WHAT DOES YOUR HERO WANT? #1: The Outer Motivation
I’m beginning with the Outer Motivation, not because it appears first, but because it is essential.
What’s at Stake?
The simplest way to understand the idea of STAKES for the hero (or for any character in a story) is to ask, “What will this character lose if he fails to achieve his goal?”
Increasing the Impact of Surprise
The film THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI includes an early scene where the hero, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) is confronted by…
Writing from Your Essence
Last week I once again was part of a wonderful, almost indescribable experience. I had the privilege of joining World Champions of Public Speaking.
Delivering a Powerful Theme
The most powerful and persuasive stories don’t simply entertain or enlighten – they challenge their readers and audiences to transform.
Vulnerability & Courage
This is a story about another story – one that my client James Stafford recently wrote and posted to his website, and sent out to his subscribers.
Make Your Characters Distinct
In the outstanding film HIDDEN FIGURES, screenwriters Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi faced the formidable task of immediately…
Empathy, Skill and A FEW GOOD MEN
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…
Inner Conflict
All stories are built on a foundation of three basic components: character, desire, and conflict. A hero or protagonist desperately wants something.
Embracing Extreme Heroes
To add depth to the hero of your screenplay, novel, speech or marketing tool you must give that hero some fear to be confronted and overcome.