The day I realized I knew nothing about storytelling
I discovered John Truby one afternoon as I browsed the shelves of the writing section at my local Borders Bookstore.
John Truby Presents The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller was one of dozens of books lining the shelves. I wasn't sure if this book would help me learn to be a better storyteller than any of the others. I also wasn't sure if John Truby was really any better of a writer or instructor than all the other self-acclaimed storytelling experts.
Then, just like I do every time I'm opening a book for the first time, I flipped to page 254 (if there isn't a page 254, then I flip to page 154 or 54) and read the first few lines:
"Creative Symbols-Writing Exercise 6
Story Symbol - Is there a single symbol that expresses the premise, key story twists, central theme, or overall structure of your story?"
I was sold. What I liked the most about this passage was that it was a writing exercise. I think (as does probably everyone) that you learn better by doing it, not just by being lectured to.
Since purchasing The Anatomy of Story I have revised both my novel and children's story in a way that is much more productive and rewarding than any other revisions I've made.
Although John Truby specializes in screenwriting, the book crosses all storytelling styles, and I believe it will help you become a better writer no matter which kind of story you like to tell.
This lens is about John Truby's expertise and about storytelling tips and techniques that any writer will find worthwhile.
John Truby Presents The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller was one of dozens of books lining the shelves. I wasn't sure if this book would help me learn to be a better storyteller than any of the others. I also wasn't sure if John Truby was really any better of a writer or instructor than all the other self-acclaimed storytelling experts.
Then, just like I do every time I'm opening a book for the first time, I flipped to page 254 (if there isn't a page 254, then I flip to page 154 or 54) and read the first few lines:
"Creative Symbols-Writing Exercise 6
Story Symbol - Is there a single symbol that expresses the premise, key story twists, central theme, or overall structure of your story?"
I was sold. What I liked the most about this passage was that it was a writing exercise. I think (as does probably everyone) that you learn better by doing it, not just by being lectured to.
Since purchasing The Anatomy of Story I have revised both my novel and children's story in a way that is much more productive and rewarding than any other revisions I've made.
Although John Truby specializes in screenwriting, the book crosses all storytelling styles, and I believe it will help you become a better writer no matter which kind of story you like to tell.
This lens is about John Truby's expertise and about storytelling tips and techniques that any writer will find worthwhile.
The Anatomy of Story on Amazon
The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller
Amazon Price: $11.56 (as of 11/25/2009)
Fine-tune your storytelling like you've never done before.
This here lens map
- The Anatomy of Story on Amazon
- The 22 Steps
- Free writing exercise -- Your wish list
- A 'must do' storytelling technique
- The best "how to" books on storytelling
- Video - Anatomy of Story, part 1 and 2
- After you've read the book, try the screenwriting software
- The Story World Unfolds
- Have you read any of John Truby's work or taken one of his courses?
- John Truby on the web
- Screenwriting software, books, and DVDs by John Truby
- Storytelling on Twitter
The 22 Steps
This list is taken directly from the book
Throughout Anatomy of Story the author describes how to complete these 22 steps of storytelling
- Self-revelation, need, and desire
- Ghost and story world
- Weakness and need
- Inciting event
- Desire
- Ally or allies
- Opponent and/or mystery
- Fake-ally opponent
- First revelation and decision: Changed desire and motive
- Plan
- Opponent's plan and main counterattack
- Drive
- Attack by ally
- Apparent defeat
- Second revelation and decision: Obsessive drive, changed desire and motive
- Audience revelation
- Third revelation and decision
- Gate, gauntlet, visit to death
- Battle
- Self-revelation
- Moral decision
- New equilibrium
Free writing exercise -- Your wish list
In the second chapter of The Anatomy of Story John Truby encourages the reader to create a wish list, which is all of the stories and parts of a story that you have interest in writing about. The wish list helps get the writing juices flowing and it helps you narrow in on the types of stories you should write. If you like what you write, it will show.
Here's a list of ideas for your wish list:
- Unique plot twists
- Symbols that mean something to you
- Your favorite books
- A movie you enjoyed watching
- Favorite genres
- Characters you remember
- Bits of dialogue roaming about your head
- Your ideal setting
- Anything else that tickles your fancy
Whether you are in the midst of a story or are ready to begin writing, a wish list is a worthwhile exercise.
Free writing exercise -- What is the first thing on your wish list? Leave your comments here. Who knows, you or someone else may find the idea that leads to the next great screenplay.
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- Ben Allen Ben Allen Nov 12, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
- Overcoming adversity, like how Truby was able tostop stuttering
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Reply
- SaraMu SaraMu Jan 16, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
- historical fiction, all the way
A 'must do' storytelling technique
The first storytelling technique to employ is to determine how your hero will change through the course of the story. Begin at the end when the character realizes the change that needs to be made and you will have a strong hero from the beginning.
The best "how to" books on storytelling
Which book do you like best?
The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby
"If you're ready to graduate from the boy-mee more...0 points
Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 Most Powerful Film Conventions Every Filmmaker Must Know by Jennifer Van Sijll
What the industry's most succcessful writers and d more...0 points
The Leader's Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative by Stephen Denning
In his best-selling book, Squirrel Inc., former Wo more...0 points
Improving Your Storytelling (American Storytelling) by Doug Lipman
The first steps in storytelling are often easy, be more...0 points
The Art And Craft Of Storytelling: A Comprehensive Guide To Classic Writing Techniques by Nancy Lamb
When you consider the thousands of years of storyt more...0 points
The Art of Storytelling: Easy Steps to Presenting an Unforgettable Story by John Walsh
Whether speaking in front of a small gathering or more...0 points
Video - Anatomy of Story, part 1 and 2
Here the author talks about the two more important parts of your story
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After you've read the book, try the screenwriting software
Many screenwriters, regardless of experience level, rely on screenwriting software.If you haven't used screenwriting software, you should try it at least once.
The reason is this: Screenwriting software allows you to incorporate your thoughts and your artistic approach to screenwriting in an organized, well-thought out way. No, you don't have to inhibit the creative process by following a formulaic method--you can do all the creative writing you want.
But with screenwriting software you are empowered to take that creativity to the next step and insure that you have covered all the necessary components of a good story.
Screenwriting software (like any kind of writing assistance) could take you from a good screenwriter to an excellent screenwriter.
Try Truby's screenwriting software John Truby Blockbuster and see how you fare.
John Truby Blockbuster (Writing and Screenwriting Software)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
The Story World Unfolds
In John Truby's mind, it's not just about setting - it's about creating a story world. Story world is a comprehensive design of where your characters live, where the story unfolds and, the location of certain symbols. Your story world is what gives your story a third dimension.
When designing your story world you need to look at traditional setting features such as natural surroundings, technology, and people that occupy that space and time. Time covers a broad range. Time of day, time of year, time of life, time of the universe, and so on.
A few more advanced elements of a story world include passageways, rituals, miniatures, systems, oppositions, and a visual reconciliation of the main events in your story. This is just a sampling of what is covered in John Truby's description of the story world, but it at least allows you to understand that a good story is not just about putting your characters "In a faraway place."
When designing your story world you need to look at traditional setting features such as natural surroundings, technology, and people that occupy that space and time. Time covers a broad range. Time of day, time of year, time of life, time of the universe, and so on.
A few more advanced elements of a story world include passageways, rituals, miniatures, systems, oppositions, and a visual reconciliation of the main events in your story. This is just a sampling of what is covered in John Truby's description of the story world, but it at least allows you to understand that a good story is not just about putting your characters "In a faraway place."
Have you read any of John Truby's work or taken one of his courses?
submit
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Reply
- MikeMoore MikeMoore May 3, 2009 @ 10:53 pm
- Wonderful lens. You did a great job and welcome to the Writers and Readers group. :)
John Truby on the web
John Truby has his own Web site devoted to his courses, podcasts, and other products and services.
Regardless of your level of writing, Truby's Web site is an excellent resource and place to learn more about the art of storytelling.
Check out Truby's Writers Studio today.
Regardless of your level of writing, Truby's Web site is an excellent resource and place to learn more about the art of storytelling.
Check out Truby's Writers Studio today.
Screenwriting software, books, and DVDs by John Truby
Truby's Great Screenwriting Course on DVD
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
John Truby Blockbuster (Writing and Screenwriting Software)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
Horror, Fantasy and Science Fiction audio course on MP3
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
Crime, Detective and Thriller Audio Course on MP3
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
Truby's Blockbuster 5 Software - 10% Off Retail Price
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
Storytelling on Twitter
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- klessblog
- RT @fyistudio: Great lessons for developing and producing video- Cinematic Storytelling http://bit.ly/8eMJtM (Thanks Paul!)
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- nyborrobyn
- Smthg @getstoried and @smartMeme can appreciate - TED vid about how storytelling is foundational in our worldviews: http://bit.ly/1c9xKD
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- GetGoogleSniper
- 'The Power of Storytelling' - Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero's 'Copywriting TNT' Newsletter http://bit.ly/7WGJiu #googlesniper
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- fyistudio
- Great lessons for developing and producing video- Cinematic Storytelling http://www.scribd.com/doc/22767862/Cinematic-Storytelling-Sample
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- drmental
- Writing a plan for the storytelling experience of Falling Rock without thinking about platform. Excited at the transmedaic possibilities...
automatically generated by Twitter
by SaraMu
I am a writer, blogger, and marketing consultant from Denver, Colorado with aspirations for universal fame as a fiction writer. (more)
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