How to Structure Your Novel Before You Write It - Reedsy Live

Why should you structure your novel before you write it? Unless you're the most avid pantser (a writer who flies by the seat of their pants), you'll know the value of planning out your novel before you tap away at the keyboard. But why does it really matter?
Caroline Leavitt is the New York Times Bestselling and critically acclaimed author of Is This Tomorrow, Pictures of You, Cruel Beautiful World and nine other novels. She also teaches writing to students at Stanford and UCLA and in this Reedsy Live, she shares one of her most popular lessons, covering topics like:
- Establishing the premise
- Finding the story
- Creating characters with needs and wants
- Reveals and reversals.
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[@jumpinjupiter1165]

I see I am going to have to listen to this at least three times. Really great!

[@LoisFMiller]

Caroline was fantastic. Great insights for me.

[@ZombieJohn]

She was great-loved the presentation!

[@kimberlychifmakher1076]

Caroline Leavitt! What fantastic insight! You gave me so many ideas and I am sure it is going to help me. Thank you so much. You are an incredible teacher. I want to write like you!!!!

[@AlexiaM]

This was SO informative. I’ve watched so many writing videos and this really gave me a great starting point and outline of how to create an interesting story.

[@ishanshelke3476]

Very informative !! Thanks a lot !!

[@MissHolliday3110]

I've never taken so many notes! I would love an outline template or bullet list of these that I could use to help outline a novel. My notes are all over the place, literally written on an envelope!

[@michaeldpitman]

Caroline is one of my favorite authors!!! Love hearing this…

[@ExploreEmbraceExpress]

I appreciate this content and advice so much. Thank you.

[@80budokai]

Reedsy, great video! Enjoy your Thursday! 💯🙏🙌

[@briantellstales]

Completely changed my mindset when it comes to writing! Also congrats on 100k Reedsy!

[@HammersteinDavid]

Excellent presentation. Clear and practical.

[@albertmarble]

Fantastic! Thank you! I'm huge on structure and realise its importance to novel over the last few years but Leavitt sounds like she really has it mastered. My biggest weakness is the stakes thing. I still have a little ways to go but may just look into her consultations.

[@aok1951]

A very helpful video. A lot to take in so will watch and watch until I am happy I understand all the information. Thank you.

[@kamuelalee]

Very interesting and helpful information. Thank you for posting!

[@tomaria100]

Really helpful!

[@lillithanne9704]

This is excellent. Thank you Caroline Leavitt & Reedsy (To the gentlemen moderator, please introduce yourself in your videos. I love your watching you but I can't find who you are...) Thank you both!

[@nabilamiah3814]

Finally, an interesting lecture!

[@radhikap7721]

loved it

[@faisalsalam33]

Really awesome. She was fantastic. Thank you.

[@CharleneCarrAuthor]

This was great! Thank you.

[@thunder5x]

Thank you for your wonderful insights

[@spirituallylovingme-11]

This is some good advice

[@wiseauserious8750]

Great stuff

[@thebookwasbetter3650]

3:49 John Truby is the bomb! Forget Robert Mckee!

[@georgestimola2511]

Am I the only person who sees real value in Caroline's core lessons while also thinking I am witnessing a profound misreading of "The Great Gatsby"?

[@leadcode9436]

great