4 Ways to Structure a Novel

Using a plot structure can be one of the easiest ways to help your pacing and create a strong structure for your work, so today we're taking a look at four different ways to structure a novel: the hero's journey, save the cat, the plot embryo, and the 27 chapter outline.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro
0:38 - What is the benefit of using a plot structure?
1:22 - The Hero's Journey
2:34 - 15 Beat: Act 1
3:50 - 15 Beat: Act 2
5:57 - 15 Beat: Act 3
6:33 - The plot embryo
7:13 - The plot embryo: Quadrant 1
7:54 - The plot embryo: Quadrant 2
8:22 - The plot embryo: Quadrant 3
8:53 - The plot embryo: Quadrant 4
9:16 - 27 Chapter
9:59 - 27 Chapter: Act 1
10:46 - 27 Chapter: Act 2
11:43 - 27 Chapter: Act 3
FIND REEDSY HERE:
Blog: blog.reedsy.com
Facebook: / wearereedsy
Twitter: / reedsyhq
Instagram: / reedsy_hq

[@danramirez8553]

does anyone else think she is just... the greatest ever.

[@nathanexplosionn]

No

[@jojosworld8957]

Yes! Emphatically yes!

[@notyourmorrite]

she IS

[@serenityfreeman5906]

Incase you didn't know Shaelin has her own channel! It's called ShaelinWrites

[@brodiemoshe9098]

I guess im randomly asking but does someone know of a method to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot my account password. I appreciate any help you can offer me!

[@jaycoates9862]

I love how knowledgeable Shaelin is about writing and how she explains things so well and so openmindedly. She should have a podcast.

[@sigmapopsical272]

Anyone else find that they can't stop fantasizing in their head about their own story? It's like a movie playing in your head lol

[@thatnikkakris2339]

Fax yo, write it

[@wiseauserious8750]

Yep that's the creative mind. The key is to always understand that the story you write down will not be as good as the story in your head, and accept that

[@eadweard2214]

@@wiseauserious8750 the hard truth I had to come to terms with

[@tellmeaboutyourgame314]

Did you write it??

[@MeZmerTized]

I do that too. They're called maladaptive fantasies. A lot of writers have them.

[@PeterFletcherDNADeliverer]

I'm new to writing, and I want to thank you for this as I've been looking for a way to find a structure to help me build my story, which this video does just that. Again thank you.

[@Basketball_Debate]

I can tell you now by the way you wrote your comment you need help. Try not to sound so robotic

[@jojosworld8957]

You don't don't sound robotic. Ugh, some people have no joy in their lives and want to suck it out of others. I'm super happy you found useful information to help you on your writing journey!!! Shaelin is awesome!

[@xtonibx5770]

This couldn't have come at a better time.

[@juanxu7250]

I am a new writer, this video is really helpful for me to start my story. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@paradisecolors]

Thank you so much :) Your videos are really rich in content, well-organized, and really helpful. Wow

[@annacleghorn8482]

Very helpful! Thank you for all the work you put into your videos!

[@GothiQhaQer]

This is such a great video! As you were explaining each structure I could think of books and anime and movies that fall into each. Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤

[@pVrocker95]

WoW i just found you omg!! Thank you this is amazing I get that amazing feeling of enlightenment this is the first time I’ve seen these clearly spelled out!!

[@JardineKarate1]

Another winner. Thank you so much for your help 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@lauralai9694]

Great tips! Thank you for uploading this video! It's also a great video to show that writing is not (at all!) something easy. Thank you, Reedsy! I can't wait to watch your next videos! :-)

[@paulcummins6780]

Listen closely and you will see great bits of insight throughout this video. Very well done.

[@ericmuschlitz7619]

This succinct presentation of common acceptable form may be one of the most important “pro tips” I’ve come across to date. Not only does it provide a template for pacing, it also helps to flesh out for bulk. I had gotten hindered in some narrative, this helped me to question the characters and plot to pull the story out, creating a more complete work.

[@qualitystore7916]

Explained beautifully. Thx for ur help

[@kathyl6677]

I love the 8 part wheel. I'm going to see if I might combine it with the 27 Chapter. The more detailed, the more I seem to stay on track and remember where the MC is going. (Not bad for someone who prefers being a pantser, eh?) Thank you for this outline of various outlines.

[@Reedsy]

I think I've seen the 8 part structure combined with the 27 chapter structure before! It seemed to work quite well. And haha, honestly I prefer to pants my work too!

[@Friendship1nmillion]

@@Reedsy I prefer the " Save the cat 🐈 " / " 15 beat " structure 📝📑 , myself . I could be wrong 🤷 ~ it just looks & feels easier and ( more ) compatible with lengthy short story writing Or a story that can flexibly be a multi page short story ~ come novel 📖 *IF* the characters / story call for it { to evolve that way ... & feels not too overwhelming 🙋 } . ♑️✍️🇦🇺🇸🇯

[@user-hu4ot9eb8e]

Wow. This video IS just Complete. A Masterclass🎉

[@anjup8427]

She has a channel of her own too, and then has videos with Reedsy too. Splendid!! She is fantastic

[@martinstephenson4160]

People who complain about story structure need to wake up to what they're shoveling, then take every classic novel and film they own and bin them, because I'm pretty sure none of them wouldn't ever get through the door of publishers/studios, if they were not structured. Great video.

[@daedricdragon5976]

Thanks for the video. It was quite helpful. Personally, i prefer dan harmon's plot embryo because it's really straight forward but the other methods seemed useful as well :)

[@Reedsy]

I like it for that reason too! It doesn't overcomplicate things

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

You present so very well.

[@calvinlong1265]

Wow! Great video!

[@jo-annehodgson4044]

Nicely done!

[@julialumina1615]

great video!

[@planetdee3587]

I think generally speaking structure is not the hardest part of creating a story and it is always helpful to create a structure, but the hardest part is the filler that connects it all together like general conversation between random characters and little things of the such which add to world building and relationships between characters.

[@yoongitrash2699]

I am currently writing a story about a group of Rebels who want to overthrown an oppressive government, and at the end of the day re build a new one. Which one of the these structures fits this best?

[@thatnikkakris2339]

Depends on how you want to tell it, what tone/theme, and the entertainment medium you want to tell it

[@realce666]

They teach Save the Cat in school? Very cool!

[@PandawithNFTs]

You're Amazing!! 💖❤

[@hatezis]

useful summary :)

[@cwfcwfcwf]

Love your, videos. :)

[@TheDionysianFields]

Given the number of writers out there, this channel seems like it should have more attention. It's hard to find good advice...and I say that as someone who never abides story structure.

[@johnbrennick8738]

The second two structures were new to me. The 27-chapter seems easiest to use, though at first glance it seems the earliest action is not on the first page(s) - I like advice I've read that recommends action to hook the reader in the first page or two. For that, I'll now watch "How to Write a Novel Opening"!

[@miapinney4145]

It's strange, I started writing a novel with like no writing or even much reading experience. I know that's not common, but I just felt like writing. Anyway, I've been working on it two years and just listened to her description of save the cat and my novel fits into it like perfectly and I didn't even mean to do that. Hmm..

[@jonathanhult3555]

Hey! Is there similiar structures for parallell storylines?

[@kyutheyt]

Keep inspiring Ate salamat

[@isaihvega9928]

Woww this is pretty great lol

[@nancythompson6425]

I looked on the Reedsy blog but couldn't find an accompanying post on this video. Are the 4 structure slides (and sub slides) available anywhere?

[@Reedsy]

There's actually not accompanying post for this video, but I could email you the slides if you like!

[@beccaslick]

I've been trying to wrap my head around the differences in Act 3 between Save the Cat and the 27 Chapter Method. Looks like in 27 Chapter Method the All is Lost and Dark Night of the Soul is moved into Act 3 and After the break into Act 3. Would that make the Dedication moment at the end of Act 2 act as a Mini All is Lost moment that further leads the character into learning the theme in Act 3? What do you think of this? Should I not worry about the differences? I've always been a Save the Cat outliner but I'm currently attempting the 27 Chapter Method but I'm struggling with this difference.

[@greenspringvalley]

Some people think there is only one way then argue over which is the way.

[@wantloot5740]

Hello, for 27 beats, you mention that "each act is divided into three blocks and each of the blocks contains a three chapter arc, so the first one will be set up then conflict then resolution we're gonna do that over and over again." I am new to writing and would like to attempt this method. Can you please clarify which is actually 'the first one will be set up, then conflict, then resolution," please? I am not sure if you mean each act is a setup, conflict and resolution, or each block (each 3 chapter arc) is setup, conflict and resolution. If it's each block has a setup, conflict and resolution, are the setup, conflict and resolution explored and possibly solved within each 3-chapter arc? And would, for instance, block 2 in act 1(chapter 4, 5 and 6) be: setup is chapter 4, conflict is chapter 5 and resolution is chapter 6? Thank you! I am excited! I appreciate the explanations as well as the graphics to truly demonstrate the structure. Visuals really help!

[@NickSquiggles]

Hey, the 27 chapter structure was actually created by another KZbinr (Katytastic). She has some videos on her channel about it that helped me with my outlining so they might be worth checking out if you want some more info on it :)

[@zawari2022]

thank you

[@fire5736]

Shaelin (I hope that's how you spell your name aha), with the 27 chapter outline, how can one do the exposition chapters without stopping the plot?

[@bookishwriter9460]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6KYcmiYpdWsi8k This might be worth checking out

[@prernasharma9586]

Umm, I want to ask whether we require a new structure for every book in a series, or we can just continue a structure by breaking it into say 3 parts for a trilogy? I have no experience whatsoever in writing I am just trying to write a good fictional sci-fi novel .

[@daysinv8058]

Shaelin is awesome, what advice is there for science fiction epistolary novels?

[@Reedsy]

I've never read one, but I think the novel How to Lose the Time War is an epistolary sci fi novel so it might be some help!

[@kourtisediting]

Are there any specific story structure for romance or romance/adventure novels?

[@xtonibx5770]

I highly doubt there are any specific structures for romance since romance novels are so versatile and can be paired with elements of other genres, but there are specific standards a romance novel has to have (like a happy ending). A structure that works well and is popular with adventure novels is the 15 beat plot structure.

[@rodschmidt8952]

But when we map the three-act structure onto the wheel, we discover that the Second Act is twice as long as either of the others -- it stretches from the 1/4 point to the 3/4 point. And yet you seem to contemplate the three acts being all the same length. Does the 1/4 point ("First Plot Point", entry into the Special World) occur 2/3 of the way into the First Act? The way I understand story structure is by comparing Star Wars with the Wizard of Oz and A Christmas Carol. 1/4 point: Luke's parents killed and he leaves his planet; tornado takes Dorothy to Oz; Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Past and passes through the wall. 1/2 point: Luke sees Death Star and instead of trying to save the princess he's now trying to destroy the Empire in general and the Death Star in particular; Dorothy meets the Wizard and her short-term goal changes from "off to see the wizard" to "bring me the broomstick"; Scrooge meets Ghost of Christmas Present and "I feel a change starting to work on me." 3/4 point: Battle of the Death Star begins (not sure exactly what the 3/4 point is); Dorothy despairs in the castle and Toto escapes to go get help; Scrooge meets the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and sees the bleak future of himself and Tiny TIm.

[@Reedsy]

I'd say it depends on the piece. Sometimes, the first act might take up 1/4 of the story, other times, 1/3. Story structures like the Hero's Journey usually define it as 1/4, but these things aren't so schematic that the percentages should be followed to a T, and trying to adhere perfectly would probably do more harm than good. It's usually best to just let the story breathe, rather than worry about whether the first plot point is happy 25% of the way through or 30% of the way through.

[@jeffcotten1501]

Can you make a video of character driven vs plot driven stories?

[@Reedsy]

A video on this topic will be coming up soon!

[@Katytastic]

hi there! the 27 chapter structure is actually a method that i developed and i would appreciate being credited for it. the same way you mentioned blake snyder and dan harmon, please include my name if you make further content about this method. thanks!

[@Reedsy]

I had no idea you created it! I'll make sure to always credit you with it from now on. It's really one of the best structures I've seen in my opinion!

[@Katytastic]

@@DaryndaJonesOfficial hi darynda! this is actually the first time i've heard that this method had been used before me--i would love to know if you have any websites/resources that show a 27-chapter method using the same breakdown and terminology as the one shown here! as it is a variation of 3-act structure, it's bound to be similar to other 3-act structures, but i spent years studying structure and combining different versions to develop this detailed 3 act / 9 block / 27 chapter method, which i had never seen anywhere before, so i was under the impression that i had created it. i first shared a video about it in 2011 and have done several updates to it since then. there's absolutely a chance that someone else had previously done a similar structure method, but i was unaware, and if could point me in that direction, i'd love to check it out! maybe shaelin/reedsy could also share where they found this information since they didn't seem to know it came from me? is there another source somewhere detailing this method in this same way?

[@flottikarotti2296]

IcH hAbE dAs GeMaChT uNd IcH mÖcHtE, dAsS jEdEr WeIß, dAsS iCh DaS gEmAcHt HaBe. jk herzlichen Glückwunsch wirklich heftig

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

I’m dying Shaelin. Ask.

[@kevinferrell6466]

How do you spell your name? My daughter is Shaye Lynn.

[@jojosworld8957]

It's spelled Shaelin.

[@rodschmidt8952]

Novels, and their similar structures, have been around a lot longer than Joseph Campbell has. Did he re-invent a wheel?

[@Reedsy]

I think he probably just synthesized the natural way many people were telling stories into a theory!

[@noelkinz]

when i think hero's journey i think of the matrix

[@anilogo682]

Does someone still read these comments? :D I have a question: i feel like my story would perfectly fit into 2 consecutive plot embryo's. Is this possible? :'d

[@druschli8368]

Hello, info dump..hehe, jk, it's not info dump if I'm eager for every bit. Thank you so much.

[@JonnieR]

im writting my very first nove - fanfic, and I find the 27 beat the easiest.

[@arnavdurani9962]

9:35 is what you're looking for

[@sid_draws]

I'm in love with the way she touches her hair and settles them behind her ear. Absolute beauty.

[@darrenfreyauthor]

She mentioned Dan Harmon. I'd be willing to bet she likes Rick and Morty.

[@TylerNOS386277]

Personal question. Are you short? Your frame seems like that of a small person.

[@Reedsy]

Actually I'm average height/tall-ish!

[@linkdap7850]

turn up

[@will_of_europa]

Oh Gurren Lagann is a 15 beat

[@cdsams501]

Did you just say.... unforseen consequences?

[@jojosworld8957]

It's Shaelin.

[@nathanexplosionn]

The Hero's journey is much more than just a structure. It IS the story. It is the template...the Archetype. All of the other structures you mention are nothing more than expanded extrapolations of the Hero's Journey.

[@tariqsaeed2056]

Although Sharon is too young but her experience is very old.

[@caballerosalas]

With all due respect, Star Wars is the worst example of the hero's journey. Lucas, whose talent is to make money, not storytelling, used the hero's journey as a blueprint without even understand it. See, for example, Luke's call of adventure. Instead of being an important call that test the hero, show it the way and introduce conflict between the part that WANTS and NEEDS adventure and the part that WANTS status quo (a great example, Neo in The Matrix), it is basically: Hey kid, do you wanna help me to rescue a princess? No, man, I have to return with my uncles, the miserable farmers... wait a minute, they are dead! let's go!. That movie is so bad, that Luke cries in pain when Obi Wan dies, and he literally has met the guy just 3 days earlier but doesn't shed a tear for his uncles, who literally raise him.

[@jefftonsman]

Yep lmao

[@jimbinho175]

One tip: By simply increasing your pauses your message will be so much more effective. I have a cum laude uni degree but I am just zoning out within a minute of watching. People have very short attention spans and, like writing, you need to hook me with a DYNAMIC speaking structure and LOTS of DELIBERATE pauses. Now you have edited out all the pauses. PAUSES ARE GOOD. They give viewers that crucial moment to digest each point. It is the same as reading a slab of text without line/paragraph spacing. They are there to give the eyes a break. My ears need a break. Effective speakers know this and even use the power of the pause to highlight important points. And then there's this weird tendency now with a new generation of vloggers to cut out every pause and speak as fast as possible. This is the best way to ruin your message. We can see it is edited. Just increase those pauses. Breathe out. Let the camera roll after point one and give us 2 seconds before moving on. Natural pauses aren't bad. They are essential. You need to learn to be comfortable NOT speaking. Every pause is like a podium for your next point. There are books on speaking dynamically and how to keep an audience's attention. Pacing is a very important lesson. I had to stop after 5 minutes.

[@dcruz55]

No! Sorry, it's just the same thing over again. Joseph Campbell broke down all of these steps and looked at archetypes over the centuries. Further more he identified story types which this does nothing for. This is a restructuring of what he has already done so long ago. And the 27 Chapters is a joke! If you write that you will end up with more than 100k words which no publicist will consider.

[@mxyzptlk...]

It's good to know the rules before breaking them, but if anyone actually follows these templates, he or she will write a terrible novel.

[@potatoes4lifersxd813]

you sound like lilsimsie. it’s so weird!

[@commentoria]

Who is this child?

[@johncummins6655]

good content but the jumpiness of the video is very irritating

[@PhantomyreValentine]

This girl doesn't age, does she? lol

[@mr.dr0bot731]

Smoke weed and I garuntee you won't have writers block ever again.

[@nanwuamitofo]

Annoying editing (cutting out the pauses between sentences), yuk. Plus Millennial voice with throaty moments (comes across as arrogant, self-important). Nice info, though. But annoyingly presented both by the narrator and the editor. Bye.

[@DaryndaJonesOfficial]

Fantastic video!

[@sid_draws]

I'm in love with the way she touches her hair and settles them behind her ear . Absolute beauty.