Welcome back… Judging by your responses to this series of emails, the “Joy Ride” video touched many of you deeply. So for my last Story Mastery newsletter of 2023, I’d like to share a couple additional thoughts about why. In case you missed the previous installments of this series, here is the video: watch the…
Welcome Back! It’s time to see the hero of our 60-second story pursue her visible goal. In case you missed my previous two emails (A Perfect Story Introduced, and The Setup) I am breaking down the individual elements that make the Amazon Christmas video “Joy Ride” so emotionally captivating. These are the same elements you…
Season’s Greetings! Are you ready to have some fun? If you saw yesterday’s email, you know that I recently encountered an emotionally captivating, 60-second video that exemplifies all the essential elements of any live, written or recorded story. And based on the many email responses I received, many of you agreed – and, just like…
Happy Holidays – If you saw my Advent Calendar newsletter, you know I love counting down to Christmas and the New Year. So for the next 5 days, before vacation begins, I want to offer you A Perfect 60 Second Story. I rarely sit through TV commercials anymore, since the movies and series I watch…
The most powerful and persuasive stories don’t simply entertain or enlighten – they challenge their readers and audiences to transform.
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: 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: 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: 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.
Q: Having recently completed the first draft of my screenplay, I find the 2nd act is a real drag. The movie is about a person told from three distinct memories.
Send your questions to Michael and he’ll create a Q&A Article specifically for your question!