These concepts were always a fuzzy shape in the back of my mind. Breaking it down to these three steps and providing those concrete examples finally allowed me to put it down on a sheet of paper that can serve as my blueprint. Awesome!
This is really helpful. Your concept of genre was something that I thought was a little weird, but the problems I was having with my story disappeared when I realized I wasn't writing an Action-Horror Dark Swords and Sorcery book, but a Society genre book. My concept isn't about life or death but rather about how tyrants can create and use heroes as tools to keep the people in check, keep them mollified, distract them from their lack of freedom, but also about replacing one tyrant with another. That was a mind-blowing revelation for me. Thank you.
Came looking for copper and I found gold. You sir just earned yourself a new subscriber.... And a student, looking forward to more enlightenment in the future 🤝
I’m well aware of my theme, but I like your formula of putting it. All I need to add is the core conflict of any dystopian story, which is freedom vs. tyranny. I guess for my current work-in-progress, it would be: “[Freedom] prevails when people stop valuing life over liberty and happiness.” / Or conversely, “[Tyranny] prevails when people value life over liberty and happiness.”
Freedom prevails when we chose to fight for what we believe in, rather than settling for safety. We are guaranteed life, liberty AND happiness (not a choice between them). The trade off is that the Tree of Liberty has to be watered in the blood of patriots from time to time.
Thanks for posting this Tim. I agree that theme is the critical ingredient for getting started with a writing project. Only recently have I found resources that address this is a way that makes sense, and Story Grid is one of them. I haven't seen Crazy Rich Asians, but to complete your overview, I assume that the genre is a Love Story (?), which means the values at stake are love versus hate.
Excellent vid! I've thrown away 2 1/2 completed manuscripts because I didn't have a clear theme. But now I finished a 3rd manuscript and know the theme so its a game changer. Thank you! As an aside, I used to coach presentation skills and so I hope this info is a support. Consider blinking a bit (as it naturally occurs ) in your vids. It will help make your message more relatable.
I've gotten stuck at thirty thousand words before. Do writers get stuck at a turning point for their double factor? Or at tipping point where characters are confronted with their non-negotiable?
Firstly, I know this is an old video but I've been following since last summer or so and have followed every piece of advice SG gives as a rule. I'm nearly at the end of draft 2 and realise the whole thing stinks and I don't have a first book , although I've plotted book 2 and 3 and was very excited about writing those. Each book has its own story and some very strong characters. Should I start all over again or just throw it away. At 101,400 words I was about to cut 10-15k chunks of rubbish waffling chapters.
