This really unlocked something for me. The idea that form itself can be the twist—especially in literary fiction, where we tend to shy away from fireworks in favor of… vibe—is such a refreshing reframing. It’s also a cheat code for originality without getting lost in “but what’s my plot?” spirals.
Your example of The Pitt reminded me of Station Eleven’s nonlinear structure. On paper, it’s a post-apocalyptic novel. But the designing principle—tracing human connection across timelines through a Shakespeare troupe and a comic book—is the reason it feels transcendent. Like the narrative architecture is itself a kind of emotional alchemy.
Also love how this reframes “genre vs literary” tension. Designing principle is the middle path: structure as art and strategy.
I recently read Molly Giles’ Lifespan, a memoir where each short chapter is a year of her life captured in one defining scene, from 1945 to 2023. Her designing principle changes the book from a collection of flash essays into an autobiography.
The designing principle was my favorite part of your workshop (and Truby). Several little flashes of light went off in my mind as I read this post, thinking about my own novel...thank you!!!
also: okay, not a novel, but thinking the film 'Jane Austen Wrecked My Life' might be another solid example of designing principle...an Austen obsessed fan goes to writer's residency only to have her life start unfolding like an Austen novel.
I love, love, love this concept of the "designing principle." I've never heard that concept before, but this post has helped me see that for me, stories with designing principles are my favorite to read, watch, or write! (I used to say "literary prose with a genre hook" but I like "designing principle" much better.)
It's what I'm aiming to do with my debut, where the premise is a young girl grieving the death of her older chef brother, and the designing principle is her traveling around the world to see out the five dishes he loved most.
OBSESSED with the breakdown of the designing Principle. I want to read every single one of those books, and I think that's what I was trying to get at a few years ago when we did that panel and I said I loved books with a hook! There was also a recent post-apocalyptic one about a pregnant woman after an earthquake that I believe takes place all in one day.
But yes, all books with fun, intense, insane designing principles are for me. So so intrigued.
This concept is SO intriguing! My debut novel is coming out this summer, yet I've never heard of a designing principle before lol. Now I'm going down a rabbit hole to learn more, though. Thanks, Leigh!
Wow, DIFFICULT is meant for me! (Also, I just put together that the fact that there are three more eps in the new hottest show on tv, is a twist for the audience.) Pleasure. Thanks, Leigh!
Ooh, I’m gonna play along with my memoir+ in progress. *In PLAY STRUCTURE, I investigate how childhood has utterly transformed in the past 30 years while also exploring scenes from my own motherhood, interrogating how much I did and did not push back on these shifting cultural norms.* Something like that! You always get me thinking, Leigh. 🤓
Sara Slight’s recent VANTAGE POINT uses the designing principle of time—set over the course of April—with an added layer that the main characters are all part of a cursed family who meet their gruesome and untimely ends during April. I thought it was brilliant.
I love a good medical drama. I started as a kid with Casualty. The ER came along and gave us George Clooney. Then I got hooked on House. New Amsterdam started off good but quickly became formulaic and not in a good way (like House). The Pitt sounds good and the twist sounds well olayed.
This really unlocked something for me. The idea that form itself can be the twist—especially in literary fiction, where we tend to shy away from fireworks in favor of… vibe—is such a refreshing reframing. It’s also a cheat code for originality without getting lost in “but what’s my plot?” spirals.
Your example of The Pitt reminded me of Station Eleven’s nonlinear structure. On paper, it’s a post-apocalyptic novel. But the designing principle—tracing human connection across timelines through a Shakespeare troupe and a comic book—is the reason it feels transcendent. Like the narrative architecture is itself a kind of emotional alchemy.
Also love how this reframes “genre vs literary” tension. Designing principle is the middle path: structure as art and strategy.
yes yes yes! love framing it as a "cheat code"
I recently read Molly Giles’ Lifespan, a memoir where each short chapter is a year of her life captured in one defining scene, from 1945 to 2023. Her designing principle changes the book from a collection of flash essays into an autobiography.
great example
This reminds me of Maggie O'Farrell's memoir, I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death.
Oh, yes, that was so good!
Fantastic post, Leigh! I love Truby’s craft advice and you synthesize and update it for these up-to-date examples so beautifully. Thank you.
The designing principle was my favorite part of your workshop (and Truby). Several little flashes of light went off in my mind as I read this post, thinking about my own novel...thank you!!!
also: okay, not a novel, but thinking the film 'Jane Austen Wrecked My Life' might be another solid example of designing principle...an Austen obsessed fan goes to writer's residency only to have her life start unfolding like an Austen novel.
Such a great post--lots of food for thought!
This is a GREAT post, so thought-provoking!
Such a great breakdown of design principle love it! Also I cannot wait to hear the chat with Alyssa I adore her Substack it's so good!
I love, love, love this concept of the "designing principle." I've never heard that concept before, but this post has helped me see that for me, stories with designing principles are my favorite to read, watch, or write! (I used to say "literary prose with a genre hook" but I like "designing principle" much better.)
It's what I'm aiming to do with my debut, where the premise is a young girl grieving the death of her older chef brother, and the designing principle is her traveling around the world to see out the five dishes he loved most.
so happy this clicked for you!
OBSESSED with the breakdown of the designing Principle. I want to read every single one of those books, and I think that's what I was trying to get at a few years ago when we did that panel and I said I loved books with a hook! There was also a recent post-apocalyptic one about a pregnant woman after an earthquake that I believe takes place all in one day.
But yes, all books with fun, intense, insane designing principles are for me. So so intrigued.
Tilt by Emma Pattee! She reads this newsletter—maybe she’ll see this
This concept is SO intriguing! My debut novel is coming out this summer, yet I've never heard of a designing principle before lol. Now I'm going down a rabbit hole to learn more, though. Thanks, Leigh!
I've *just* started watching *The Pitt*. (It's now 10am for me ;-).)
buckle up Erika
Thanks for the warning!
Wow, DIFFICULT is meant for me! (Also, I just put together that the fact that there are three more eps in the new hottest show on tv, is a twist for the audience.) Pleasure. Thanks, Leigh!
Ooh, I’m gonna play along with my memoir+ in progress. *In PLAY STRUCTURE, I investigate how childhood has utterly transformed in the past 30 years while also exploring scenes from my own motherhood, interrogating how much I did and did not push back on these shifting cultural norms.* Something like that! You always get me thinking, Leigh. 🤓
I love your title!
Thanks!
Sara Slight’s recent VANTAGE POINT uses the designing principle of time—set over the course of April—with an added layer that the main characters are all part of a cursed family who meet their gruesome and untimely ends during April. I thought it was brilliant.
sounds great!
I love a good medical drama. I started as a kid with Casualty. The ER came along and gave us George Clooney. Then I got hooked on House. New Amsterdam started off good but quickly became formulaic and not in a good way (like House). The Pitt sounds good and the twist sounds well olayed.
Oh, this is all great. Love Truby but haven't thought about designing principles quite like this before. Thank you!!