ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we take a look at one aspect of story structure—the most visible part of it. In broad strokes, we will discuss the beginning, middle, and end of the story; the factors that link the opening and closing; and everything between these two critical sections that should fit together into one cohesive thematic whole. There are important considerations for the contributor to make with respect to these components in successfully planning and building the solid structure for a magazine story. In the beginning, we discuss the two vital parts of a strong story opening: the lead and the nutgraf. Each functions in unique and important ways to hook the reader, set the tone and pacing for the story, and explain what will unfold. Without question, the theme of the piece has to be established here. For the middle of the story, we discuss the options available for exposition, which involves key elements of story development. In that connection, we consider the key components of the story: anecdotes; background facts; examples; and quotes. We show how the best-structured articles are balanced presentations of all these elements in ways that keep the reader engaged in the story, even while she is being elevated by it, and continue to serve the purpose of reinforcing and clarifying the theme. This is a very important point because along with the need to maintain balance in the presentation of material in the story is the equally important need to thread the theme of the article through all the elements—the bricks—of the Learning Objectives
The components of the story and how they all fit together tightly.
The important circular connection between the beginning and end of the story.
How to set up a theme for your story in two stages.
How to thread the theme through all of the storytelling components.
How to bring the story to a close, providing the all-important “take-away” value for the reader.
