My StoryWise Framework™ Structure for Painless Storytelling

By Jeremy Bouma

Thirty-plus novels in, the thing that made writing them possible wasn't talent or training. It was knowing what comes next.

Hey there, fellow storytellers! Jeremy here, ready to get into the magical world of writing and storytelling. If you're feeling frustrated or lost in your writing journey, don't worry — I've been there too, and I'm excited to share a structure that has helped me craft over 30 novels and numerous short stories. Let's talk about the StoryWise framework!

My Journey into Storytelling

So, here's the deal: I came into storytelling without any formal training. My background is in pastoring, and through that, I've walked alongside many people in their own stories.

It became clear to me just how powerful stories can be in shaping beliefs and influencing life directions.

This realization lit a fire in me to harness the power of storytelling to connect people to deeper truths and ignite faith.

When I decided to tackle the National Novel Writing Month challenge, I faced the daunting blank page with zero clue about what I was doing. But I had done a bit of research beforehand, and one book that stood out to me was The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler. This book, based on Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, provided a solid foundation for understanding how stories typically flow. It helped me structure my first book, which was a spiritual coming-of-age story loosely inspired by my own journey.

Essential Resources for Storytelling

As I delved deeper into the art of storytelling, I found a few more vital resources that shaped my framework.

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks. This book gave me the language and structure to better understand storytelling.

Story by Robert McKee. A classic that goes deep into the principles of screenwriting and is incredibly useful for novelists too.

Story Grid by Shawn Coyne. This book offers a grid to assess whether your story holds together and resonates with readers.

The StoryWise Framework

Let's break down my StoryWise framework, which I like to think of as a four-part structure.

1. Character in a Setting

Every great story starts with introducing your character in a specific setting. Use these opening scenes to build empathy and connection between the reader and your hero.

2. The Inciting Incident

This is where the magic happens! An incident occurs that hooks the character into the story, propelling them forward. This moment is crucial as it sets the stage for the adventure to come.

3. The First Plot Point

Here, the character faces a significant decision — this is the moment they jump into the adventure! It's where the stakes get raised, and the journey truly begins.

4. Midpoint Shift

Halfway through the story, everything changes! The hero moves from a reactive role to actively pursuing their goals. This is where they learn, grow, and start making real progress toward resolving the problem.

As the story progresses, there are additional key milestones, including the second plot point and the climax where the hero confronts the antagonist. This leads to a satisfying resolution where the hero reflects on their journey, allowing readers to celebrate alongside them.

Field Note

Of the four, the midpoint shift is the one most drafts get wrong — and it's the reason a lot of manuscripts stall out around the halfway mark.

Reactive to active is the hinge. If your hero is still having things happen to them past the midpoint, the story has no engine, and no amount of good sentences will disguise it. When a draft feels like it's sagging in the middle, this is almost always why.

Why This Framework Works

The beauty of the StoryWise framework is that it provides a solid structure to guide you through the writing process.

You can plot and prepare beforehand, but still enjoy the discovery that comes with writing.

Knowing you have a framework to lean on can alleviate stress and boost your confidence as you create.

Ultimately, this framework is not just about making your writing easier; it's about enhancing the reader's experience. A well-structured story keeps readers engaged and satisfied, making them eager to turn the page.

Quick Wins

  • Find your inciting incident's page number. If it's past chapter three, readers are leaving before the story starts.
  • Name the decision at your first plot point. If your hero drifts into the adventure rather than choosing it, the stakes never land.
  • Check your midpoint for the flip. Reactive to active. If it isn't there, you've found your sagging middle.
  • Give your reader the reflection. The resolution isn't the last fight — it's the beat after, where the hero takes stock and the reader gets to celebrate.

Final Thoughts

As you embark on your own storytelling journey, I hope my StoryWise framework helps you find clarity and joy in the writing process. Remember, you're not alone in this — many of us have faced the same frustrations and challenges. Embrace the journey, and let your stories shine!

If you're interested in going deeper into this framework and accessing a template to guide your writing, grab the StoryWise Framework Template. It's the four-part structure laid out as a working document you can fill in for your own book.

Your Next Steps

  1. Map your current draft to the four beats. One line each. Don't write anything new yet — just locate what's already on the page.
  2. Find the beat you couldn't fill in. That gap is almost certainly where the draft has been fighting you.
  3. Work it through the template. Fill in all four beats before you write another scene. An hour of structure now saves a month of rewriting later.

Let's create for Christ together. 🖊️

All for God's glory and your neighbor's gospel good.

/ jeremy