Writing Craft Book Review of Structuring Your Novel

Writing Craft Book Review: Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland

Looking for a plotting system that doesn’t make you break out in hives? 📚✍️
In this month’s writing craft review, freelance fiction editor Miranda Darrow dives into Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story and its companion workbook by K.M. Weiland.

This book takes a big-picture, question-driven approach to story structure—making it especially useful for reluctant plotters, former pantsers, or writers whose outlines feel flat even after using beat sheets like Save the Cat or the Hero’s Journey.

In this review, we discuss:

Finding a compelling story hook and first story question

Building strong first acts, subplots, and stakes

Using setting intentionally (and spotting throwaway scenes)

Character growth arcs, pinch points, and midpoints

How this system compares to other structure methods

Who this book is (and isn’t) for

Whether you’re outlining a new project or restructuring a wandering draft, this review will help you decide if Weiland’s method belongs in your writing toolbox.

📖 Book reviewed: Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland

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