All stories are built on a foundation of three basic components: character, desire, and conflict. A hero or protagonist desperately wants something, and must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve… read more →
To add depth to the hero of your screenplay, novel, speech or marketing tool – AND to explore that character’s arc or transformation – you must give that hero some… read more →
As Film Courage continues posting chunks of my interview with them, I want to supplement the videos with some added thoughts about my 6 Stage approach to structure. Stage 2… read more →
I’m sometimes challenged when I proclaim that the hero of a story must decide on his or her Outer Motivation during the New Situation, and that the pursuit of that… read more →
Q&A [The question below is one I’ve been hearing in one form or another my entire career – not just from screenwriters, but novelists, marketers, and public speakers – anyone… read more →
I recently received the question below, and since marketing television scripts is not really my area of expertise, I asked my friend, colleague and renowned screenwriting career coach Lee Jessup… read more →
My previous article, “Don’t Summarize!” had one of the strongest reactions of any I’ve done. I got lots of positive comments (thanks!), but also a number of questions and challenges regarding just… read more →
A common weakness among all storytellers – screenwriters and novelists as well as marketers and presenters – is the tendency to summarize. When you write or tell a story, you… read more →
Q: I have a structure question that pertains to my notes from your Story Mastery seminar, and from your video with Chris Vogler, The Hero’s Two Journeys. You place the… read more →
This is a letter from a 15-year old who wants to become a screenwriter, but who wonders how – or even if – she should begin pursuing this dream. I… read more →
