Story and Structure

"After reading this book, you will never see a story in the same way again. Loved it!" - Alice Bennett, Reedsy Discovery

"I resisted the impulse to eject the book through the nearest window, and pressed on. And I'm glad I did ... I would unreservedly recommend this book." - John Issitt, Facts & Fiction Magazine

"Leon Conrad takes readers around the world to look at eighteen distinct story structures - from Quest to Tricksters, from Rags-to-Riches to Death-and-Rebirth. The idea that stories can be mapped using six symbols is fascinating. Yes, there are rules and laws that govern every story that's ever been told. Anyone who loves to read stories - or loves to write them - will find much to learn and amuse in STORY AND STRUCTURE" - Lisa See, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"With a breathtakingly simple and yet profound handful of symbols, Conrad has created a flexible and precise system for analyzing the inner structure of stories. With this lens he lays bare the absolute essence of all the imaginable story forms, from fairy tales and quest stories to tragedies, riddles and koans. It's a powerful tool for storytellers and scholars and will change forever how you view the simple but profound act of saying 'Once upon a time..'" - Christopher Vogler, author of The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers

"A scholarly and intricately detailed analysis of the writing process." - Joan Singleton, screenwriter/producer

"Beats Joseph Campbell at his own game." - Simon Heywood, University of Derby

"Conrad spent years doing the heavy lifting of studying classic texts from around the world and pulling out the narrative and structural rules that any writer needs to know. Buy this book, read it, study it and write better stories inspired by the classic themes and structures." - Rich Krevolin, author/screenwriter

"Genius approach...Does for story what Foucault did for history." - Alexander Tsigkas, Democritus University of Thrace

"It's brilliant. I am on my third read through and haven't made any notes. It is informing my thinking and changing it." - Phil McDermott, Founder, The Story Emporium