WRITING CRAFT: FIND THE RIGHT STRUCTURE FOR YOUR STORY #2
Write from instinct, shape with intention
Every story needs a solid backbone. Beat-based story structures can provide exactly that. Beats are the pivotal moments that give a story its rhythm and momentum. Different writers swear by different beat frameworks, from the classic Three-Act Structure to modern beat sheets like Save the Cat. But how do you find the one that fits your story?
In my last post, I broke down the most common shape-based structures. And introduce the best-known shape-based story structures. You can refresh here (helpful to have open as I’m revisiting them below):
WRITING CRAFT: FIND THE RIGHT STRUCTURE FOR YOUR STORY #1
Structure shapes how readers feel, process, and remember what you’ve written. A story without structure might have beautiful moments, but it risks losing tension, resonance, or even clarity. The right structure strengthens pacing, supports emotional shifts, and ensures each scene builds toward something.
Below, I’ll walk you through a two-part decision tree to determine which one is best for your needs. By the end, you’ll have a clearer map for your narrative journey.