Why do some books grab you from the very first line?What did Aristotle have to say about the art of telling stories?Is there a secret structure to stories known by all the best writers? In this neat pocket book, English lecturer Amy Jones describes the clever narrative scaffolds used for thousands of years by novelists and scriptwriters. With helpful examples, diagrams and cartoons, this is an essential reference guide for writers of all ages and disciplines. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. Fascinating FINANCIAL TIMES. Beautiful LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. Rich and Artful THE LANCET. Genuinely mind-expanding FORTEAN TIMES. Excellent NEW SCIENTIST. Stunning NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.