Meander, Spiral, Explode: Design and Pattern in Narrative Paperback – Illustrated, 2 April 2019

This is such a critical text for anyone wanting to dive into creative writing. It is suggested as further reading on a few of my modules for Creative Writing at Uni but the library only has 4 copies - not enough to service a whole cohort of students! So, I went and bought my own copy as there are no ebooks available anywhere nor any PDF versions. This is a must read.

I have been disenchanted with the traditional way of telling stories for a very long time, yet was marked down during my creative writing MA for trying to discover ways of adding forward movement with less attention, if any, given to plot. How I wish I had had this book then. It outlines so many other ways of creating patters in fiction with clear explanations and examples. Well written, so readable, challenging in places to get your head around the possibilities but wow, fascinating and inspiring. I'm off to try out some of these 'new' ideas. The best book I have bought in ages.

If you are trying to get to understand the intricacies of writing, you will find many answers in Jane Alison's Meander, Spiral, Explode: Design and Pattern in Narrative.

An original and fascinating look at story structure from a very different angle - perfectly complements the many accounts of the linear properties of narrative, with its arcs, acts and forward momentum. Beautifully written, in depth but accessible.

This is a great book for a writer or aspiring writer red to hone her craft. I found it easy to read, fascinating and original. I think I will return to it again and again.

This was recommended by my writing instructor. It is too academic for my purposes, but if you are passionate about studying/analysing writing you may like it.