STORY ESSENTIALS #5: A Goal
Great stories are driven by desire. The hero of the story wants something, and the story is about the actions that character takes to achieve it.
STORY ESSENTIALS #4: Opportunity/Crisis/Tipping Point
Great stories are driven by desire. The hero wants something, and the pursuit of that goal keeps readers and audiences emotionally invested in its outcome.
CONFLICT #2: Conflict vs Combat
I encounter lots of filmmakers, fiction writers and business leaders who, like Dan, mistakenly believe that conflict must be big, action packed and extraordinary.
CONFLICT #1: Tiger
Last month (at the time I’m writing this), Tiger Woods won the Masters Golf Tournament for the 5th time in his career.
Delivering a Powerful Theme
The most powerful and persuasive stories don’t simply entertain or enlighten – they challenge their readers and audiences to transform.
Story Structure: CRISIS RESPONSE
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.
Changing Your Hero’s Goal
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…
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: 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.