Story Structure: The Key to Successful Fiction

The Red Sneaker Writers Book Series, Volume 1

By: William Bernhardt

Narrated by: William Bernhardt

“Writing is structure,” William Goldman said, but too often aspiring writers plunge into their work without grasping this fundamental principle. Story structure is one of the most important concepts for a writer to understand - and ironically, one of the least frequently taught. In this book, New York Times best-selling author William Bernhardt explains the elements that make stories work, using examples spanning from Gilgamesh to The Hunger Games. In each chapter, he introduces essential concepts in a direct and easily comprehended manner. Most importantly, Bernhardt demonstrates how you can apply these ideas to improve your own writing.

William Bernhardt is the author of more than 30 books, including the blockbuster Ben Kincaid series of legal thrillers. Bernhardt is also one of the most sought-after writing instructors in the nation. His programs have educated many authors now published by major houses. He is the only person to have received the Southern Writers Gold Medal Award, the Royden B. Davis Distinguished Author Award (U Penn), and the H. Louise Cobb Distinguished Author Award (OSU), which is given "in recognition of an outstanding body of work that has profoundly influenced the way in which we understand ourselves and American society at large."

The Red Sneaker Writing Center is dedicated to helping writers achieve their literary goals. What is a red sneaker writer? A committed writer seeking useful instruction and guidance rather than obfuscation and attitude. Red sneakers get the job done, and so do red sneaker writers, by paying close attention to their art and craft, committing to hard work, and never quitting. Are you a red sneaker writer? If so, this book is for you.

©2013 William Bernhardt Writing Programs (P)2014 Babylon Books

Important information for Novelist

What did you love best about Story Structure: The Key to Successful Fiction?

Bernhardt shares essential information in a concise, easy to understand way. His approach is witty, encouraging and engaging. I enjoyed reading and hearing this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Not Applicable

Have you listened to any of William Bernhardt’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. I listened to his Red Sneaker book, "Creating Character: Bring Your Story to LIfe".
Bernhardt does an excellent job in both audio books.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not Applicable

Very well presented

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes it is very easy to understand and is a great primer on the subject of structure. He gives good advice.

What did you like best about this story?

His examples are proof of the successful novel's minimum requirements.

Which scene was your favorite?

N/A

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Story Structure: The Key to Successful Fiction?

Structure is a roadmap for success in any genre.

Any additional comments?

Also he will come through on the promises he makes regarding the print version of the book. He is determined to help future writers break into print not just sell a book.

Life Changing!

This book IS the key! A life changing book for any new or struggling author.

Very helpful

Any additional comments?

This book was very helpful to me. I did learn some things about story structure that I wasn't able to learn from other places, either because they weren't covered, either because they were more clear explained in this book. I also liked the info about outlining also. Made sense to me.

Contrary to what another reviewer have said, the author does give examples from other books also, not just from his own work.

Great advice!!

Succinct, clear, and valuable advice. I really appreciate that this book had its own voice and style as well, even though it is instructional. Too often such topics are presented in a very dry and boring fashion.

Solid Advice

What made the experience of listening to Story Structure: The Key to Successful Fiction the most enjoyable?

I'm an experienced, but yet-unpublished writer. I found Bernhardt's advice kept me thinking on the track I wanted to roam. It reminded me of things I had already learned. He had great examples, but kept thing generic enough to apply to what I was writing.

What did you like best about this story?

I love that he's willing to send the diagrams that couldn't be represented in an audio book.

Any additional comments?

I enjoy Bernhart's humor - like suggesting you buy multiple copies of his books - and I found reading one of his books that he practiced there the ideas that he presents in this series.

Wonderful

I’ve been reading about writing for years, and this year I’m committing. I came upon William’s books and this was simple and to the point. I love how he doesn’t overcomplicate his message. I can’t wait to listen to more!

Want to write? Here's where to start.

One the most helpful and honest approaches to teaching. Burnhardt, delivers with crystal clarity, making the journey successful. You'll never read any book the same way. Finely, a book written on structure, and its 'key'role whittled down and articulate with accuracy. His entire writing series a gift to those, like me, who want to write, and well.

Succinct Summation of Story Structure

Mr. Bernhardt’s book on story structure is a straightforward encapsulation of the elements of classical story. I’ve read and applied material produced by other story theorists as I learn the craft. This concise book was a satisfying summary and confirmation of the things I’ve learned from those sources. It helped solidify the major aspects of storytelling and writing in my mind. I’m sure Mr. Bernhardt will be pleased to know that his book also has wetted my interest in his fiction works. Thank you.

Addicted to Series

I started at the beginning. This one was good - I learned several new tips and heard many others reiterated. Since listening to this offering, I've almost listened to them all and I find they are quite good. To be taken in bits and gentle reminders while you are plodding away at your craft.