Lesson 9: Structure your book

It’s time to add bones to that book idea...

Structure is key to any book you write. Without structure, there is no container in which to hold the idea, and often times, little direction. Many of us creatives are afraid of structure because we fear it will stall our spontaneity. If anything, structure allows for more.

I am a big believer in bendable outlines. This means that your book idea and structure is not to be caged with strict parameters or immoveable outlines. Instead, as you create this outline for your book, consider the freedom it will create when you can relax into the bendable writing space, clarity of idea, and direction you have created for this project.

That said, There are some basics about book structure that you will want to consider. The first is that you are taking the reader on a journey. Where are they coming from and where are they going? How will your words be their compass? Every person picks up a book for a reason, they have a deep question they are trying to answer and a pain they’re looking to heal. How will your book, your memoir, your self-help, your collection of essays be the answer they’re seeking?

In general, I recommend a three act structure as the simplest format. You can use these acts in different ways, but the most common are:

Act 1: Past, Act 2: Present, Act 3: Future
OR
Act 1: the struggle, Act 2: the lesson, Act 3: the transformation

If you are writing a memoir, you can also consider the classic W structure, which begins with a triggered event that sets up the stage for the book, then a turning point, another triggering event, a second turning point/ climax, and then resolution. If you look at a W and plug in your key scenes then you can see how you are taking the reader on a ride.

Mary Carroll Moore has a wonderful video introducing this that you explore here.  You can also look at Freytag’s Pyramid as well.

Set your timer for thirty minutes and play with a few different structure options for your book.

Structure your book Checklist:

  1. Consider a three act structure for your book or use parts to break up the content. If using parts (this is usually for self-help), then consider where your taking the reader for each section. Set your timer for 30 minutes and play with a few variations of how this could work for your book idea and see what fits.

  2. Feel free to take a look at books within a similar genre to see how they structure their books to get some ideas.

  3. If writing a memoir of narrative based book, then watch the w video structure Mary Carroll Moore and check out the Freytag Pyramid and plug your book in the w points.


    Well done! Now you should have a pretty good idea of your book idea and the general structure it will be. Let’s transition to creating your table of contents.