‘STORY’ is an AMAZING book, which dramatically changed the way I write and how I critique my friend’s manuscripts.
Robert McKee’s volume delivers a mighty wallop of insight into Powerful Writing.
What makes a Writer’s Story connect with the READER?
• The essence is … emphasizing your Main Character and his QUEST to achieve his desires, driving your plot to the climax.
• Your Character must be likeable and instantly bond with the Reader. (Even the rogues!) The character endures conflicts that change him for better or worse.
• SPINE OF THE STORY… The energy of the Protagonist trying to achieve his DESIRES … conscious and unconscious.
• Your STORY takes the form of a Quest from inciting incident to the Climax and Resolution.
Now Design your STORY.
• Who is the main character?
• What does he want?
• Why does he want it?
• How does he go about getting it?
• What stops him?
• What are the consequences?
Now work out the answers and develop a Powerful Plot … or rework your present manuscript.
Is your STORY cinematic?
When you close your eyes, do you get a vivid picture of every single scene?
Can you truly visualise it … taste it, hear it, touch it, smell it?
‘STORY’ is inspirational … one of the BEST books ever written on the Craft of Writing.
You MUST devour every word!
I urge every serious Novelist and Screen Writer to buy, borrow or steal a Copy.
Story is book that’s influenced many novelists and scriptwriters. I’m putting it to the top of my Reading List.
Hi Sally, Its one of those truly inspirational books. That makes you say “AHA” … I get it now. Karen :))
Great, Karen! I’ll put it on my wish list and get a copy soon 🙂
Hi Carol, You won’t regret it. Its a fabulous book. Makes you want to write a script for a movie. Cheers, Karen :))
Being only part way through Story myself, I’m really looking forward to getting into some of the chapters you’ve discussed here. It’s a brilliant book to read while you’re plotting out a new novel – it’s already expanded my mind and given me so much to think about. I love the feeling of gaining new knowledge. Those ‘aha’ moments you described … just wonderful 🙂
Hi Katherine,
You’re right about Story… It is brilliant. But it makes Story and Script Writing sound so achievable. After reading each chapter … You say… ‘Yep, I can write that way!’ Karen :))
Great advice. I must get that book.I’ve heard so much about it. Thanks, Karen. You always put up such great blog posts. Joanna :))
Thanks Karen,
I think I’ll go order it from the local bookshop tomorrow. How can I go past a recommendation like that.
Jeff
Hi Joanna, Everyone I know who has read “Story”, raves about it. Kim Wilkins of Year of the Edit recommended it too. Karen :))
Hi Jeff, Its a Book that has influenced so many Novel Writers and Screen Writers … It’ll be the best investment you’ll ever make. Karen :))
Not sure that your main character has to be likeable. Stephen Donaldson’s Chronicles of Thomas Convenant are an example where the main character is a leper and a very bitter outcast, who rapes a woman in the first fifty pages or so, I think most readers would primarily just feel sorrow for him, and only eventually respect how he changed towards the end of the first volume. The chronicles went on to sell millions in eight volumes so far.
Stephen Donaldson’s main character, viewed from a distance, in the first volume of the Gap into Conflict was most unlikeable as she was very passive and submissive, only near the end of the novel was it made clear that she had a mind control device in her head. All the supporting characters were pretty much unlikeable users and abusers.
Booker winner Vernon God Little had a very sarcastic and uncaring kid at the centre of the story. I would not call him likeable. That novel had really divided people though. Some think it the worst booker winner ever, others, like me like the way it got into a bitter teenagers brain and his sarcastic view of America.
Some people can be made to be too likeable, like the main character in the first half of Ben Bova’s Moonrise, he was athletic, very good looking, rich, intelligent, an inventor, astronaut, entrepeneur, a caring lover and husband, just so perfect. I was so glad his flawed son killed him using nanobots halfway through the novel. But the original character has put me off reading any other Ben Bova novels.
So I reckon I would have to disagree that the main character has to be likeable, I would say that he or she had to interesting, hopefully very interesting, with an interesting problem to solve.
I started reading Story, but stopped because I had finished the screenwriting subject I was doing. I may eventually return.
Graham
Hi Graham, Thanks for dropping by and sharing. You’re right … I did over-generalize when I said the character should be likeable.
I really meant likeable in some way … a redeeming feature, a change of heart.
I totally agree with you, that the character must be interesting with an interesting problem. Thanks for the examples.
Another Screen Writing book I’d recommend is “Save the Cat” which refers to Mel Gibson’s repugnant cop character who redeems himself when he Saves the Cat.
Cheers, Karen :))
Hi Karen, I’m waiting on a copy from Logan Nth Library. Tried to buy a copy from Borders, but they’d run out. I’m so looking forward to reading it! I know you’re enthusiastic about this book, Karen, but STEAL it? LOL 🙂
Hi Maggie, LOL. Just trying to get my point across! … You won’t be disappointed. Cheers, Karen :))
If there’s a sudden crime wave where copies of STORY go missing from bookshops, we know where the police are going first.
I also recommend McKee’s Asian cookbook, STIRY.
Hi Ian, LOL … Keep writing those witty comments. I look forward to reading them with a smile … Karen :))