How I'm Learning Story Structure

I’m all about improving. That’s really what this post is about. A willingness to learn is important for growth. Those who don’t adopt that attitude stagnate. With that in mind, one of my goals for this year (2022) is to learn all I can about story structure and plotting.
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There are seven areas of fiction: plot, character, structure, scenes, dialogue, voice, and theme. These are the areas I, as well as every fiction writer, focus on when I develop a story. All seven are a continuous learning process because practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes progress.

Why structure and plot? I have no idea. At the beginning of this year, I wanted to start somewhere so I randomly chose those areas. 

So what’s the difference between structure and plot? Plot is the series of events that make up a story. Structure is the layout of the story. Or in more basic terms, Plot is what happens, and structure is how you tell what happens.

Why am I focusing on only plotting and structure this year?

Mostly because Rome wasn’t built in a day. What I mean is, learning takes time and focus. This year I’m learning about those two areas. Next year, I’ll set learning goals in one or two different areas. It’s not a sprint.

So here’s what I’m reading and taking notes on:

What I’m revisiting:

How to Make a Living as a Writer by James Scott Bell—The title is somewhat misleading because Bell doesn’t just talk about marketing. He gives a broad view of the writing process. I revisit this book when I think I need to, especially when I’m about to focus on one area of fiction. It’s sort of like a 100-level college course.

Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes

Writing from the Middle by James Scott Bell

Super Structure by James Scott Bell

Here’s what will be new information for me:

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody—I’m hoping this gives a more narrowed view of the writing process so I can brush up on it again.

Structuring You Novel by K.M. Weiland

Writing & Selling You Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron—What I’m looking for in this book is less about the selling part. I may go back and revisit this section of the book later on. I’m much more interested in the overall structure of a mystery novel.

Writing the Cozy Mystery by Nancy J. Cohen—I’m looking for the same experience from this book as I am from the Ephron’s book.

Mastering Suspense Structure & Plot by Jane K. Cleland

Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell

I’m also signed up for an online course and a few webinars. There are a lot of opportunities to learn from other writers who are willing to talk about what they know. I have a few things lined up for this spring but am always looking for other learning opportunities. 
Also, I have a list of genre fiction books that I’m slowly working through. Most are Mysteries. I’m especially into Cozy Mysteries at the moment. I just finished The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Why Mysteries? The mystery genre is the one of the better places to go to learn from other authors. The absolute best way to learn the craft is by reading.