[Structure] is a superficial feature of narrative, not a fundamental
feature. They tell you, you must get your structure right first and
once you have got the structure you can write the book. Well, no,
actually. You can change the structure at the last minute, you can
re-order the book, you can have the start in the middle of the story.
Structure is a superficial thing. What is not superficial, what is
really fundamental, is the tone in which the book is written.
-- Philip Pullman. [on The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa]
Five Books, Interview by Nigel Warburton (July 15, 2021)
https://fivebooks.com/best-books/five-favourite-books-philip-pullman/