What does the hero of your story want? Lots of things. And that’s the problem. Sifting through all those desires to pinpoint the ones that drive your story can be… read more →
What does the hero of your story want? Lots of things. And that’s the problem. Sifting through all those desires to pinpoint the ones that drive your story can be… read more →
When your goal is to deliver a written or spoken story that elicits emotion (as it ALWAYS must be), your story has to include 3 essential elements: character, desire and… read more →
The most powerful and persuasive stories don’t simply entertain or enlighten – they challenge their readers and audiences to transform – to find the courage to change their thoughts and… read more →
In the outstanding film HIDDEN FIGURES, screenwriters Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi faced the formidable task of immediately introducing their three major characters, and making them unique and memorable. All… read more →
One of my all time favorite screenplays (and movies) is Aaron Sorkin’s script for A Few Good Men. So I was honored and excited when Film Courage let me add… read more →
All stories are built on a foundation of three basic components: character, desire, and conflict. A hero or protagonist desperately wants something, and must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve… read more →
To add depth to the hero of your screenplay, novel, speech or marketing tool – AND to explore that character’s arc or transformation – you must give that hero some… read more →
As Film Courage continues posting chunks of my interview with them, I want to supplement the videos with some added thoughts about my 6 Stage approach to structure. Stage 2… read more →
I’m sometimes challenged when I proclaim that the hero of a story must decide on his or her Outer Motivation during the New Situation, and that the pursuit of that… read more →
