Just realised that many of my key scenes have echo scenes like a musical refrain in a way- e.g. the MC discovers her mother with another man at the beginning of the novel and then she discovers her boyfriend with an older woman at the end. The MC witnesses a mild teenage crime and then she commits a similar one, but which has dire consequences. There are other mirroring scenes throughout. I'm not sure whether this is a weakness or if it will a useful structuring tool in the book. (Wouldn't force anything in mechanically to mirror, but it's occurred naturally too often so far for it to be coincidence. Shall I axe them or let them dictate the structure of the book?

Any thoughts?

Gosh, don't axe them! I LOVE it when that happens. And I think it gives the reader an unconscious sense of 'musicality', of harmony, and of fulfilment. Also, it's so what happens in real life - the same themes, in different guises, repeating themselves. I think it's a strength, not a weakness.
Susiex

Don't axe them Cherys, such things happen so often in real life, too. Also novels often end up back at the start, giving them a sort of well rounded symmetary.

- NaomiM

I'd agree, if they're happening spontaneously then they're clearly meant to be there.

Emma

Thanks everyone. Will keep them in for now then see if they look laboured (even though they're accidental) when it's polished.
C
Do you find stories structure themselves? - I always think of them like pots almost or sculpture, like a raw block of clay or wood that is rough hewn and then fine hewn. Sometimes you have a clear vision and chip and chip until the story matches it, but other times the shape is inevitable, you just have to follow it. It's unnerving, relinquishing control.

Do you find stories structure themselves?

Oh, yes, absolutely. If I'm stuck I refer back to previous chapters for a way forward. If nothing suggests itself I know the story is in desperate trouble.

I think they half structure themselves and half don't - they start out with a definite idea of what shape they want to be, but then it helps to become consciously aware of that at some point, so you can help steer them more efficiently.
As for the mirroring scenes, they sound wonderful - susieangela is quite right, imo.

Can I just add my voice to the chorus? - I LOVE these sorts of coincidences and balances when they crop up in a novel.

Rosy

These are what I call the 'gifts' of writing. For me this is what makes writing magical. S

Isn't what you call mirroring scenes something like what in German they call a "Leitmotif"? (Can't think of the English terminology. Maybe just "Theme?") An important literary tool.
Robin

Oh yes, I'm finding them so exciting when they emerge and am delighted others find this sort of structuring pleasing to read. Just concerned they don't look schematic when they've actually occurred unconsciously.