How Brandon Sanderson Writes a Bestselling Series

TL;DR

Recommended books provide diverse perspectives on storytelling methods.

Transcript

are there any books or resources that you encourage people to read to get a better understanding of narrative or these different forms of narrative and what came to my mind even though it's not directed at potential novelists is a book called Save the Cat Goes to the Movies that examines different genres within screenwriting so that's not the origi... Read More

Key Insights

• ✍️ "Save the Cat" and "On Writing" highlight different storytelling techniques, merging structure with personal insights.
• ✍️ Outlining and the gardening method illustrate the duality of writing, promoting a blend of planning and creativity.
• ❓ The importance of character motivation is emphasized in avoiding one-dimensional personalities in narratives.
• 🥺 Brainstorming methods can lead to innovative plots by allowing writers to explore unexpected ideas.
• 🫠 Conflict in character arcs, such as Vin's cynicism, drives emotional engagement in narratives.
• 🛰️ Exploring lesser-told narrative themes can invigorate a writer’s approach and uniqueness in storytelling.
• ❓ Understanding genre conventions is essential for writers to craft compelling and relatable stories.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does "Save the Cat Goes to the Movies" offer to writers?

"Save the Cat Goes to the Movies" provides insightful analysis of various screenwriting genres, enriching writers’ understanding of storytelling conventions and structures. It expands the original book's focus, appealing to those interested in how different narrative techniques work within the film industry. It encourages writers to think critically about genre elements and apply them to their own stories.

Q: How does the author differentiate between outlining and gardening in writing?

The author describes outlining as a structural method where writers plan the plot stringent to a framework. In contrast, gardening involves a more exploratory approach, allowing ideas and characters to evolve organically during the writing process. This distinction highlights the balance between maintaining a plot while also embracing spontaneity and character-driven development.

Q: Why might characters feel wooden according to the author?

Characters may appear wooden if they are merely devices to advance the plot rather than complex entities influenced by their motivations. This issue often arises when writers overly adhere to an outline, neglecting the depth of character interaction and development, which can lead to a lack of authenticity in storytelling.

Q: What is the significance of character development in the author's writing process?

Character development plays a crucial role in the author's process, influencing how the plot unfolds. By writing the character's journey alongside the narrative, the author feels they can create richer, more relatable personalities, allowing the plot to emerge organically from character actions and decisions rather than predefined milestones.

Q: Can you explain the "conflict" described in the character Vin's story arc?

Vin's conflict revolves around her internal struggle to maintain faith in humanity after enduring betrayal and hardship. Initially believing in goodness, her experiences lead her to a cynical worldview. This conflict is vital as it drives her character growth, especially when paired with Kelsier, who embodies hope and optimism.

Q: How does the author utilize brainstorming in their narrative creation?

The author employs brainstorming by generating random ideas and then integrating them into the story. This method encourages creativity, allowing for unexpected connections that can infuse the plot with originality. By treating this process like improvisation, the author fosters a fluid narrative space where various themes and elements unite.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The discussion highlights essential books for understanding narrative, contrasting different approaches like structure vs. personal experiences, emphasizing the balance between planning and creativity.

• Two significant works mentioned are "Save the Cat" for structure and "On Writing" by Stephen King focusing on the life of a writer.

• The narrative techniques include both outlining and a "gardening" method in storytelling, demonstrating the importance of character development intertwined with plot.