How to Write a Book
Below is the structure James applies to write his books.
You can follow this structure and find tips to create your own!
Disclaimer: There is no ‘one-shoe-fits-all’ procedure when writing a book.
These are just steps, opinions and tips that worked for the author.
Use this guide as a ‘pick-n-mix’ - Take what you like, leave what you don’t!
When writing a book it’s helpful to follow a structure that successful ones use.
James uses the three-act story structure to plan and write his books (refer to diagram).
This helps build tension from the main character having an internal conflict (main problem) they must face to overcome. This is a misbelief they feel about themselves, or a lie they believe to be true.
At the end, the problem is resolved (the misbelief is proven wrong by the main character) which leaves the reader feeling satisfied.
Continue reading for a break down of each act, accompanied by illustrations from ‘The Tale of Finnegan’ that represent each. Lastly, there’s also helpful tips to create your own!
Act 1
Stage 1: Exposition
At this stage you should introduce…
The protagonist (the main character A.K.A the goody) and antagonist (the opposition A.K.A the baddy).
The setting (where the story takes place).
The main problem (the fear / misbelief that the protagonist has to face to overcome) - Essentially, you’re introducing the plot!
Act 2
Stage 2: Inciting Incident
The inciting incident sets the plot in motion and is often tied with the conflict (main problem) of the story.
The character makes a decision to follow their hopes (as their desires are too strong to ignore) but there’s a risk their fears / misbelief might come true by doing so. This is their internal conflict.
Act 2 continued
Stage 3: Rising Action
At this point, a series of events develop that lead to the main character facing their internal conflict. This should build interest and suspense for the reader.
Stage 4: Crisis
The crisis is the main event that makes the character have to face their misbelief.
Stage 5: Climax
The climax is when there’s a turning point in your story that comes from the crisis. The main character will change in some way - they often realise their misbelief was a lie and their hopes become true.
Act 3
Stage 6: Falling action
The character works to resolve the problems their conflict / misbelief created and all the loose ends of the plot are tied up.
Stage 7: Resolution
The story comes to a reasonable ending (often happy now that the conflict is resolved).
How to Think of an Idea
Now that you’re familiar with how to structure a book, it’s time to plan your own. If it’s hard to think of a story idea, here are some tips to help you get started!
1. Think of a plot.
Read books of the same age that you want to write for (children’s literature, young adult etc) to get ideas for your own. If you find a book you like, select a similar theme as you write better on topics you’re interested in. What twist could you add to the plot to make the story different?
2. Change the setting.
Think of a setting to suit the theme of your book. For example, if your theme is loneliness, think of a lonely place…
A treehouse at the top of the world’s tallest tree? A different planet?
The setting doesn’t need to directly link to the theme, but it helps build the atmosphere.
3. Create your main character(s).
There’s a strong chance you’ve thought of one already. If not, choosing the setting might help you decide.
A monkey in the forest (or space) would suit the example of settings provided.
You could research characters from different books to gather inspiration for you own. Consider their looks and personality. Use this information to build your own character profile. Representing minority groups is encouraged, and agencies love books with diversity.
4. Adding a prop.
Give your character a prop to help drive the plot of your story (e.g. the poisoned apple in sleeping beauty adds to the conflict - a good story always needs conflict). In ‘The Tale of Finnegan’, Callie has a telescope to track down Finnegan who flew away!
As you write your story, the characters, plot, setting or theme can mature or change and that’s OK!
Remember, the plot of the story is important, but it’s the quality of writing that makes it great!