Are you tired of writing the same old stories without any excitement? Do you feel like your writing is lacking the spark it needs to really shine? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’re going to introduce you to seven different story structures that will take your writing to the next level.

1. The Hero’s Journey 🦸‍♂️

The hero’s journey is a classic story structure that has been used countless times in literature and film. This structure follows the hero as they embark on a journey to overcome challenges, both external and internal, to achieve their ultimate goal.

Tip: Remember to make your hero relatable and give them flaws to make them more human.

A hero standing tall, looking out to their unknown journey.

2. The Three-Act Structure 🎭

The three-act structure is a simple yet effective way to structure a story. In the first act, you introduce the characters and their world, in the second act you introduce the conflict, and in the final act you resolve the conflict and tie up loose ends.

Tip: Make sure each act has a clear purpose and progresses the story.

A stage with curtains, with act one, two, and three written on them.

3. The In Medias Res 🕰️

In medias res, Latin for “in the midst of things,” is a story structure where the narrative starts in the middle of the action. This structure can be more engaging for the reader as it immediately hooks them into the story.

Tip: Make sure you still give enough context for the reader to understand what’s going on.

A car crash scene with debris scattered on the ground.

4. The Epistolary Structure 📜

The epistolary structure is one that is told through letters, emails, or other written correspondence. This structure can add a unique perspective to the story and can make it feel more intimate.

Tip: Make sure each letter or email feels authentic to the character writing it.

A stack of letters addressed to different people scattered on a wooden table.

5. The Nonlinear Structure 🔀

The nonlinear structure is one that is told out of order. This structure gives you the freedom to reveal information to the reader in a nontraditional way.

Tip: Make sure the nonlinear aspect of the story still makes sense and isn’t confusing for the reader.

A crossword puzzle with the words out of order and clues mixing together.

6. The Frame Structure 🖼️

The frame structure is one where the story is told within a larger story. This structure can be a great way to add depth to a story and can give more insight into the characters.

Tip: Make sure the larger story is relevant and adds value to the story being told within it.

A painting with a smaller painting inside of it that tells a story.

7. The Circular Structure 🔄

The circular structure is a story structure where the story ends where it began. This structure can be satisfying for the reader as everything comes full circle.

Tip: Make sure the ending feels like a natural conclusion and doesn’t feel forced.

A circle made out of stones on a beach with the ocean in the background.

Now that you have a better understanding of these story structures, don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new in your writing. Remember, writing should be fun, so don’t be afraid to take risks and explore new ideas. Happy writing! 🚀

A hand holding a pen, writing on a blank notebook.