Ever wonder why two stories with similar plots can feel so different? Why some tales just resonate more? The key is understanding the narrative elements. 1. Story elements vs. Narrative elements Before we jump into the deep end, let’s clear something up. Stories have two types of building blocks. First, there are story elements – […]
We all have those tales, whether in books, movies, or even old bedtime stories, that stir our emotions. Ever wondered why some stories can make us laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of our seats? Welcome to the fascinating world of narrative science. 1. The Brain and Stories Stories = Brain’s Favorite Patterns Our […]
Ever wonder why certain stories just stick with us? Why tales like “The Lion King” or “Star Wars” feel familiar yet thrilling? That’s narrative theory in action. Let’s dive into the magic behind stories and decode the DNA of our favorite tales. 1. The Building Blocks of Narrative Theory Every story you’ve ever loved has […]
Ever sat down to watch a movie or read a book and thought, “Why am I so drawn to this story?” It’s not magic (well, not unless you’re reading Harry Potter). It’s narratology. You know that feeling when you’re totally lost in a story? That’s narratology at work. It’s the study of how stories are […]
Every tale you’ve ever adored has a hidden skeleton that holds it together. That’s the narrative structure. Let’s explore how you can craft your stories like the pros do. 1. What is Narrative Structure? Simply put, narrative structure is how your story unfolds. Think of it as a roadmap guiding your readers from start to […]
Ever wonder why some stories stick with you, long after you’ve turned the last page or watched the credits roll? It’s all in the magic of narrative form. Simply put, it’s the way a story is structured and told. And if you want to captivate your readers or viewers, mastering this form is your golden […]
Since time began, people have huddled around campfires, drawing others in with the magic of a well-spun tale. You’re here because you have tales to tell, and we’re here to help you tell them well. Let’s explore the magical world of story and narrative – the essentials in writing – and how understanding them can […]
When it comes to weaving a tale that keeps readers hooked, it’s like baking – sometimes, using a recipe can be super helpful. For stories, this “recipe” is often a framework or structure. And guess what? There’s a rather nifty one called the “Story Circle” whipped up by Dan Harmon, which was inspired by a […]
It’s difficult to understand the essential parts of a story because it’s also difficult to explain them. The novice storyteller is in search of a simple explanation, which is exactly what they tend to find. Operating with this simple understanding also tends to lead to simple stories. There’s not necessarily anything wrong with a simple […]
Story structure and plotting is tricky. It’s tough to find a balance between an over-plotted story that overwhelms the audience and a plot so simple it puts them to sleep. Paint-by-numbers story structure advice tends to do more harm than good. Without a proper understanding of narrative design, even when following the “rules,” of these […]