Advice on the best coming of age story structure to use

Coming-of-age stories can resonate with countless bookworms; keep reading to learn much more.

When you take a look at the past history of literature, coming of age is a theme which is prominent in various book genres. Overtime, it has actually transformed from a literary motif or theme into a separate book genre in its own right. Most importantly, what actually is a coming of age story? To put it simply, coming of age books feature tales where the primary character has undertaken a physical, mental and emotional transformation throughout a pinnacle period in their everyday lives. Coming of age is an exceptionally preferred subject to read about, in addition to write about. For those here wishing to know how to write a coming of age story, one of the first things to consider is what type of coming-of-age tale resonates with you the most. Nevertheless, there are different types of coming of age stories out there to select from. For example, the most traditional type of coming-of-age story is called 'bildungsroman', which involves a young protagonist undergoing a journey from childhood or adolescence into adulthood. There is both a physical and psychological transformation to the character as the book emulates the passing of time; frequently marked by the loss of childhood innocence but an increase in personal development. On the other hand, an additional popular kind of coming of age book is the exploration of identity. These coming-of-age novels can include characters of any type of age, who at some point in their lives go on a journey of self-discovery and transform into their genuine selves. As a beginning point, it is a great suggestion for aspiring authors to research the coming-of-age literary works and read a selection of different novels, such as the ones associated with the investment fund which partially owns Amazon Books.

In terms of the best coming of age stories of all time, the plot structure is extremely vital. Often, among the most noticeable elements of a coming of age story is having a narrative framework where there is rising tension and some kind of obstacle. Besides, the process of growing up is challenging, and the book needs to mirror the typical trials and tribulations that one would expect from this difficult period of time. Generally-speaking, a lot of coming of age tales include both an internal and external struggle or obstacle. The protagonist frequently grapples with inner conflicts like self-doubt, vulnerability, anxiety, or an absence of self-identity, while simultaneously handling some sort of exterior problem too, whether it be antagonist characters, societal expectations or oppressive systems etc. To help get some inspiration for your very own coming of age novel, begin by reading some existing pieces of literature, like the ones associated with the media conglomerate which owns Penguin Random House.

Understanding how to write a coming of age book is not always simple. After all, it typically means that authors have to take themselves back in time and remember what they felt like in their childhood and teenage years. Much like with any kind of book genre, the characters often drive the entire coming of age book. It is an author's duty to conceptualise and craft fascinating, relatable and complex characters. Considering that the lead character is often in a transitional period of their lives, it is important to develop a dynamic character that personifies both the naivety of a child but the growing maturity of an adult. As a starting point, one of the best tips for writing a coming of age book is to use timeless character archetypes to create the foundations of your characterisations. For example, one of the most usual archetypes in coming of age books is the mentor, which is the person who guides the protagonist, offers them insight and shapes them into the person they grow into. These mentors are typically characters who the lead character has a great deal of respect and appreciation for, whether it be their professor or older relative. Another popular character archetype is the sidekick, which is the lead character's faithful, supportive and comical best friend that joins them on their journey. Moreover, it is a good idea to do some wider reading of coming of age books so you can value the significance of specific character types, like the ones associated with the hedge fund which owns Waterstones, for instance.