Q&A: What Are My Chances?
I’m two months away from getting my BA in Creative Writing for Entertainment. Throughout the two and half years in this program…
Don’t Summarize!
A common weakness among all storytellers – screenwriters and novelists as well as marketers and presenters – is the tendency to summarize.
Q&A: Structure by the Numbers
Q: I have a structure question that pertains to my notes from your Story Mastery seminar, and from your video with Chris Vogler, The Hero’s Two Journeys.
Q&A: How Do I Even Begin?
This is a letter from a 15-year old who wants to become a screenwriter, but who wonders how – or even if – she should begin pursuing this dream.
Q&A: Low Budget Blockbusters
Q: I’m from India, and I want to know why we don’t see low budget Indian movies where the protagonist has a CLEAR & VISIBLE goal.
Q&A: Hero Needs and Wants
Q: I really enjoy your seminars and writings on story, but I’m still wrestling with this issue: Should the needs and wants of my protagonist arise from the circumstances of the story?
Q&A: Can an Adult “Come Of Age?”
Q: Your Q&A article on “Coming of Age Stories” was a great help. But is it possible to have a coming-of-age story for a middle aged man?
Q&A: Adding Fantasy to Your Story
Q: I am finishing a script in which a fantasy element (just one in a supporting character) doesn’t get introduced until nearly the midpoint.
Q&A: Structuring Short Films and Email Stories
Q: I’ve read your article on the 5 Key Turning Points of All Successful Stories, and watched your lecture on 6-stage plot structure that’s part of The Hero’s Two Journeys.
INTRODUCING YOUR HEROES: Julie & Julia
Arguably the most important portion of your story is the opening. This is where you must seduce your readers and audiences as you draw them…