In Story Structures: Architectures of Narrative Nonfiction, author and educator Kathryn Aalto teaches a masterclass in the craft of narrative design. With clarity, warmth, and a deep understanding of the written form, Kathryn demystifies the often-overlooked architecture and science that underpins compelling nonfiction. This course is a practical and inspiring exploration of how structure supports substance—how form shapes meaning.
Writers will explore ten essential narrative structures, from classic arcs to braided, fragmented, and non-linear forms. You’ll learn to identify the scaffolding best suited to your material—whether memoir, nature writing, travelogue, biography, or cultural commentary—and gain tools to construct stories that are cohesive, engaging, and emotionally resonant.
This narrative nonfiction masterclass offers a thoughtful combination of analysis, craft discussion, and guided practice. Through case studies, close readings, and hands-on exercises, you’ll not only deepen your understanding of narrative shape but also leave with a toolkit for building stronger, more intentional work. You will understand what your material needs, how to rearrange it, where to accentuate and delete, and why all of it is important but not especially understood.
What You’ll Learn
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Foundations of Narrative Design
Uncover the key elements that make nonfiction stories structurally sound and emotionally compelling.
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Arc, Plot, and Structure—Defined and Distinct
Learn to differentiate between these core concepts and use them to shape dynamic, well-paced stories.
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The Science of Storytelling
Discover why curiosity, tension, and pacing are essential to reader engagement—and how to harness them effectively.
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Crafting Intentional Narratives
Move beyond instinct to design purposeful essays and narratives that speak with clarity and impact.
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Choosing the Right Form
Understand how structure aligns with purpose, and develop confidence in selecting the narrative form that best amplifies your voice and vision.
Whether you’re shaping early drafts or refining existing work, this masterclass is designed to give you a clear framework for building narratives that resonate. With Kathryn Aalto’s expert guidance, you’ll learn to think about how the structure of your writing holds not only your story, but the attention of your readers—so your stories endure.
Course Details
📅 Date: Saturday, May 10, 2024
⏰ Time: 4:00–7:00 PM BST
📍 Format: Live Online via Zoom (Recording Available)
💷 Tuition: £60 (includes a 25-page course booklet Story Structures: Architectures of Narrative Nonfiction by Kathryn Aalto)
By the end of this masterclass in story structures, you’ll understand how to build nonfiction narratives with intention and precision, transforming your ideas into stories that resonate. This course is ideal for writers at any stage who want to refine their storytelling and understand how to be the best architect of their narrative nonfiction.
