thanks for the post Lauren! Great examples for each type of structure.
Thank you, Laurie! I hope you have a wonderful summer filled with many productive writing moments!
This is an amazing resource–and very timely for me. I need to go back and check my manuscripts to make sure they have some type of structure to them. Thank you so much!!
I am so happy to hear this post was timely and helpful! Happy writing and revising!
Lauren, you’ve given us an extensive, handy-dandy structure menu! I’m going to pull this out every single month, while writing my new drafts. I’ve mentioned to my CPs once or twice, “let’s all pick a new structure this month, and try to craft a new draft with it.” We’ve all experimented on our own, but I’d still love for us all to pick a single structure and present them all together in a single month. How fun!
Anyway, your post jogged a FANTASTIC idea in my brain, for a piece that I’ve been working on for nearly 2 years. Can’t wait to work on revisions this week! Thanks so much.
I love your idea of trying a different structure each month as a critique group. I am thrilled to hear that my post jogged a fantastic idea for a piece you’ve been working on for nearly 2 years. I can’t wait to hear how your revisions go!
Great show and tell! I can’t wait to dig in, try on and mix up different plot structures.
Thanks for your informational post.i
Yay! I hope all goes well as you “try on” and “mix up” different plot structures!
Makes me want to tackle each of the types and see where it leads…
Yes! That sounds like so much fun!
Wonderful review of the structures of picture books! <3
Thank you! Happy writing!
Lauren this is such a fun post. I loved all the moving oictures and your cute dragon especially. The list of picture books is invaluable. I’m off to the library right now. And I haven’t thought of writing and starting with a challenge to write using a specific structure. What a great idea! Thank you and best of luck with future writing 🙂
Happy reading and writing! I am so happy to hear this post was helpful! Best of luck to you too!
Laura,
I love this post! Thank you for the explanations and examples. There are a few I have not heard of. I look forward to checking out your book and other new ones on this list.
Thank you! I hope you have fun exploring new structures.
I love seeing the journey Lauren’s book made from concept through publication. So inspiring! Then, Lauren gave a fabulous explanation of so many structures. I can’t wait to apply and try some different structures in my own writing. Thank you!!
I’m thrilled that it was helpful to read about my journey and learn more about structures! Happy writing!
Great list and post! Thanks and congratulations. I look forward to reading your book!
Thank you! I hope you love Rosie and Charlie.
Thanks for sharing different structures with examples! And good luck with Rosie and Charlie’s future adventures!
Thank you, Jennifer! Write on!
Brilliant post – thank you! And congrats on your debut which I am checking out of the library TODAY!
Thank you! OH YAY!!!!!!! I am SO excited you are checking it out of your library. It helps authors so much when people check it out of the library! HURRAY! I hope you love Rosie and Charlie!
I love all of these examples! I took a story from a circular structure to a traditional structure and it changed the story so much. It’s a great way to discover the different dimensions of a story. I’ll have to try some of these other suggestions next. Thanks for the great post!
I am so happy to hear that taking a story from a circular structure to a traditional structure changed the story! Write on!
Lauren, Congratulations on your book and thank you for taking the time to give examples for all these different story structures and combinations of story structures. So helpful! Love the gifs, too! : )
Thank you! I am glad it was helpful. Gifs make me happy! 🙂
Lauren, congratulations on Rosie and Charlie, and thanks for this. Such a comprehensive list. I’m going to save this and try some new structures in future wip’s. Thanks!
I hope you enjoy experimenting with different structures!
Thank you for the great post, and helpful examples.
You’re welcome! Happy writing!
Lauren, thank you for this informative post! Plan to rewrite drafts using different plot structures to see if any combine together. Best wishes on your future adventures with Rosie and Charlie!
I hope trying different plot structures is rewarding and fun! Thank you! I’m excited to see where Rosie and Charlie go next!
Congratulations on your debut! I look forward to reading it.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy Rosie and Charlie!
Great reminders here! Congratulations on your book – I can’t wait to read it!!!
Thank you, Lauren, for your great reminders and examples. Excited about your new book coming out!
Thank you! I hope you have fun reading about Rosie and Charlie’s adventures! Write on!
What a fantastic list, Lauren. Thank you so much. Such a timely reminder that I need to get out of my current rut (and mid-year slump) and try something new to re-energise.
I hope trying something new helps you slog your way out of your rut and feel newly energized!
Wonderful post, Lauren! Great examples, too!! It’s always fun to play around with structure when a ms isn’t working. You never know what can happen, or where the characters will take you. Congratulations on ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES! Cheers!
Thanks, Judy! I’m glad the post was helpful! And thank you for your congratulations! It has been fun watching these characters make waves!
Super helpful. Will definitely be taking note of structure while I read for research and to jazz up my writing. Thanks for your clear explanations.
You’re welcome, Johanna! Happy writing!
A great informative post. Thank you so much.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy it was helpful!
I really enjoyed reading your article. There was so much information that is useful, especially when you are knee deep in writing. I can’t wait to give some of the other story structures a try.
Thanks so much & congratulations on your book!!
You’re welcome. I’m so happy the post helped! Thank you! It is thrilling to see Rosie and Charlie out in the world!
This was a wonderfully informative post! When you named the first few structures, I thought (“Wait, what’s that?”) I was going to have some research ahead of me–little did I know, you were going to name, define, & provide examples of so many types of structure! Marvelous! And I enjoyed remembering drafts I’ve written that fit into some of these that I should go back & revisit newly equipped!
Wow! These are great examples of story structure. You gave me a few that I hadn’t heard before. Thanks for the inspiration.
Congratulations on your new book!
Thank you! I love how you tied your examples to specific titles and appreciate the work that entailed. I look forward to trying different structures!
This is a fantastic list of plot structure styles, worthy of a ReFoReMo post! 🙂 Thx for putting this together & congrats on your sequel next year
Trying new structures and POV can bring you back sometimes to the traditional ones, but you will always discover something different when trying new things. So, I agree, just do it. Thanks.
What a great post! I’m sad that I didn’t get to it until today… (So much writing to revise.) 😉 This is definitely one of those that I’ll reflect back to as I continue with other drafts. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you for your wonderful summary of various structure choices. I’m really enjoying rereading it.
This was informative and I need to start trying different ones.
Such a great resource. Thank you!
Lauren !
What a great and helpful post!! So creative too! I’ve jotted down several of the books you mentioned – most I had never heard of….Thank you!!!
Lauren, I’ve not seen so many plot structures listed and explained so well in one spot! Good job. It gives me structures to analyze my own manuscripts. Thanks.
So excited for you, Lauren! Love this book! Many congratulations! #SeenIn19
Structure – loved the list of examples you give. Thanks!
Thank you for such a direct explanation of the many different types of story structure.
Very helpful. Can we share with other writers?
Thanks, Shelley
Love the post, Lauren! Getting concrete examples of pbs that have different types of structures is so helpful!!! And congrats on your awesome new book!!!
Fantastic breakdown of the different story structure types. I remember walking through all of these at my first SCBWI conference and was blown away at the variety! Now, I get it. 😉
Thanks for this post! I love discovering patterns in stories. What fun examples!
Thank you for this inspiring and informative post! Lots of great examples! Congratulations on your debut book!
Love the range of texts you included, thanks so much!
Thanks for sharing your story journey with us and for providing a great list of structures. You even included examples. Thank you. I will save this info to refer back to from time to time.
Thanks for sharing your timeline and wonderful lesson about structure.
This is great. I have the list of structure types taped where I can see them, so I can keep them in mind as I conceive new stories.
WOW! What a great breakdown of story structures. I have read most of these books, but I few I haven’t, so I will check them out. 12 X 12 is certainly a catalyst for success, isn’t it? Best of luck on future projects.
Thank you for this excellent, helpful post. I can’t wait to read your book. Best to you with your writing.
Thanks for sharing with us, Lauren!
Thank you, Lauren, for the excellent structure lessons. It will really help with building picture books.
This is so inspiring. I love hearing about complicated revisions because it means all hope isn’t lost. Thank you!
Lauren! Thank you so much for the reminder to try different structures! I think this will really freshen up one of my drafts this year. Also I’m thrilled to see some new mentor texts I hadn’t seen before – thank you!
I bookmarked this! So many great ideas for structure!
Thank you so much, Lauren! You are a fantastic teacher and I loved your book!!
Thank you for the inspiration and all the great ideas!
Great post! It’s inspired me to try out some story structures I haven’t tried before. Oh and I love your list of writing goals in your bio at the end! Thanks for sharing.
Great information! Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Such a great breakdown of different story structures! Thank you for your insight, I look forward to reading your new book!
Lauren, this post is fabulous! It is a mini-workshop on story structures!
Thank you!!!
Keep spreading your magic!
Lucy Staugler
Thank you so much for the great list of mentor texts! I look forward to reading your book! Congratulations!!!
So helpful! The examples make it clear what each structure entails. I plan to try each one!
Thank you!
I loved your post. I wonder how I could save it. I love how you paired examples of each kind of story structure. I’m familiar with most of them so could immediately see how they reflect different story structures.
Thanks for putting this all together for easy reference!
Great post and love the examples, so helpful. I find myself constantly gravitating towards the traditional plot structure but now feel inspired to shake things up. Thanks from one Jersey girl to another :).
Love this—especially with examples. There are a couple PBs I’ve shelved that may take a turn with a new plot structure. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the structure outline. Got all the books and went through each one.
Thank you Lauren for this fabulous post! So informative and helpful!
Such an informative and inspiring post! Thanks so much for sharing
Great structure examples. Thank you. Congratulations on your debut.
Thank you for this extensive list of mentor texts. I have a lot of research to do!
Yum, structure to my play. Thank you!
Thanks for your examples on structure and for sharing your inspiring story!
Lauren,
I have read this twice and appreciate your great wisdom. Thank you for sharing your own writing journey.❤️
Plot structure is where it’s all at!
Thank you for sharing your writing journey and the plot structure examples. They were very helpful!
Lauren, You have taken me on a picture book tour that has taken me through so many picture books structures and also on a hero journey with your own story woven inside. Lots of story food to think about and digest. Just like Max it seems we all need to tackle our Wild Things and sail home with what works best for us. A boat is the considered way, but. hey it could be via submarine, on the back of a whale or even an albatross to get the story that works best for us. Thanks for a great share.
Wow! I’ve never seen this complete a list before! Thank you for writing this extremely helpful reference!
Lauren, this was the perfect post for me to read right now! You’ve inspired me to take another look at an ms I recently wrote and it’s structure…I’m excited to revise–with a whole new perspective! Congrats on your new book. Hope it makes a big splash (Yep, pun intended!) 🙂
Thank you for your great post!!
Trying new plot structures is great advice. Thank you for sharing a list! 🙂
Wow! Lots to think about here! Thanks for all the structure examples! And congrats!☺️
Congratulations on your book- I look forward to reading it! and thanks for the great mentor texts, and the motivation to try a new story structure that might get a WIP unstuck!
Thank you for sharing the examples of the variety of picture book structures. It is helpful to have a concrete example rather than a definition of each structure. Your story to publishing is an encouragement, and your persistence and passion shine! I appreciate your goals too: “Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts.” That’s why we write on!
Hi Lauren,
congratulations on your debut. I would love to hear a webinar with more detail on structure if you are ever running one. It’s such a huge topic. thanks for sharing your story.
Danielle
I’ve been experimenting all month with different plot structures to tell different story ideas circling in my head. As an educator, I love your presentation and examples! Thank you so much for sharing with us.
I’m so glad I saw the 12 x 12 check-in with the reminder to revisit this post! This is an awesome summary of different kinds of plot structures. I love that you gave us some mentor texts for each type. Thank you so much !!
Very helpful, thank you!
I’m so glad I saw the 12 x 12 check-in with the reminder to revisit this post! This is an awesome summary of different kinds of plot structures. I love that you gave us some mentor texts for each type. Thank you so much!!
This is a great post with wonderful examples of story structure. Congratulations in your book. I can’t wait to read it.
Thank you, Lauren! After just watching Tara Luebbe’s webinar on comp titles, I love getting this list from you. You are very generous to share your experience with writing your story, and different examples for each story structure. Congrats on your book! And thanks again!!
This is so helpful! Thank you! I can’t wait to read about Rosie and Charlie!
Structure of a comment: (Introduction) Thanks, for this great post, Lauren. (Specifics) The examples really drove your points home. (Practicality) Your post will make a great addition to my writing toolbox. (Closing) I look forward to reading the book. (Uniqueness) Sorry, I couldn’t come up with anything. 😉 Seriously, though, this is an awesome post. <3
I need to look at the SYMMETRICAL PARADIGM structure a bit more to understand it. The challenge to write a lot of different structures is in my near future…thanks for the idea!
Great compilation of different types of story structure. Bookmarking for future reference!
Clearly laid out. Thank you!
All these resources and breakdowns are incredibly helpful! It’s also helpful to hear that the story of your published book had multiple structures before it came to be!
I’ll certainly examine my plot types after this!
Thank you, Lauren, for summarizing all the different PB structures. Your example books are wonderful! Congratulations on your debut!!
What good points about story structure, Lauren! You are so right that it is important to consider the framework when crafting a story.
Thanks so much, Lauren for the helpful info on plot structure! I’m saving this to my reference file for future use! Congrats on your book baby! 🙂
Thank you, Lauren! I really appreciate the break down of the various plot structures…good reminder to play around with structure and see where it leads. Congrats on your book! I’m excited to read it. Also, I really liked your writing goals in your bio – another good reminder as to why to keep at this writing thing. 🙂
Thanks for all the great examples in your post. Super helpful.
I LOVED all your structures and examples. Thanks so much and congratulations!
Great summary. There were several structures I had not heard of, so this was informative. Thank you!
Thanks Lauren. I love examples. Congratulations on your new book. I look forward to reading it.
I love these short, sweet descriptions. I’m dying to try to rewrite my June story into a different structure format. Right now it feels bogged down and heavy. I will lighten it up in the rewrite.
Thanks Lauren for sharing all this valuable information and the process you took toward publication! This is a keeper post: )
Great advice. Very helpful! Thanks!
Thank you for this very interesting article. I’m ordering these books from the library ASAP to study the techniques. I’m sure one of them will fit my latest idea.
This post was so incredibly helpful! There is a MS that I have revised one to many times and remain stuck, knowing I still haven’t hit the mark. I am going to take this as my cue to play with structure. Thanks Kerstein! And your book sounds darling and perfect for my fledgling swimmers!
I love this post and I’ve also enjoyed the info by Tammi Sauer on structure. Thank you for the encouragement and examples!
Thanks for the great story structure examples Lauren. Congratulations on your debut PB, Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves! It sounds like more Rosie and Charlie adventures are in the works. Congrats!
This is a great resource. I’ll have to come back to this as I work on structure for some of my stories.
Congratulations for you picture book! Thanks for all the great story structure
examples to study, too.
Thank you for all of the excellent examples of story structure! (And for the dose of inspiration!)
Congratulations! Thanks for offering all these examples! Great reference to come back to!
Wow, how did I miss this at the beginning of June? It is actually exactly what I needed to read here at the beginning of July, which I’m intending to be revision central. Trying on a different structure might be just I need— thanks, Lauren!
Great post! Thanks! Love your new PB!
Thanks Lauren. I’ve put a lot of those books in my library save cart. I haven’t heard of ReFoReMo. Thanks for pointing me to this site!
Thanks for the great post Lauren!
Thank you so much for this list — it is so helpful to have all of the different story structures laid out for me. I’m eager to try this exercise of changing the structure of a story.
What a great backstory! Tammi’s post is one that I always think of when I’m exploring structure. Looks like I have a new post to add to structure resources. Looking forward to reading Rosie!
Thank you for the structures reminder and examples, Lauren. There are some I have yet to try. Thanks also for the introduction to Eve Heidi Bine-Stock.
It’s interesting to hear the leaps you had to made in the creation of your own story. I look forward to reading it, especially with this background info.
Never realized there were so many plot structures. Thanks for the information!
Love this! Perhaps the most useful post I’ve read. I especially liked learning about NaPiBoWriWee and ReFoReMo. Thanks Lauren!
Love this! Perhaps the most useful post I’ve read. I especially liked learning about NaPiBoWriWee and ReFoReMo. Thanks Lauren!!!
So wonderful. Really inspired me with some great ideas to take a fresh look at my stories with a different structure. Thanks for all the wonderful example titles as well. I can’t wait to check out some of the ones I’ve missed.
And this is why 12 x 12 is so great! We have 12 months and we can experiment with one ms twelve different ways if we want to! Thanks Lauren and congrats!
Thanks for this and all the examples!!
This is a great post. I will have to get some of those books and read them as examples of different types of structure. Thanks for sharing. This will be a challenge to see if I can incorporate some of these types of structures.
Thank for so much for all the info! Eager to check out some of the examples, and see if any work as a comp title for my current story.
Thank you Lauren! And congratulations on your debut!
Thanks for sharing your process and for sharing all these great books to go check out. Time to take another look at various structures.
Thank you so much Lauren for this extremely helpful post, I loved seeing the different plot structures and examples of PBs that fit within each category. Thank you for taking the time to spell everything out so clearly!
I’ve always suffered from what occupational therapists call “rock brain.” I often struggle to imagine a story in a variety of structures, because the first one that comes to mind sticks with me so strongly. It’s an area where I need to grow much more as a writer. Thank you for this thoughtful post. I love hearing about these “re-visioning” stories that succeed. Congrats!
Wow, Lauren for this great post on structure. I didn’t know there were so many. It will be fun experimenting with them.
Great examples. Thank you!
Thanks for SO MANY EXAMPLES! I have already read some of these, but not all. Thanks again!
Awesome selection of examples of each style! Thanks for the recommendations and for sharing your story with us!
What a helpful post on structure!! Thank you
A super helpful post on plot structure. Thanks.
Thank you for such a helpful and informative post! And with so many excellent examples too. I will have fun trying out some different plot structures. Thanks again Lauren and congratulations to you!
Interesting, Lauren… so many story structures, and combinations; makes one wonder if there really are any. Thanks for the synopsis.
Hi Lauren, thank you for sharing. The examples were great. I don’t generally think of structure when writing, but after reading this, I will pay more attention to it. Congratulations on your story coming out in 2020.
Great inspiration and explanation using some of my favorite titles.
What a great challenge! I can’t wait to try a new writing structure!
Amazing post…loved all the examples you choose to highlight while discussing the various interesting plot structures to play with.
Thanks for sharing your journey!
This plot structure review was super helpful, thanks Lauren!
Congratulations on your debut, Lauren! Love, love, love all the information on different structures to try along with examples/mentor texts. Fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing!