Many writers fear structure, but it can be the key to tapping into your epic story's potential. This piece will explore how structure and a focus on growth can help you write a truly magnificent novel.
In this missive, I’ll be sharing:
Why structure isn't the enemy of creativity
How a strong foundation fuels narrative freedom
The power of growth: Evolving characters, plots and themes in epic fiction
Practical tips for planning your epic story with room for inspiration
Bonus: Demystifying structure with a touch of Saturnian wisdom
The vast landscapes, intricate magic systems and sprawling conflicts of epic fantasy and sci-fi can feel daunting for any writer. The sheer scale of these stories can lead some to believe that structure, with its pre-defined arcs and plot points, is the enemy of creativity. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Structure, in fact, is the hidden foundation that allows your epic story to blossom, providing the framework for a narrative that is both compelling and emotionally resonant.
The myth of stifled creativity
The fear of structure often stems from the misconception that it restricts creative freedom. Writers envision themselves chained to a rigid outline, forced to churn out plot points in a predetermined order. This sanitized version of structure, however, is far from reality.
Imagine a master architect. They don't approach a building by haphazardly throwing up walls and hoping for the best. They begin with a blueprint, a foundational structure that ensures stability and functionality. This blueprint allows for — and encourages — creative flourishes within the established framework.
Structure in fiction writing serves the same purpose. A strong outline provides a roadmap for your epic journey, ensuring a cohesive narrative and a satisfying payoff for your readers. But within this framework, there's ample room for creativity. Unexpected twists, character development that takes you by surprise and vibrant descriptions can all flourish within a well-structured story.
Growth: The heart of epic storytelling
One of the essential elements of any epic story is the concept of growth. Over the course of your novel, characters must evolve, plots become more intricate and themes deepen and intertwine. Structure fosters this growth by providing a clear path for these elements to develop.
Your protagonists and antagonists shouldn't be static entities. They should face challenges that force them to confront their flaws, learn new skills and ultimately change. Furthermore, the plot shouldn't be a straight line from point A to point B. Introduce complications, raise the stakes and force your characters to adapt.
On the literary front, let’s think about J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. The basic structure – a fellowship sets out on a quest, faces escalating challenges and ultimately confronts a great evil – is a familiar one. Yet, within this framework, Tolkien masterfully charts the internal growth of his characters. Frodo Baggins starts as a simple hobbit thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Over the course of his journey, he grapples with doubt, temptation and the burden of responsibility. By the end, he has become a true hero, forever changed by his experiences.
Similarly, the plot in Lord of the Rings also grows in complexity. The initial quest to destroy the One Ring expands to encompass political maneuvering, battles on multiple fronts and the fate of Middle-earth itself. The core theme of good versus evil is explored through the actions and struggles of the characters, gaining depth and nuance as the story progresses.
Examples of structure in epic fantasy and sci-fi
Here are some additional examples that showcase the power of structure in epic storytelling:
Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness: This groundbreaking science fiction novel utilizes a cyclical structure. Le Guin utilizes an ambassadorial mission as the narrative structure, but it acts as a catalyst for profound personal growth for the main character, Genly Ai. He grapples with cultural differences and personal prejudices, leading to a deeper understanding of himself and the alien society he encounters. Here, the theme of acceptance transcends political intrigue.
N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy: The trilogy employs a nonlinear structure, with flashbacks revealing the characters' tragic pasts and adding depth to the present conflict. Each book in the trilogy builds upon the previous one, constantly raising the stakes and pushing the characters to their limits. Essun wrestles with grief, guilt and a desire for revenge, ultimately evolving into a figure of immense strength and resilience. The trilogy's exploration of societal oppression and personal liberation transcends a simple hero's journey.
Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series: Sanderson is a master of intricate plot structures, weaving together seemingly disparate elements to create a truly epic narrative. The series utilizes a three-act structure, mirroring the main character Vin's journey. In the first act, Vin escapes a life of slavery and discovers her unique magical abilities. The second act focuses on her training and assembling a crew to overthrow the tyrannical Lord Ruler. The final act features a large-scale heist and revolution, culminating in a showdown with the seemingly invincible villain. This familiar structure allows Sanderson to showcase Vin's growth from a frightened street urchin to a powerful leader, all while exploring themes of rebellion, social justice and the importance of defying destiny.
Frank Herbert's Dune: This landmark science fiction novel utilizes a hero's journey structure within a complex political and ecological setting. Paul Atreides, the young son of a noble Duke, is thrust into a power struggle for control of the desert planet Arrakis. The structure allows Herbert to explore Paul's development from a sheltered young man into a messianic figure. The intricate political machinations and ecological themes are woven into the narrative alongside Paul's personal journey, creating a richly layered and immersive experience for the reader.
Planning your epic story: Practical advice
Now that we've established the importance of structure, here’s some practical advice for planning your own epic novel:
Start with a strong central conflict. This is the engine that will drive your plot forward.
Develop compelling main characters with clear goals. What are their motivations? What are the obstacles they face?
Outline the major plot points, leaving room for surprising developments along the way.
Craft a character arc for your main characters, outlining their transformation over the course of the story.
Consider the themes you want to explore. How will these themes be woven into the narrative?
Don't be afraid to deviate from your outline if inspiration strikes as it often does. The best stories often take unexpected turns.
Structure is not a straitjacket; it's a compass guiding you on your epic journey. By allowing your story to grow and evolve within a well-defined framework, you'll be well on your way to crafting an epic that will spellbind readers and leave a lasting impression.
The wisdom of Saturn: Structure as a spiritual ally
I wouldn’t be The Book Druid if I didn’t include the spiritual and/or metaphysical in some way. For those who follow astrology, the planet Saturn is associated with discipline, responsibility and yes, structure. Saturn is my planetary ruler for life, so structure is something I’m deeply familiar with and need in my life.
As a writer, you might view this influence as a restrictive force, but from a spiritual perspective, Saturn offers valuable lessons that can empower your storytelling.
Saturn is often depicted as the "taskmaster" of the zodiac, reminding us that true growth comes through dedicated effort and perseverance. In the context of writing an epic novel, this translates to the importance of crafting a solid structure. A well-defined outline acts as a foundation, ensuring your narrative has a clear direction and a satisfying payoff.
Just as a sturdy building requires a strong framework, a spellbinding story needs a strong structure. Embracing structure doesn't stifle creativity; it provides the freedom to explore character development, thematic depth and the magic of storytelling itself.
Thank you so much for everything you put into these newsletters. I like your rune-like pieces. What is their meaning?