Textures of Text: Book Review ~ Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

My shelves sag with writing books.

But this one won’t make it to the shelf any time soon. Story Engineering demands a second reading.

Maybe a third.

A lingering over several paragraphs and pages.

Because there is so much here.

Yes, he does repeat a lot, but that’s what my brain needs. Repetition in various forms. And his analogies rock–from the human body to surgery to cooking to flying to baseball.

Concrete examples that make me say, “I think I get it. I really think I can do this fiction thing.”

And maybe do a better job on a strong first draft–artfully and efficiently.

Larry Brooks believes that every successful story is constructed with six core competencies–four basic elements (concept, character, theme, and story structure) and two narrative skills (scene construction and writing voice.)

And they all need to be present for a strong story.

Lack one, and the story collapses because of bad engineering.

“The Six Core Competencies deliver that basic level of understanding to writers seeking to bring their stories to life. When applied in context to a full understanding of how the parts relate to one another, they become the contents of a powerful writing tool chest that not only opens the door to future publication but is essential to it.” p. 17

This is a book for new writers, struggling writers, and writers who enjoy a taste of success. It’s for plotters and pantsers. There’s something here for everyone.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255