5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging but brilliant explanation of story structure for writers

M.L. · May 31, 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } One key failing of so many stories is a lack of good story structure. It’s such a common problem, and there are all kinds of ways to structure a story out there, from the Hero’s journey to Save the Cat, to a dozen or so others.The problem is, most of those structures work well for certain types of stories, but less well for others. The omnipresent Hero’s Journey, for example, is a poor fit for stories with female heroes because it’s heavily biased toward masculine motivations and drives. And romances are problematic with that structure.If the writer doesn’t know which structure works well for their story’s genre, their story can end up a mess.The brilliance of Truby’s book is that it works for ALL genres. Though he comes from a Hollywood background and primarily uses films as examples, his structure works for novels just as well. Furthermore, if you check out his ANATOMY OF GENRES book (also available here on Bolo at https://www.Bolo.com/Anatomy-Genres-Story-Forms-Explain-ebook/dp/B09NK6VGT8) you’ll see how he adapts this structure to each major genre. It’s also less film-centered and includes explicit advice for novels as well as screenplays.I highly recommend BOTH Truby’s books for writers who are serious about their careers.The downside of this book is that it’s a VERY dense book to read and may require multiple readings to fully comprehend. But this book is well worth the effort if you want to become a writer of high quality stories. And his book on genres really needs prior reading of this book, ANATOMY OF STORY to fully grasp what he says.

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb book for an experienced writer who wants to improve. Useful for the novice

A.H.J. · November 28, 2013

If you're interested in writing a great story, especially if you're struggling with taking a good story concept to a great concept, this is the book you must read. It doesn't matter if you want to write a novel, screenplay or short story, you will benefit.To understand why I make this statement you need to know that I've written many non-fiction books and that I am transitioning to fiction. As such I've spent thousands of dollars on conferences, paid editors to review my work, bought over 20 books on craft and discussed my work with other writers. Reluctantly, I came to the conclusion that I'd have to work through this on my own, synthesizing the knowledge that I gleaned. Perhaps if I hadn't done all of this, I would not be able to recognize the genius of this book. Here's some of the things that I learned on my first read:* How to succinctly create the premise of my story (the TV Guide-type blub)* How to identify my designing principle (I had trouble with this)* How to weave in the theme (moral points of my story)* A structure that I can ADAPT to guide me through the process of creating my work.I can't stress how important these things are to me. As I've explored writing top quality fiction, I've found myself becoming "lost in the funhouse." I've tried to decide whether to use a three-act structure (James Scott Bell and many authors are big on this) or a five-act structure as suggested by James Frey for thrillers or something else. I've tried to build dynamic outlines (Million Dollar Outline) and I've tried to decide how much time to allocate to each project. The answers to each of these questions are now becoming clear to me. (As I follow the advice, I become more confident.)While this book will be valuable if it the first book on craft that you read, it probably won't do you as much good as if you have read other books and have experienced frustration first. When I read something like this, "Three act structure is a mechanical device and has nothing to do with its internal logic--where the story or should not go," I have an ah-ha moment. I know that this is true. I have always know it, what I didn't know is how to make the story feel organic, and that is exactly what this book addressed in detail.

5.0 out of 5 stars Truby on Your Shoulder

M.E.C. · January 17, 2009

I wasn't aware that John Truby had finally put his Classic Story Structure class in print until I ran into a person who had a copy of this book. I was thrilled to see that indeed it is "the works" and have since bought it and I'm now using it in my third rewrite of my latest screenplay.I've even started a Facebook Group, The Truby-philes, at: [...]If you've purchased this book or taken any of Truby's classes, please become a fan of the group and share your thoughts, insights, challenges and questions. Having taken his Classic Story Structure and Action classes, I've been pretty well versed in story structure and have incorporated it in over 25 scripts, 13 that I consider marketable and 3 of which made it to the semifinals in 2 different contests. However, each new idea presents its own unique challenges, and getting feedback from other Truby-philes can only be helpful. Hence the group.So, as I read through the book, I'm doing the recommended exercises in a notebook and I'm really enjoying it. It's like have John sitting on my shoulder while I do my rewrite (only much lighter). One thing I realized in between my 1st and 2nd drafts of my latest script was that I didn't really set up the Opponent correctly or thoroughly enough. It made the action in the story seem a bit irrelevant or almost pointless. I was so excited about the premise, and thought I knew my stuff enough, that I went off half-cocked.Now, with what I've read and done so far, I'm noticing how much more texture and emotional depth my story has and how the opponent is coming into much, much more focus, promising (what I hope will be) a very cool third draft. Hopefully a contest winner this time!Definitely join the Facebook group to keep up with my progress and, of course, buy the book! It beats all of the others out there.A word about the annoying catch-phrase, "the three-act structure." That has unfortunately permeated all of the aspiring screenwriting community as well as too much of Hollywood, leaving people ultimately floundering in search of solid ground or a reliable meaning behind those words. The notion comes from the Theater where plays consist of 1, 2 or even 5 and 6 acts (operas too), none of which helps explain the underlying workings of "narrative" at the heart of either those stories or any others. Truby's work does explain the workings very clearly and very, very precisely, while also showing how true craft only frees the artist to explore and create, it does not limit.Enjoy the book!

Best book

T. · May 9, 2024

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Your just need this. Buy it. And the Anatomy of the Genre

Lives Up To The Hype

P.M. · March 4, 2024

Was sceptical in reading this book as there are so many claiming to have the answers to storytelling at a publishable level. Also relevant to film scriptwriting as many of its examples attest. This isn't an easy book to fully digest, but worth the effort I reckon and one I will study further.

This book is Gold!

L. · April 28, 2016

Half way through and I can't believe how much it's already opened my eyes to all the techniques and possibilities on storytelling. No other book, workshop or classes etc has come close to what this author has to offer. John Truby is masterful at his craft. He explains it in detail with examples and much more. Mind blown, you gotta buy it if you want to expand your storytelling abilities. You have nothing to loose as I can promise you, you will learn something if not a lot of new things about becoming a master storyteller. He's not kidding! Buy buy buy...best money spent. Selling all other books purchased before this one. No need for another book on story telling unless John Truby comes out with a second book. If he does I'm throwing all my money at him haha (but seriously I will).

Çok iyi

C. · December 13, 2024

Mükemmel

Ohne TRUBY geht es nicht (oder zumindest nur schwer)

J.R. · February 7, 2017

Grundsätzlich war - und bin - ich immer skeptisch was die Autoren von "So schreibt man ein erfolgreiches Drehbuch und verdient damit eine Menge Geld"-Werken betrifft. Erinnert zu sehr an die Händler, die zu Zeiten des amerikanischen Goldrausches gewinnbringend Karten über "sure shot " Fundstätten für faustgroße Nuggets am Straßenrand verkauft haben. Hierbei stellte sich doch immer eine Frage: Wenn ihr wisst wo das Gold liegt, warum holt ihr es nicht selber aus dem Boden, sondern verkauft die Karten für ein paar Dollar?Nun die einfache Antwort bei JOHN TRUBY ist: Weil Goldschürfen eine verdammt anstrengende, langwierige und mitunter (trotz der besten Karten) fruchtlose Angelegenheit ist. Genauso verhält es sich mit ANATOMY OF STORY. Wer davon ausgeht, dass er dieses Buch an zwei langen Wochenenden mal einfach so durchliest und dann ein meisterhafter Geschichtenerzähler wird ist schiefgewickelt. TRUBYs Anleitung (und das ist sie, eine Anleitung!!!) ist so komplex, dass man sie nicht so leicht nebenbei lernen kann. Hier hat sich nämlich jemand die Mühe gemacht aus Hunderten Filmen die grundlegenden Muster zu extrahieren - in ihrer ganzen, angemessen Komplexität. Hierbei geht es weniger um künstlerische Sinnfragen (Was soll ich schreiben? Und warum?), sondern im Grunde fast ausschließlich um das Handwerk des Drebuchschreibens. Und das fehlt bitterlich in Deutschland! TRUBY hilft dabei diese Leerstelle zu füllen. Allerdings muss man sich darauf gefasst machen, dass es Monate bis Jahre dauert das alles so zu internalisieren, dass man es auch umsetzten kann. Und selbst dann ist es NATÜRLICH keine Garantie für ein gutes, oder gar großartiges Drehbuch - weil diese Qualität logischer Weise davon abhängt, wie komplex jeder Autor das Leben wahrnimmt und abbilden kann. Aber im qualitätsarmen Deutschen Umfeld sollte es dennoch reichen ein paar "Movies" gemacht zu bekommen. Vorausgesetzt, man ist bereit sich wirklich in dieses Buch zu vertiefen! Also die Schaufel über die Schulter geworfen, den Stetson tief ins Gesicht gezogen - und ab in den Mienenschacht. Es lohnt sich!