Learn the 3 Parts of the 3-Part Story Structure for Writing Non-Fiction in 3 Easy Steps
It’s as Easy as 1,2,3
This story first appeared in The Haven
Hey, writer-person. Wanna be successful at writing non-fiction articles? Ask any pro and they will tell you about the always-works way to write non-fiction stories especially those “how to write” screeds that other writers can’t seem to get enough of. You’ve seen this rubric before, no doubt, so let’s get started!
1 — Tell people what you are going to tell them.
2 — Tell them.
3 — Tell them what you told them.
For example, in writing this instructive piece I am starting out explaining how I will tell you how to structure a non-fiction article. For purposes of this article, I am currently explaining what I will tell you. What is it that I’m trying to convey here? It’s about how to write a non-fiction article, of course.
Okay, let that sink in until you fully understand it. Now, let’s move on to the second section.
I am telling you what I said I would tell you. Please note carefully how I am going about this part of the 3-part structure. I am explaining what you are telling the reader about what you’re telling them. Straightforward? You bet, but just a minute. Did you really tell the reader what you were going to tell them or did you go off on a tangent? Remember, it’s all about fulfilling your promise.
Last, I am telling you what I just told you about writing a non-fiction article. I am re-explaining the 3-part structure so that it re-enforces your understanding of how to do this. This is the most important part: telling people what you told them so it sticks in their mind. In this case, I am telling you to repeat what you told them. It’s what readers want and expect from a professional writer who abides by the 3-part structure.
What about the traditional 5-part structure for fiction? Good question. It’s different.
Good luck, not that you’ll need it.
Larry Kahaner 