These fabulous “rules” (I prefer to call them writing tips) for storytelling were handed out at a recent conference, with credit to Pixar Story Artist Emma Coats. I refer to them often, so I thought I’d share.

Start storytelling!

Once upon a time there was _________. Every day, ________. Because of that, _________. Because of that, ________. Until finally, __________.

THEME: Trying for a theme is important, but you many not see what the
story is actually about till you write the end.

ENDINGS: Try writing the ending before you finish the middle. Endings are hard; get yours working upfront.

What’s the essence of your story? The most economical telling of it? If you know that, you can build from there.

Why must you tell THIS story? What’s the belief burning within you that feeds your story? That’s the heart of it.

Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, like a perfect idea, you’ll never share it with anyone.

Focus on Characters

What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?

Give your characters opinions. Passive or malleable might seem likable, but it’s poison to the audience.

If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.

What are the stakes? Give us a reason to root for the characters. Stack the odds against them.

Coincidences to get characters into trouble are great; coincidences to get them out of it are are cheating.

Most people admire characters for trying more than for their successes.

Use crafting skills

When you’re stuck, make a list of what WOULDN’T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.

Pull apart or analyze the stories you like. What you like in them is a part of you; you’ve got to recognize it before you can use it.

Simplify. Focus. Combine characters if there are too many. Hop over detours. You may feel like you’re losing valuable stuff but it sets you free.

Discount the first thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th — get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself (and you’ll surprise your reader).

No work is ever wasted. If it’s not working, let go and move on–it’ll come back around to be useful later.

You have to learn the difference between doing your best and fussing. Story is testing, not refining.

---

Thank you for visiting.

Linda K. Sienkiewicz is a writer, poet, and artist:
Multi-finalist award winning novel In the Context of Love
Picture book Gordy and the Ghost Crab
Latest poetry chapbook: Sleepwalker

Connect with Linda: LinkTree