In past PiBoIdMo posts, I’ve encouraged you to…
This time around, I want to focus on structure.
Just like houses and dinosaurs, every story needs an underlying framework.
Most of my books follow the Classic Picture Book Structure:
- MC has a problem
- MC faces obstacles that escalate
- MC encounters a black moment in which things can’t possibly get any worse
- MC figures out how to solve the problem
- MC grows/changes by the book’s end
My latest book, PRINCESS IN TRAINING, is an example of this.
Behold!
Princess Viola is great at skateboarding and karate-chopping, but she’s lousy at the royal wave, walk, and waltz. The king and queen are not pleased. What’s a princess to do? Attend the skill-polishing Camp Princess, of course. In the end, it’s a good thing Viola is made of tougher stuff. Who else will save the day when a hungry dragon shows up?
This is how the Classic Picture Book Structure works with PRINCESS IN TRAINING:
- Princess Viola Louise Hassenfeffer has a royal problem. She is not an ordinary princess and the kingdom is unhappy about it.
- Princess Viola faces three obstacles at Camp Princess (she is unable to properly master the royal wave, royal fashions, and royal dancing).
- A hungry dragon shows up at Camp Princess.
- Princess Viola uses her unique skill set to save the day.
- Princess Viola may not be an ordinary princess, but she is deemed the darling of her kingdom anyway.
Although the Classic Picture Book Structure is my super-favorite way to frame a story, there are a variety of other options. Below are many of them along with some examples.
Circular:
The story’s ending leads back to the beginning
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie; When a Dragon Moves In
Concept:
The story focuses on a single topic or category
All the World; Kindergarten Rocks; Hello Baby!
Cumulative:
Each time a new event occurs, the previous events in the story are repeated
My Little Sister Ate One Hare; I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
Mirror:
The second half of a story echoes what occurred in the first half of the story
Old Bear and His Cub; Boy + Bot; A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Parallel:
Two storylines are taking place at the same time
The Dog Who Belonged to No One; Meanwhile Back at the Ranch
Reversal:
Character and/or plot is portrayed in a way that is opposite from the norm
Bedtime for Mommy; Children Make Terrible Pets; Little Hoot
This month, I’m challenging myself to come up with at least one story idea for each of those frameworks. C’mon, groovy PiBoIdMo people. Who’s with me?
Tammi Sauer has five picture books debuting in 2012: Me Want Pet!, illustrated by Bob Shea (Paula Wiseman/S&S); Bawk & Roll, illustrated by Dan Santat (Sterling); Oh, Nuts!, illustrated by Dan Krall (Bloomsbury); Princess in Training, illustrated by Joe Berger (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt); The Twelve Days of Christmas in Oklahoma, illustrated by Victoria Hutto (Sterling). She recently sold two books at auction to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The idea for one of those books—The Farm that Mac Built—sprang from her 2011 PiBoIdMo Idea List. It has a cumulative structure. Ooh.
And another “ooh” for you: there’s a PRINCESS IN TRAINING prize pack waiting for a lucky PiBoIdMo’er who completes the 30-ideas-in-30-days challenge. Comment on this post AND complete the challenge to be entered (you’ll be asked to take the “PiBo Pledge” on December 1st to verify you have 30 ideas). A winner will be randomly selected in early December. Good luck!
221 comments
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November 7, 2012 at 12:05 am
The Backdoor Artist - Mary Livingston
I have a granddaughter who is a “princess in training” much to her mother’s dismay, 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 12:07 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Love the challenge to come up with one story in each structure! Thank you Tammi and Tara – another great post!
November 7, 2012 at 12:14 am
Larissa
Thank you for the structure lesson! I would love to join you in creating stories for each of those structures.
November 7, 2012 at 12:30 am
S.H. Sherlock
Great post! Very helpful to see these different frameworks outlined.
November 7, 2012 at 12:41 am
Lori Alexander
What a year you’ve had, Tammi! My kids LOVE your PBs. Congrats on all your success!
November 7, 2012 at 12:43 am
tinamcho
This is very handy, Tammi, to have all these structures laid out in one place. Thanks so much! Oooh, you just made the challenge even harder. 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 12:46 am
Sandra C
Thank you for listing these structures along with examples! I aspire to join your challenge. Congrats on all your upcoming books!
November 7, 2012 at 12:49 am
Rebecca Colby
I can’t resist a challenge. Just might have to take you up on that. And I love the sound of ‘Princess in Training’. Not sure yet who will get it for Christmas–the daughters or me!
November 7, 2012 at 12:51 am
Sally Matheny
Thanks for the post Tammi. Very helpful. And congratulations on all your book deals! Your hard work is paying off!
November 7, 2012 at 1:07 am
theitaliancob
Really useful post, so consise, I’ll definitely be using this, thanks.
November 7, 2012 at 1:13 am
katiemillsgiorgio
Thanks for the excellent reminder of structure options!
November 7, 2012 at 1:15 am
juliebehm
What a fun challenge! And I love this book. I have a niece that is tough little princess and I must read this to her. I think she’d love it!
November 7, 2012 at 1:15 am
Romelle Broas
I like your idea of trying to write a story for each of the story frameworks you mentioned, Tammi.
November 7, 2012 at 1:57 am
Elizabeth Stevens Omlor
Hail, Tammi Sauer, oh knowledgeable one. So many types of plots…my mind is spinning faster than a duchess at a royal ball. I have a skateboarding husband, a daughter who’s a wannabe princess and a son who knows the names of all the princesses in all the lands by default. This prize pack would be a royal blessing! Great post ! Thanks so much ladies!
November 7, 2012 at 2:08 am
Dee Almond
Thanks for the lesson on structure. I immediately went through my idea list and thought about the best structure for each one. Great post.
November 7, 2012 at 2:54 am
Ramona
Love your idea Tammi of trying to write a story using each of the different types of story frames!
November 7, 2012 at 3:10 am
Deb Lund
Wow, Tammi… You are rockin’! Congratulations on all the upcoming books, and thanks for suggesting structure as a starting point.
November 7, 2012 at 3:14 am
Susan Halko
This is very helpful! Thanks for including examples of each type of structure.
November 7, 2012 at 3:24 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
Oh goodie, structure, and examples! Thank you Tammi for taking us by the hand, and congratulations on five picture books this year!
November 7, 2012 at 3:59 am
Dianne de Las Casas (@AuthorDianneDLC)
Tammi, genius post, as USUAL! You are one of my favorite picture book authors. Your books are so fresh, innovative, and full of the “take-away.” I LOVE LOVE LOVE Princess in Training. Viola Louise Hassenfeffer is a name I just want to repeat again and again and again… ❤ YOU!
November 7, 2012 at 10:26 am
tammi sauer
Thanks, your highness. 🙂 xoxo
November 7, 2012 at 4:15 am
Lynne Garner
A great post – one I’ll be sending to my picture book students!
November 7, 2012 at 5:19 am
wendyjb
Five books in one year – incredible! Congratulations – and thanks for the structural inspiration – will certainly attempt your challenge!
November 7, 2012 at 5:51 am
Donna L Martin
Hi Tammi!
This is a FABULOUS post! I never really stopped to think about the various ways a picture book can be created. What a great list of explanations and examples! I’m printing this post off and hanging it on my bulletin board! I accept the challenge to create different styles of picture books…:-)
Donna L Martin
November 7, 2012 at 6:02 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Tammi, congrats on your five picture books debuting in 2012!
Appreciate the handy list of picture book structures.
Thanks for including the links to your 2009-2011 PiBoIdMo posts also.
November 7, 2012 at 6:03 am
Yvonne Mes
Great post! Love the inspiration, and your new book.
November 7, 2012 at 6:09 am
Andrea
This post is so helpful! Thanks for making it easier to develop a story structure!
November 7, 2012 at 6:52 am
laurasalas
Wow! 5 pbs out in 2012! That is awesome. And thanks for the structure round-up. I’m in–I love starting from a structural premise.
November 7, 2012 at 7:18 am
Jody Jensen Shaffer
You make it sound so easy, Tammi! Thanks for the great post.
November 7, 2012 at 7:22 am
Lori Lehman
I always look forward to your PB advice posts, Tammi. Thanks!
November 7, 2012 at 7:24 am
Cindy
Thanks for your hugely useful and to-the-point post. I’m going to look into those other story framework examples. Not sure I can do all, but will try. And congrats on the success!
November 7, 2012 at 7:24 am
The Ink Pond
Great post! The different structure ideas give me new ways to rewrite existing manuscripts that are stuck.
Thank you.
Tia Svardahl, The Ink Pond
November 7, 2012 at 7:31 am
erin o'brien
This is great food for thought, Tammi! I love the idea of challenging myself to come up with something for each of the frameworks. Thank you!
November 7, 2012 at 7:32 am
Janet Smart
Great post and really helpful! I’ll take the challenge with you and try to come up with a story in each of those structures.
November 7, 2012 at 7:36 am
karenkallischeesman
Hooray for extraordinary princesses!
November 7, 2012 at 7:39 am
Valarie Giogas
Great reminders. I love the examples listed in each structure.
November 7, 2012 at 7:40 am
Beth Gallagher
Fabulous reminders, Tammi! I’m with you on the framework challenge. Your advice has also helped me get unstuck in one story that has been at a standstill for some time. Thanks!
November 7, 2012 at 7:48 am
Alexa
I’ve never seen these structures all laid out together. Super helpful. Thank you!
November 7, 2012 at 7:51 am
Gayle C. Krause
Extremely helpful, Tammi. Clear and concisely laid out, a wonderful tool with excellent examples. 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 7:54 am
evelynchristensen
Great suggestions about structure. Thanks for giving examples of each kind. I’m guessing that in a couple of years your princess book will be perfect for my granddaughter. At 10-months her parents definitely are steering her away from the ‘ordinary princess’ role.
November 7, 2012 at 7:55 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
Not only did you set out and define 6 structures – you alphabetized them!! Now can anyone come up with the acronym behind CCCMPR? 😉 Thanks Tammi.
November 7, 2012 at 8:11 am
Carolyn
Cute idea
November 7, 2012 at 8:24 am
Becky Hall
Thank you Tammi… and yes, i will try to try to use more variety in my stories. This list will be mounted in my writing journal and referenced often.
November 7, 2012 at 8:25 am
Abigail hicks
Thank you! Great post and a great challenge to try and think of things differently.
November 7, 2012 at 8:26 am
Pat Haapaniemi
Great post, Tammi! I’m with you!
November 7, 2012 at 8:30 am
janelle
Great post!
November 7, 2012 at 8:39 am
Julie Falatko
If my 4-year-old daughter finds out there’s something called Camp Princess, even a fictional Camp Princess, then I’m going to be spending my days playing Camp Princess.
And,as basic as it is, I’m going to be coming back to this to remember all the basic parts of Classic Picture Book Structure. Sometimes I don’t bring my MC to as dark a place as they really could go.
November 7, 2012 at 8:40 am
Catherine Johnson
My daughter would love that book, great tips!
November 7, 2012 at 8:45 am
Jacqueline
I never thought about it before, but now I see that most of my ideas are for the classic picture book structure. Time to try something new! Thanks for giving me a fresh way to look at this.
Jacqueline Adams
November 7, 2012 at 8:52 am
Cheryl
Thanks for the list of picture book structures. I’ve been looking for something like that for a while now.
November 7, 2012 at 9:01 am
Tracy
I say good for Princess Viola and Tammi, thanks so much for the review in ways to twist a story.
November 7, 2012 at 9:04 am
Natasha
Congrats on all your success, Tammi, in 2012. I am inspired. Bawk and Roll sounds hysterical- I’ll keep an eye out.
November 7, 2012 at 9:04 am
Jennifer Faragitakis
This was a helpful post and a great idea for a challenge. Thanks!!
November 7, 2012 at 9:06 am
Kirsten Larson
What a great way to spark ideas. As a nonfiction writer, I normally start with subject matter or “character.” This will definitely throw some new ideas into the mix. Thanks Tammi!
November 7, 2012 at 9:07 am
Lynn Anne Carol
Great advice. Simple yet very complete. It’s now on it’s way to be posted by my computer.
Thanks,
Lynn~~
November 7, 2012 at 9:16 am
Sue Poduska
Thanks for the glimpse into your creativity. Very useful structures.
November 7, 2012 at 9:17 am
Jenn DesAutels Illustrator
Thanks Tammi! I will take on your challenge!
November 7, 2012 at 9:18 am
Amy
This is super helpful to me…I’m going to use this for sure! Grazie!
November 7, 2012 at 9:19 am
Erin
Looks like a great book.
November 7, 2012 at 9:20 am
Keri
Thanks for the awesome list of structures and the challenge — now to see if I can pull it off! And here’s to unconventional princesses!
November 7, 2012 at 9:29 am
Diana Murray
Thanks, Tammi! Very useful post. I’ve never tried to come up with ideas for each kind of structure. Sounds like a fun challenge! Congratulations on all your upcoming titles!! Well-deserved success.
November 7, 2012 at 10:21 am
Diana Murray
By the way, I’ll never listen to “Party Rock Anthem” the same way again. 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 10:29 am
tammi sauer
Ha! Yes. Mine is the educational version. 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 9:30 am
maria johnson
Very Groovy Challenge !!! I”M IN !!!
topangamaria
November 7, 2012 at 9:31 am
Joanna
I have not seen these different structures put out all together like this. What an utterly useful post. Thank you, Tammi!
November 7, 2012 at 9:41 am
h1jackson
Thanks for laying out all the structures in a friendly way! Good to keep in mind! Can’t wait to read Princess in Training.
November 7, 2012 at 9:46 am
Erin Fennell
Five picture books in one year! Congratulations! You are such an inspiration!
November 7, 2012 at 9:47 am
Bonnie Adamson
I love your structure categories and definitions, Tammi, and will definitely take up the challenge to try one of each!
November 7, 2012 at 9:54 am
LA
I love your teacher approach to this post. The hour of your presentation made the entire SCBWI fall retreat worth it’s weight in gold. You rock girl friend! Many thanks for setting me on fire…again!
November 7, 2012 at 10:34 am
tammi sauer
Yay! Glad you made a cameo in Oklahoma–it was great meeting you. 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 9:55 am
Liz Miller
Thank you Tammi, this is such a helpful post and what a wonderful name for a Princess or anyone for that matter! I shall work hard to meet your challenge!
November 7, 2012 at 9:56 am
Deb Marshall
Thank you, thank you for this! Looking forward to using your structure post to explore some new ideas today. Yay for a Princess Prize Pack…I like the sound of that!
November 7, 2012 at 10:00 am
Ashley N. Bohmer
Your post is helping me see where I might be able to take some current ideas to make them better or how I might be able to shape some new ones!
November 7, 2012 at 10:02 am
Robin Bulleri
Great post, and great ideas to keep me going.
November 7, 2012 at 10:04 am
Carol Nelson
Great post! Thanks for structure primer. This is a great tool for me as I play with the ideas I’m gathering.
November 7, 2012 at 10:09 am
Jarm Del Boccio
I love the storyline in “Princess in Training”…adorable! Thanks for these helpful list of structures. I’ll bookmark these, and use as a reference…thanks Tammi!
November 7, 2012 at 10:11 am
Sharon Putnam
Wow!! Five picture book released in one year!! Super Congratulations!!
Love the challenge of coming up with a story in each of the structures
November 7, 2012 at 10:19 am
Carrie Finison
Great post, Tammi! I’ve been making a list for myself of the different story structures and examples of each one — so glad you listed the examples. I just tried writing a cumulative story last month and it was fun (though challenging) to do.
Congratulations on all your releases — wow, 5 in one year!
November 7, 2012 at 10:24 am
Hilary Leung
Fantastic! What a great list!
November 7, 2012 at 10:25 am
Rick Starkey
Great topic! I think that sometimes it is good to be reminded of the basics. Especially for a beginner like me. It is so easy to stray from what we should know and “do our own thing”.
November 7, 2012 at 10:27 am
Heather Newman
Excellent idea, Tammi! I’m going to try to cover each of these six structures this month. Congratulations on having five picture books out this year!
November 7, 2012 at 10:33 am
Genevieve Petrillo
I will print this post and put it on my bulletin board. That is NOT a promise to get 6 ideas to match the 6 types of books, but I will look at it sometimes and see what happens. I LOVE IT!
November 7, 2012 at 10:44 am
Laura Renauld
Thank you so much! I need those structures in my back pocket.
November 7, 2012 at 10:46 am
viviankirkfield
Tara, thanks for having Tammi as the guest poster today!
Tammi…are you sure we don’t have to pay $$$$$ to be able to read this post…I am SERIOUS! You just gave us a picture book writing workshop presentation that is FANTASTIC! How is it that some people are able, in a few words, to convey powerful ideas clearly? I guess that’s why you have so many books that are being published…BY THE WAY…CONGRATULATIONS ON THAT!!!!
I love your challenge…and promise to try…I think it will be a wonderful pb writing exercise.
Thank you, Tammi…this golden nugget on pb structure is twinkling brightly in my PiBoIdMo treasure box. 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 10:54 am
Mary Flynn
This post was so informative, The information about the different types of structures is priceless. Thank you so much.
November 7, 2012 at 10:55 am
Beth Stilborn
What can I say that hasn’t already been said? This clear and concise overview of structure is of such value for us all — and I’m definitely going to try to follow your example and do the challenge within a challenge of coming up with an idea for each structure possibility. Printing this out right now!
November 7, 2012 at 10:57 am
Gail Kamer
Great ideas. I’m putting them into my notebook to help me pop ideas into my head!
November 7, 2012 at 10:57 am
C. C. Gevry
This is a neat idea. What a great challenge. Thanks for sharing the different forms and some examples.
November 7, 2012 at 11:00 am
Linda Norman-Lyman
Great post!
November 7, 2012 at 11:07 am
B.J. Lee
Tammi – what a wonderful, teacherly post. Thanks for laying it all out there for us. I love all the great ideas in this post!
November 7, 2012 at 11:20 am
Maria Gianferrari
Thanks so much, Tammi. I LOVE your books, and thanks too for reminding us that structure is the key to building a successful and sturdy picture book. Stucture = freedom!
November 7, 2012 at 11:22 am
PiBoIdMo Day 7: Every Day Tammi Sauer is Structurin’ « Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) « One Way to Wonder
[…] PiBoIdMo Day 7: Every Day Tammi Sauer is Structurin’ « Writing for Kids (While Raising Them). […]
November 7, 2012 at 11:32 am
Elisa Robinson (@elisaitw)
Love structure. And so important to recall that the picture book structure itself is an art form that imposes a constraint that can inspire creativity.
November 7, 2012 at 11:34 am
Ashley Bankhead
I always love reading advice from Tammi. She always gives great ideas that make me want to get out and write. Thanks for the post.
November 7, 2012 at 11:36 am
Sheri Dillard
Thanks, Tammi! Very helpful! 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 11:39 am
Judy Cox
Great post! I get lots of ideas that don’t go anywhere. I’m making a note to think about my ideas in the context of story structure.
November 7, 2012 at 11:42 am
Stephanie Shaw
Me want Princess In Training:) Thank you, Tammi, for the great post and also for bringing kids (big and small) such great stories. You rock.
November 7, 2012 at 11:43 am
Desiree Batson
I love this idea! Thanks so much.
November 7, 2012 at 11:53 am
bluerabbit
Thanks so much for the clear, informative post!
November 7, 2012 at 12:02 pm
Kerri Kokias
I adore this post! One of my greatest pet peeves with writing picture books is that so many talks/resources only address the classic picture book structure. Does anyone know of any good resources that really explore some of these other structures in great depth? Eve Heidi Dine-Stock’s book How to Write a Children’s Picture Book Volume 1: Structure does but I want more! I love the challenge of using this month to come up with ideas for some of the other frameworks. Thanks!
November 7, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Kerri Kokias
And by Dine, I mean Bine.
November 7, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Julene Kinser
Thanks for a great lesson on structure, Tammi. Wow, I now have a nicely categorized reading list.
November 7, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Julie
That’s a great idea – to challenge oneself across different structures. I am also challenging myself this month to come up with an idea that could be written in fewer than 100 words. Wish me luck on that one!
November 7, 2012 at 12:37 pm
Laura Anne Miller
Tammi, first of all – congrats on all your books coming out this year!!! Thank you for the toolbox of structure elements. I’m embarrassed to say I have not consciously categorized my stories. Shame on me..to make up for that I will write 50 times ‘I will categorize’….better yet….I will join you in trying to come up with ideas for each category during PiBoIdMo. Thanks, again.
OH–a reminder to everyone…don’t forget to stop by www,PictureBookMonth.com There’s great stuff happening!
November 7, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Laura Anne Miller
sorry– http://www.picturebookmonth.com
November 7, 2012 at 12:45 pm
Elizabeth Rose Stanton
Words of wisdom from a master! Thank you, Tammi! I’m with ya! 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 12:50 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
Great post, Tammi. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Princess Viola sounds like a great character!
November 7, 2012 at 1:00 pm
laurimeyers
I’ve been going round in round in circles writing anyhow, I might as well try the circular structure!
November 7, 2012 at 1:04 pm
stephseclecticinterests
What a super informative post! Thanks so much. And your princess story sounds fantastic. I’ve gotta read it.
November 7, 2012 at 2:29 pm
bucherwurm65
Excellent post! Very informative. I will try to think of at least one idea for each structure. Thanks!
November 10, 2012 at 2:02 pm
stephseclecticinterests
Aren’t they great ideas?
November 7, 2012 at 1:08 pm
What is Your Earliest Picture Book Memory? « Laura Miller
[…] editor Emma Ledbetter, illustrator James Burks, and author/illustrator Deborah Freedman. Author Tammi Sauer talks about […]
November 7, 2012 at 1:16 pm
wendy greenley
Thanks for the structure, Tammi. While I “know” these structures are out there, I’ve never consciously set out to use one–or all. This is a good challenge within the challenge!
November 7, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Lauri
Congratulations to Tammi for having five picture books out in one year! That’s awesome!
November 7, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Lisa Anchin
What a great post! I’m am definitely going to take that challenge. As an illustrator, the structure of a story has always been the hardest part for me. Your mini outlines are a brilliant way for me to dive right in!
November 7, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Rachel Hamby
Thanks, Tammi. Your posts are always inspiring!
November 7, 2012 at 1:27 pm
Patricia Tilton
Yes, congratulations for publishing five books in one year! Really enjoyed your post. Great reminders that I think I’d liked posted in my file as a reminder. Best of luck with your books!
November 7, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Sallie Wolf
Thanks for the thoughtful discussion of structure in picture books. Picture books don’t always have “plots” but they must have structure.
November 7, 2012 at 1:31 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Great post – and challenge for us to try all those structures. Also – princesses not only have to save their friends from dragons, but they also have to deal with belligerent frogs (ever since that girl kicked her soccer ball into the well…)
November 7, 2012 at 1:38 pm
Kelly Parker
Great suggestion! Sometimes you tend to get stuck that a picture book has to be one way, when there are really so many options for its structure!
November 7, 2012 at 1:40 pm
sharann
Enjoyed the structure lesson. Thanks! My 3-year-old daughter has 3 older brothers and reminds me very much of your princess above. It’s nice to see a book like this for all the not-so-typical princesses.
November 7, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Juliet Clare Bell
Hi Tammi, Thanks for an excellent post -and challenge. My latest book is also about a princess who doesn’t want to conform (The Kite Princess, Barefoot Books)! I think they’d get along… I love the sound of the challenge (and I’ve been thinking on and off about a circular story since my first PiBoIdMo three years ago. But I wonder if anyone could give me an example of how a mirror story works as I don’t quite get what it is yet. Sorry to be dopey. I’m really intrigued and would love to have a go at that as well as the others.
Thanks, Clare.
November 7, 2012 at 2:53 pm
tammi sauer
I think the best way to understand how that structure works is to study those examples. Another thing you can do is type out the text of Boy + Bot and note the parallels.
November 7, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Laura Sassi
I’m in! I love the idea of brainstorming at least one PiBoIdMo story idea that fits each of the frameworks you describe. Thanks for another great post!
November 7, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Stacy
Very informative…so many good structures, so many good books…the princess in me wants them all right now!!!
November 7, 2012 at 2:57 pm
tammi sauer
Thanks so much for the comments, everyone! I’m really glad this post was helpful. I hope it leads to some amazing ideas. 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 3:03 pm
carterhiggins
Every day I’m structurin.’ ALL DAY IN MY HEAD.
WORTH IT.
Dancing.
November 7, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Debbie Smart
Tammi, Thank you so much for a such an inspiring and informative post! Love the challenge!
November 7, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Kevin J Doyle
This is a really well written post and so useful. Show a structure, give example of how that structure is used, show other structures, challenge us as writers. Brilliant! Thanks for the excellent info.
November 7, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Kristin Gray
Clare, I thought of Kite Princess when I was reading the structure for Princess in Training. 🙂 Tammi, this is another super post (reminds me of Anastasia’s PB course). So thrilled for your stellar year. And I’ll take you up on the challenge. Pretty sure I’ve typed out a Sauer text or two to study up on structure. J
November 7, 2012 at 3:06 pm
lindamartinandersen
Thanks so much for sharing the different structures of a picture book. I don’t know about meeting your challenge, but I’m glad I’ll be able to consider various structure possibilties as I brainstorm ideas this month. Thanks again for the information!
November 7, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Debbie Mickelson
I like the idea of the different structures and attempting at least one story from each of them. Another new challenge.
November 7, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Sandy Asher
Very helpful, Tammi. Thank you! So much grist for the mill in one short post!
November 7, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Jennifer Glahn Reck
I love the story structures you shared! Thank you! I hope I win!! I like Debbie’s idea to try to attempt a story from each structure…I think I can!
November 7, 2012 at 3:24 pm
renajtraxel
Challenge accepted.
November 7, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Kate Rose Johnson
YEAH! Tammi Sauer – so exciting to read your lively post and motivational tid-bit about The Farm That Mac Built 🙂 You were inspirational at the SCBWI conference this Spring and continue to bawk our world! Thanks a mil for the lesson – it’s a keeper!
November 7, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Pat
I’m in! You’ve added some needed structure to my free-form week. Thanks! Also appreciate the link to previous articles of yours. And congratulations on having FIVE new books coming out!
November 7, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Darshana
Thank you Tammi for the informative post.You listed a few structures which I hadn’t heard of. Will need to look into it. Thanks for providing a list of books.
November 7, 2012 at 4:18 pm
Penny Klostermann
Wonderful post. I have already printed out the list of structures to post in my work space!!! I’m in for the challenge, too!
Huge congrats on all of your books, Tammi!
November 7, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks Tammi for the royal post!
November 7, 2012 at 4:55 pm
Laura Thieman
Dear Tammi: Your post helps me to befriend Structure, which is a tricky one for me!!! Thank you sincerely for your words and sharing your passion.
November 7, 2012 at 5:03 pm
dredlocs
great post
November 7, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Tim Canny
I’m writing down all these structures in my PiBoIdMo notebook as a reminder. Thanks!
November 7, 2012 at 5:51 pm
Michelle Proper
We just rec’d Bawk & Roll yesterday here at the library! Too cute!
November 7, 2012 at 5:46 pm
Kathy Cornell Berman
I’m ready for the challenge. Thanks Tammi. And congratulations are in order for your soaring career as a writer! You are an inspiration. Thanks!
November 7, 2012 at 5:47 pm
LeslieG
i ❤ tammi sauer 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 7:23 pm
DaNeil Olson
Fabulous post! When I teach writing to my students, I remind them that without a plan and foundation, a house will fall apart. The same is true of a story. Thanks for the reminder!
November 7, 2012 at 7:30 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
I have my idea! I want to win the give-away (the book for our family, the princess stuff for my little sister)! I need to get a bunch of Ms. Sauer’s books! 😀
November 7, 2012 at 7:39 pm
sruble
Great post Tammi! And I love your new PRINCESS IN TRAINING book! Already thinking about how to incorporate all the story structures into my PiBoIdMo ideas this month. Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 7:46 pm
Jenny Boyd
Thanks for laying the foundation, Tammi! Being a week into PiBoIdMo, I find that the ideas aren’t coming as easily as they were the first two or three days. When the idea well dries up, I’ll ponder the different story structures and see what kind of story ideas I come up with using that approach.
November 7, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Diandra Mae
A refresher in story structure is just what I needed! Thanks for the excellent post, Tammi! Now I can take a few of my ideas and add a little oomph to the plots. 🙂
November 7, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Dawnyelle moore
This post was most academicly helpful to me. It also came at a perfect time, as I was becoming bored and out of ideas. Thank you!
November 7, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Angie Breault
Thank you for the post. I didn’t realize there were so many different structures in bhildren’s books. Good to know we can mix it up a little if we want to. One of my girls would LOVE the princess book. Thanks for the opportunity.
November 7, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Cindyb
This post is going to be printed out and referred to over and over and over…. Thanks!!!
November 7, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Michelle Levin
What a useful post! I agree with CindyB – I am going to print this one. Thank you!
November 7, 2012 at 8:49 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
Great post, Tammi! I really appreciate the examples you gave for each type of pb structure. I’m up for your challenge, I was getting a little stuck the last couple of days, this really helps!
November 7, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Jodi Moore
Tammi, love this post! And I love how you use the example of both houses and dinosaurs needing underlying frameworks – lol! May I also say that I am honored and more than a tad thrilled *Tigger dances* that you used WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN as an example…? 😀 Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom!!! ❤
November 7, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Sue Frye
Awesome post, Tammi! I’ve already copied it to my computor for future references. Thanks so much:)
November 7, 2012 at 9:56 pm
Jenn Bower
Starred this post so that I can refer back when I am at that stage. And, wow, congratulations on all the titles coming out…you are linked with some stellar illustrators
November 7, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Bill Bibo
Great post. I often find it easier to be creative within a structure than a totally free form. Guess it’s the architect in me.
November 7, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Maria
This is fantastic for not only a story structure overview, but as an example of taking that idea to the next level. Thank you, Tammi!
November 8, 2012 at 12:01 am
Sally
Great post Tammi! You outlined and simplified different ways to structure a picture book. I love your imagination–that all most important x-factor in any story. Thank you Tammi and congratulations on your new titles coming out soon.
November 8, 2012 at 12:13 am
Lois Sepahban
Thank you, Tammi!
November 8, 2012 at 12:29 am
Gail Handler
Thanks Tammi! I’ll give a different structure a try. I love Meanwhile Back at the ranch. I turned it into Readers Theater with my 4th graders when I was teaching! Looking forward to reading Princess In Training!
November 8, 2012 at 12:37 am
jessica shaw
Oooh, good stuff, thanks Tammi! This is the first time I’ve run across a list of PB structures. 30 shiny, new story ideas AND great prizes up for grabs…so glad to be participating in PiBoIdMo this year!
November 8, 2012 at 12:51 am
kirabigwood
Well I’ve learned something today. Thx for the post!
November 8, 2012 at 6:41 am
Michelle Barnes
Thank you, Tammi, for this post and your posts from past years as well. I found all of them extremely helpful– both practical and motivating!
November 8, 2012 at 7:00 am
Marcy P.
FUN!!!!! I love this post! And the links to your others. I know it’s so basic (structure) but I think sometimes my brain wants to overcomplicate it… and it’s good to remember the finer points to story 🙂 Thanks!
November 8, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Deb B
Thanks for the review of different structures. I love the challenge to do one in each- get me out of my comfort zone. Congrats on your books this year. My little one in kindergarten just read your Me Want Pet and loved it!
November 8, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Therese Nagi
Great post Tammi! I’m archiving for future reference. Congratulations on your new book!
November 8, 2012 at 1:28 pm
deborah freedman
This is definitely one to bookmark, Tammi, for someone (me) who could definitely use some structural assistance!
November 8, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Kerry Mazengia
I’m the queen of lack of structure and going my own way – so thanks for the ideas for putting structure in place.
November 8, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
I like the thought of developing ideas this month that could potentially fit into each of these 7 structures. This post challenges my brain – thank you! I also like Ann Whitford Paul’s points on structure in her book, *Writing PIcture Books: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication*.
November 8, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Linda Moore
Glad I left space in my journal. Just went back through each idea and made notes with your post at hand. Thank you!
November 8, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Christie Wright Wild
I want to be a princess…
November 8, 2012 at 7:40 pm
helennhill
Thank you for a great summary of all these plot categories. What a great challenge! I shall strike pen to paper . . . And how about the story that is one tagent after another and ends completely unresolved without any conflict at all? I find most kids love these!! : )
November 9, 2012 at 12:46 am
Kari Allen (@Kari_D_Allen)
Great structural advice! Thank you!
November 9, 2012 at 1:35 am
Talynn Lynn
I loved these tips! And Princess in Training would be the perfect book for my little girl. She’s princess everything! (um, me too:)
November 9, 2012 at 2:29 am
Kristiane Pedersen
Thank you for making your post so easy to understand and follow. Great information!
November 9, 2012 at 5:39 am
pennymorrison
Tammi, I like this challenge. I will have fun coming up with stories to fit these different structures. Your explanation of each one is so clear. Also, it’s nice to be told to use a different structure to the regular one. I know it works, but there are so many fantastic books with different structures.
I can’t wait to read princess in training.
November 9, 2012 at 9:37 am
Kim MacPherson
Love the listing of the different structures, Tammi — thanks so much and they are definitely already sparking some new ideas!!
November 9, 2012 at 9:46 am
Angela De Groot
Thanks, Tammi. I am up for the challenge.
November 9, 2012 at 10:33 am
mbeaversillustration
This is an awesome list of references and ideas! Thanks so much!
November 9, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Rebecca Walton Evans
amazing reference, it’s always good to have a cheat sheet of all these ideas in one place!
November 9, 2012 at 3:36 pm
rlkurstedt
I’m also going to try develop at least one idea from the each framework. what a great idea. Thanks.
November 9, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Joanne Roberts
Tammi, thanks for the succinct list. I have been avoiding some plot types, so I am going to write each of the 7 on different pages in my notebook and join you in the challenge to create at least one story for each.
November 9, 2012 at 11:21 pm
Hannah Holt
What a great idea! I’m printing your list. I needed a little structure in my brainstorming. Thanks, Tammi. 🙂
November 10, 2012 at 10:32 am
Sharon Calle
This is a great resource for structuring a picture book. Thank you for laying it out so clearly. I will definitely refer to it as I write!
November 10, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Catherine
Great post and really useful, print out and stick to the wall info. I’m going to add this story to my ‘to read’ list, it sounds great :o)
November 11, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Felicia Lilley
very informative post !! AND I am doing the PiBoIdMo challenge. 🙂
November 11, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Colleen Rowan Kosinski
Great challenge!
November 12, 2012 at 11:03 am
Marcie Colleen
Thanks, Tammi! We can never hear about structure enough! Good luck in trying to write one idea for each structure type. What a great challenge!
November 12, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Sue Gallion
Your very succinct structure challenge will be great for looking back on brainstorming ideas, too. Thanks, Tammi!
November 12, 2012 at 12:54 pm
gj olson
Tomorrow is my official coffee shop writing day and a copy of your post will be just the motivation I need (plus good coffee!) ~ thanks!
November 12, 2012 at 1:23 pm
cocoanqueso
I’m looking forward to finding ideas for each of these! Slight rulebreaker that I am, I think I’m going to try to come up with a new structure too. Why not!?!
November 12, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Cath Jones
Really helpful, thanks! 🙂 Very clear explanations.
Cheers!
November 12, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Brook Gideon
Great post reminding us of all the ways we can weave a story! I will definitely try the numerous ways!
November 12, 2012 at 6:46 pm
angelapenadahle
This was a good moment to refresh my memory on story structure. Thanks a million. I’m tempted to try each one, as I haven’t used them all before.
November 13, 2012 at 2:45 am
Anjali Amit
Love the way you clarified the framework that makes a book strong. thinking on it, all PB’s build on one or the other framework. Thanks.
Anjali
November 13, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Claudia Broglio
Awesome post. Thanks!
November 13, 2012 at 7:46 pm
SevenAcreSky
Okay! A challenge within a challenge…I think I’ll try this. Thanks, I’ve been reading Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schmidt. You’ve condensed a lot of what I’m learning into a PB viewpoint, so I think I can begin to categorize my ideas this month into your structures. Great challenge, thanks Tammi. (PS – Bawk and Roll is great!)
November 13, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Lori Grusin Degman
Thanks for the challenge – Tammi! It’s so easy to stick with the story form we’re familiar with. You’ve motivated me to break out of my comfort zone!!
November 14, 2012 at 12:02 am
PiBoIdMo Day 14: Tamson Weston Says “It’s a Book, Not a Unit” « Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)
[…] structure is a springboard. If you are using a traditional structure, of the kind that Tammi Sauer recommends in this post, great! But don’t use it as a fetter, let it be the springy energy beneath your feet (or […]
November 14, 2012 at 5:44 pm
cekster
This is something to refer back to! Thanks for the craft lesson and inspiration.
November 15, 2012 at 8:45 am
Emily Lim-Leh
I like having structure. Thanks for laying it out so neatly for us- this is extremely helpful! I’ll love to build a few different story houses with these frameworks!
November 15, 2012 at 11:36 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
Structure is great! (Especially if you find a creative way to break that structure in some small way!)
November 16, 2012 at 11:55 am
Jill Proctor
Wow! What a lot of great information. I’m going to have to take you up on your challenge. I love the different structures. I’m definitely going to save your post. Thank you very much! And 5 books in 2012!?! Wow!
November 16, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Priscilla Mizell
I keep returning to this post because it is so interesting to me. Aside from the basics of “will this PB fit within x number of spreads,” I rarely think about the structure. I love this challenge.
November 17, 2012 at 11:53 am
marylouisealucurtom
Thanks for the awesome information about Story Structure! You should seriously think about writing an instructional book about this material!
November 20, 2012 at 1:52 am
Lisa Olson
Thank you for the ideas on different directions to go in. I’ve been trying to do a few different structures, but haven’t tackled them all yet.
November 25, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for your reminder of structure – it’s one of my favorite things about picture books, and I love the idea of coming up with story ideas to match the different story structures.
November 7, 2013 at 2:35 pm
Holly Bliss
I’m with you! 🙂
February 18, 2014 at 11:44 am
What I Learned During Picture Book Idea Month - Caroline Starr Rose
[…] PiBoIdMo Day #7 — Tammi Sauer (books in the picture above are taken from this post) […]
June 6, 2014 at 7:01 am
Your Kidlit Questions Answered! Part IV | Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)
[…] Every Day I’m Structurin’ (by Tammi Sauer) […]
November 11, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Thank you for all of your posts- So helpful! And congratulations on all your success- Your books are fantastic!
November 11, 2014 at 4:47 pm
Diane A. Sherrouse
Princess in Training is such a fun way for girls to appreciate their individual strengths, and to know that success doesn’t always mean fitting a mold. The various structure guidelines are great for getting a story idea on its way!
November 11, 2014 at 5:37 pm
Jill Siegel
Just read this archived post: More helpful suggestions from Tammi Sauer! I’m going to try to write a new idea with each of these structures. What a great idea!
November 11, 2014 at 10:10 pm
Pam Miller
Six different ways to structure. Now that’s a challenge. Thanks,Tammi.
November 30, 2014 at 11:48 pm
Colleen Kelley
Yes, I’m going to look for ways my ideas might work with each of these structures. Thanks for the idea.
July 2, 2019 at 12:14 am
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Thanks yet again for this post. Yep, I’m still coming back to it. One of my CPs stories, sounded like it could use one of these other structures. I was thinking it was circular, bit came back to be sure. It was mirror I was suggesting! Thanks so much, ladies!
February 6, 2021 at 12:22 am
Michelle S. Kennedy (@MichelleSKenned)
Tammi- I appreciate your explanation of all the different writing frameworks. This info really helps me understand the different ways of setting up a story and build a great arc. I will definitely be referring back to this blogpost when writing new drafts!