The Structure of Story: How to Write Great Stories by Focusing on What Really Matters (Kiingo Storytelling)

Honestly, I wish I had this book years ago, my writing and storytelling would be leaps ahead already. Since I got this book, my personal writing projects are seeing dramatic improvement and I am having more breakthroughs and working through problem spots with greater ease. If you are interested in screenwriting or storytelling at any level—beginner, intermediate, expert—this is an incredible resource you'll absolutely want in your library. It's thick at over 400 pages. It's a wealth of information taught in a simple, easy-to-understand manner, along with examples so you can see the application. The examples from movies and books are not obscure, they're movies and stories you've actually seen or read before. What I love most about the book that Ross Hartmann has written is that he teaches the principles of storytelling and structure in "microlearning" blocks that are easy to digest, with most subsections averaging one page. I'm insanely busy (aren't we all), and this book makes it easy to pop it open and learn something in 5 minutes if that's all the time I have, or go longer. Because of the smaller microlearning sections, you're not committed to a full hour of reading. In one page of reading, you'll understand the principle and how to apply it to your own work. The way Ross teaches in this book is clear and concise—he gets to the heart of the message quickly without unnecessary fluff. For the price and what you get (amount, quality, ease of understanding) this book is a must-buy. You'll be making breakthroughs in no time with your writing and your storytelling will dramatically improve. It makes an incredible reference to return to as well, with all topics easy to find in the index. Bonus points: The author is very accessible and helpful on social media at Kiingo Creative.

The Kiingo Creative Instagram page has been extremely helpful to me during the writing process so I was excited to see that Ross Hartman had written a book. And I was not disappointed! We've all heard standard writing advice many times but "The Structure of Story" takes it to a whole new level. It provides you with an arsenal of writing tools and dives deep into why those tools work. It goes below the surface and shows you exactly how to apply these principles to your work. For writers who want to master the storytelling craft and create an emotional impact with their stories this is a must. "The Structure of Story" doesn't just help with the writing process, it helps you grow as a writer, by allowing you to understand your story. It focuses on the emotional component of story-telling, something often overlooked by most books on writing. Yet it also applies a practical lens, giving you the tools to create a story that is lasting and impactful. No matter where you are in the writing process this book is sure to help "The Structure of Story" covers everything. This was as informative as a textbook-in fact I had to take notes, I found it so valuable-however unlike a textbook this was so easy to read. It's filled with examples from well known books or movies which made it very accessible and solidified the conceptions. This isn't just a one time read, I know I will be going back when I need help with a particular story element. It is organized in the perfect way to make it a great reference for this. This book will never stop helping your writing skills. You definitely need this on your shelf!

The book came a little dirty on the outside as if used, however the pages were in good shape so I chose not to return. The information in the book is great it really walks you through technique of writing on different genres.

This book is a hidden gem- phenomenal. It should be called “The Science of Story”. It is incredibly informative and presents concrete/applicable advice to maximize creativity in story telling. The author mentions wanting to write a book that he wished he had in the early stages of his writing career. I just want to say thank you to Ross Hartmann for providing me with that very book. This book is especially helpful if you have a general idea of your story as you read it. It’s really helped me take my premise to a more advanced level as I progress with my work. I don’t usually leave reviews but cannot say enough good things about this book.

I read The Structure of Story cover to cover. As a novelist, I was seeking one cohesive book that could help me build the foundation for a solid story telling experience. Ross Hartmann DELIVERS - breaking down complex story telling strategies into easy to understand and implement principles. This is a book that will live on my bookshelf, always within an arms reach for reference. The Structure of Story has tremendous potential to help both new and seasoned writers. As an instructor of writing coursework at a state university, I anticipate including this text on my reading list for students. It offers everything a student needs to lean and master the art of storytelling in a traditional 16 week semester!

This has been one of the best on the Structure of Story. It really contains all the key elements of writing a solid story. Would definitely recommend!

This is a fantastic resource for all kinds of writers, those new and seasoned to the craft alike. The way information is presented in this book is very accessible and entertaining to read. One of the aspects I love the most is the frequent use of examples from popular stories to highlight the various techniques presented here and further drive home the point. There is no exact order you have to read this book in. Whether you're starting a new story or nearing the final act of another, there is no shortage of amazing techniques in this book for all stages of the writing process. Make the Table of Contents page your best friend! The author presents all of this information in a very down-to-earth and humble way that I feel is lacking from many other popular writing resources today. If you follow his page on Instagram it is easy to see that he is very passionate about teaching others the craft of storytelling and is more than happy to answer your questions and discuss storytelling if you decide to talk to him personally. If you're still on the fence about purchasing this book then please take this as your sign to make the leap and buy it! You will not regret it :)

Mostly aimed at screen writing and all of the examples are from movies and television. There is useful analysis but the book is painfully repetitive. Examples from Toy Story and Finding Nemo occur HUNDREDS of times. There is a very good 180 page book screaming to escape from the actual length of 414 pages.

This gem was discovered while looking for writing tips on instagram and there ended the search! I love that the book is relevant to both novices and seasoned writers alike while being easy to read and understand. Each topic sits alongside an example of that specific concept 'in action' and offers clear, thoughtful and crucially, actionable advice for the reader. As a life-long teller of stories, this book is one of those I'm inclined to wish had been written 20 years earlier - there's a reason why I've been yapping about it to all of my writer mates ;)

Me gustó que su enfoque es muy práctico porque el autor va al punto y sin ser dogmático resalta los puntos medulares de lo que es de interés para los que hemos recorrido otros libros que pueden ser esquemáticos y dogmáticos. A mí me parece incluso estimulante y fresco.

Urgency! Deadline! Ticking Clocks! All add dramatic effect and suspense! @kiingocreative, Ross Hartmann, writes a great guide to the why of storytelling - engaging people with drama and changing people with theme. I have been searching for a resource to explain suspense for months, and in a 2 min flip through this book - I got it! #moneysworth. This book goes deep below the surface of storytelling to the 4th level. We come in with a broad view of the landscape, move in closer to the architecture, closer again to the people, and finally, we are immersed in the scene with our hands touching things, our eyes focusing, our minds judging, our hearts emoting. We are sweating and living through the events with the writer and characters. Ross explains there are no set rules to get our audience engaged in our story, but tools, like ticking clocks which add suspense or drama, anxiety, or urgency to a scene. 5 stars.

Whether you are interested in writing your own stories, or just interested in how films and Tv are structured-- to enjoy the craft of the professionals who spend there lives perfecting their passions, squeezing out the dreams through talent and hard work. This book is the absolute bible for everything revolving around a story. Ultra short chapters, extremely well thought out and put together, with examples from films that we all know. I don't see how there could ever be a better book put together on this subject. It's ultra digestible, ultra palatable from a total novice to 100% usable for the highest level of story tellers. Not only is this a learning tool, but exactly that: A tool. The chapters are perfectly constructed so that you can easily go back and almost like a checklist, check off aspects of your story. I can't say enough good things about this book. I will use it forever probably, as a reference, going back though it, making sure I didn't miss anything and making sure it's in my story. This is a must for any and all people who are interested in the mechanics of storytelling. I could go on and on, but the more I would effuse praise on this, it might turn someone off it as too good to be true. I have zero affiliation with whoever wrote this, it's just rare I find something put together in this way. No 20 page chapters, going on and on, filling space with words to arrive at the predetermined number of words for to get the book published. Did I mention there are like over 400 pages of this. Crazy. Strunk and White have the grammar bible for the most part, this is on that level for storytelling. Anyways! Give it a try, you won't be let down. Also as you can see in the picture--I normally highlight everything I feel is useful. Most of my books have sparse highlighting, this I just gave up after the first 20 pages, because there is not a word that doesn't have a purpose of being there.

I have a mountain of story writing craft books, many of them useful, but this one tops them all. In a concrete, analytical way, Ross Hartmann provides tools for creating narrative drive in a story, that is emotionally engaging and deeply meaningful.