The Anatomy of Story, by John Truby

Posted by Jennifer Jensen Jun 22, 2009

I was given a copy of John Truby’s The Anatomy of Story, and wow! It’s far deeper than the usual how-to-write-a-novel book that I come across. I’ve highlighted passages, and I’ve re-read two particular chapters several times, applying what he says to my own stories.

Truby is a very successful screenwriter, but the book is written for novelists and playwrights as well. A story is a story, and whether you’re writing a quietly intense literary novel or an action-packed blockbuster, Truby’s storytelling techniques will make you think.

I’ve been getting some serious writing time in lately (a good thing!), but am trying to keep up with my education as well, and The Anatomy of Story is worth the time if you’re up for it. But I wouldn’t really recommend it for new writers until they’ve read a few of the typical how-to’s and tried to apply the basic skills in their own stories.