Narrative arc and structure to me are very different things. Arc is the beginning, middle and end of a story. Structure is the order in which that arc unfolds (chronological, reverse chronological, thematic, parallel, etc). We can tell a story by beginning from the end of its narrative arc.
Character—learning how to make the invisible visible by exploring origin stories and motivations. At the same time, it’s important not to overwrite people. Our job is not to explain every last detail, but to select telling moments and qualities that allow the reader to imagine the rest.
Great point! Understanding narrative structure is crucial, just like in sci-fi storytelling. As Frank Herbert said, “The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.” How do you apply this in your writing? 🪐📚
They create a container of trust, where honest feedback and real progress can happen. Writing is deeply personal; having someone who understands both the craft and the courage it takes to write from life makes all the difference.
And just as importantly, find a good teacher. A strong teacher doesn’t just critique your work—they see where your voice wants to go before you do. They offer not just technique, but perspective. A good teacher knows when to nudge, when to push, and when to let you struggle.
Finally, I would surround myself with the right support. Writing may be a solitary act, but progress rarely happens in isolation. Find a writing community—even a small one—to help you stay accountable, give you encouragement, and challenge you to grow.
Third, I would prioritise my writing rhythm & overall well-being. What’s your chronotype? When are you most creative—morning, afternoon, or night? Do you build in rest days to recharge? Your brain isn’t a machine—it’s an ecosystem.
(Trust the reader’s intuition—create space for them to engage emotionally and fill in the blanks.)
Dialogue—letting people speak for themselves on the page, which brings authenticity, advances the story, and often makes your job easier.
Second, I would focus on mastering the essential storytelling tools:
- Narrative arc—understanding how tension is created as a lead character navigates the obstacles of change.
Just as someone might hire a personal trainer to learn how, why, and when to lift weights, I’d take a course in Narrative Non-Fiction or The Art of the Personal Essay. A good course gives you structure, feedback, and the foundation to grow in the right direction.
You can waste a lot of time and energy without a clear understanding of the science behind storytelling—especially the Eight Pillars of Narrative Non-Fiction, which are essential tools every writer needs.
First, much like an athlete follows a progressive weight training plan, I would follow a structured writing programme.
That means doing regular exercises like sketches, scenes, and essays—not just writing randomly and hoping it all comes together.
If I were just starting out on the path to becoming a personal essayist or a narrative non-fiction writer, I would focus on four key fundamentals—because these are what truly make a difference...
June June June June ....
Unforgettable! I loved sharing such a moment of becoming and awakening together!
Panoramic shot of the still, dark blue lake with green fells beyond and a cloudless blue sky.
Listening this morning first to Melissa Harrison welcoming back the swifts (5 years ago) then to the new @robcowen.bsky.social book on the BBC. Surges of memory of an enchanted, still-unbelievable summer evening on the shore of Ullswater in 2018… (1/?)
Whether you’re writing memoir, biography, essay, or longform journalism, this masterclass is designed to help you breathe life into your subjects. We’ll explore how to craft characters in nonfiction with depth, empathy, and authenticity while staying true to their integrity.
More info in link.
We’ll cover:
— Researching your characters via interviews, observation & archives
— Creating multidimensional portrayals via dialogue, reflection & setting
— Writing w honesty & emotional insight
— Bringing places, flora, & fauna to life with the same richness as human characters.
MASTERCLASS
This Sat April 12
In nonfiction, we don’t invent people—we discover them. Through interviews, observation, and deep research, we begin to understand who they are. But once they land on the page, they need to feel alive—complex and emotionally resonant.
kathrynaalto.com/product/char...
Starts Feb 12
Join The Art of Narrative Nonfiction, my immersive course designed to help you craft compelling stories with depth, voice & purpose
Learn how to blend storytelling with truth, shape vivid scenes & connect personal experience to universals
Learn more
kathrynaalto.com/product/crea...
Starts Sunday
This nature writing course equips aspiring writers with the skills to document the natural world and inspire change through storytelling
Develop Observational Skills
Cultivate Narrative Voice
Explore Literary Techniques
Wellness Through Writing
kathrynaalto.com/product/natu...
THIS SUNDAY!
One of my favourite courses to teach.
Why? My students leave with a 35-45 page finished and polished book proposal, written and crafted in a supportive class that meets every other Sunday.
International, engaging, and purposeful.
Register here:
kathrynaalto.com/product/how-...
Inhale!
Visible stirrings of spring in Devon.
Imbolc, midway between winter & spring, celebrates quiet awakenings.
Times of renewal & light.
Seasons of creativity are like winter fields. There are times of dormancy when ideas gestate unseen, when stories are in the belly of our subconscious.
Imbolc teaches us to honour quiet revolutions.
That said, 3x per year (spring, summer, autumn terms) I talk about forthcoming courses I'll teach in narrative nonfiction
Now is that time
All courses start this month & meet every other week
If you're a naturalist, scientist, or artist interested in learning how to write, this may be for you
Hello BlueSky community!
Nice to be here
* Breath of fresh air *
I'm a writer, speaker, teacher, historian & designer focused on landscapes & literature
I lead a consciously low-tech analogue life filled with music & making, walking & writing, & things that don't leave digital footprints...
Fun news for me: my book "How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming" has just been optioned for a feature film. Apparently only ~1% of books optioned ever make it to the screen, but, hey, there's a chance! When might it appear? Who knows.
Hahaha. Try harder, man. Great to chat yesterday.