Why I Don’t Teach Structure for Books

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Why I don’t teach structure for books. Well, technically I do, but not in the way that others teach it.

Another conversation I had with a woman at AWP during one of the mini book coaching sessions I held was all about her book, which she thinks is going to be kind of a big family saga spanning her grandmother’s life, her mother’s life, and her own life. She’s sorting through family memorabilia, including letters, and she wants to do interviews with her ancestors.

She’s feeling very overwhelmed with all the topics and themes she wants to cover, and all the material she already has.

“Where do I start?” she asked. “I feel like I need to know what the structure is in order to start organizing and figuring out what to prioritize.”

In todays’s episode:

• yes, some writer’s work better with an outline from the beginning

• when I recommend using an outline to start

• why I don’t recommend one for this woman’s project

• how to find out if you have enough material for more than one book

• working without an outline is a little bit like walking in the dark

• the linear structure of the narrative isn’t always readily available—and why that’s okay

• interacting with the energy of your creative work

• the work of an writer and an artist is learning to be comfortable in uncertainty, which will permeate every area of your life

• how yoga taught me to increase my tolerance for discomfort

Links mentioned in this episode:

• my popular masterclass designed to help you finally write (& finish) your book!

• Get 10% off your first order of whole bean coffee from a boutique Northern California coffee roastery.

• More about Under the Gum Tree

• More about my coaching & editing services

• book a 1:1 with me to talk about your book structure (or anything you like, really!)

• Follow, subscribe & find show notes for this episode at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com

• follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies

• follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtree

Question for you:

How do you practice increasing your tolerance for discomfort? Share you experience in the comments! You can leave a question, too, and I’ll respond (and maybe even address it in a future episode!).

Thanks so much for listening and for being here! xo