Disney's much hyped adaptation of Beauty and the Beast was released at the weekend. The film broke box office records with an estimated $170 million, making it the seventh largest opening weekend of all time. It's a story that engages your emotions and keeps you hooked to the end. I was discussing the film with someone today who … Continue reading What we can learn from Beauty and the Beast About Plot, Tension and Obstacles
Category: Story Arc
Throes of Creation by Leonid Pasternak Yesterday I watched a really interesting set of readings from the Cheltenham Literature Festival. This was a special event (link to the programme will expire in 4 weeks) welcoming all six writers on the 2014 Man Booker Prize shortlist to the Festival: Joshua Ferris, Richard Flanagan, Karen Joy Fowler, Howard Jacobson, … Continue reading That Awkward Question: Where Do Writers Find Their Ideas?
What is a story arc and why is it important? A story arc is the episodes within a storyline; it is the narrative structure of a book or a story (or even a film, or a series of TV episodes). It is the rising and falling of tension, and the pacing and timbre of a plot. … Continue reading Narrative Arc: Shaping Your Story
'A story needs rhythm. Read it aloud to yourself. If it doesn't spin a bit of magic, it's missing something.' Esther Freud 'Always carry a notebook. And I mean always. The short-term memory only retains information for three minutes; unless it is committed to paper you can lose an idea for ever.' Will Self 'I always … Continue reading Writing Advice And Inspiration
The more I write, the more I am aware of the variety of elements involved in creating a compelling story. These elements are all individual parts but they have to be pulled together to work effectively. Alone, each part would sound musical, lyrical, but together they create a depth of sound which cannot be created … Continue reading What Do Authors Have in Common with Orchestra Conductors?
