★★★★★ | Writing | Print | Own | StoryGraph | Goodreads
One of the best, most practical writing guides I have ever read. I read Hart’s WordCraft ahead of this one. Really great.
Story — at its most basic, a story begins with a character who wants something, struggles to overcome barriers that stand in the way of achieving it, and moves through a series of actions—the actual story structure—to overcome them.
- A sequence of actions
- A sympathetic character – readers expect heroic — or at least likable — characters
- A complication
- A resolution – often involving an insight that the reader can apply to their own lives. The resolution must be reached by the actions of the protagonist.
Plot Points — sends the story spinning off in a new direction.
Plot Point “A” — the inciting incident that rips the protagonist out of status quo and starts them on the journey.
A compelling story is “a string of mysteries organized Structure| in deliberate order … saving the resolution of the biggest mystery for last.”
Good stories follow the rise and fall of hope.
“You should see the arc of the [story], the great sweep of change that takes life from one condition at the opening to a changed location at the end.” — Robert McKee
Seek out “round characters,” multi-faceted and capable of change.
Personal Essays— Typically 1,000 words. Include a narrative (highly specific), a turn (specific to general) and a conclusion (universal/abstract).