Start your story in medias res You remember learning about in medias res (classical Latin for "into the middle things") in college. That's where you open your story the midst of the action. Here's a great example, from The New York Times Magazine: [Don't bother with background, scene setting or even introducing the subject. Just start at the most dramatic moment … [Read more...] about Begin in the middle
Art of the Storyteller
Take me away
'Transporting' stories change readers' minds Have you ever been lost in a story? Have you ever looked up and found that hours, not minutes, have passed since you turned on your Kindle and that you are in fact in your own bedroom and not at the palace, about to be crowned queen? Have you ever rewritten the end of a story in your mind, so that, say, Nick and Daisy … [Read more...] about Take me away
Take a tip from Norm MacDonald
#RIPRobinWilliams tweets show how to serialize your story What can you learn from Norm MacDonald's Twitter tribute (would that be twibute?) to Robin Williams? What can't you learn?! MacDonald shows us how to serialize our stories, how to get the word out in 144 characters or less — and when to stop typing. Here are six tips to take from MacDonald's … [Read more...] about Take a tip from Norm MacDonald
Set the scene for story
Take readers there Your story has to happen somewhere. The setting is the time and place where it happens. The setting helps readers visualize and feel connected to the story. "Our lives unfold in scenes," says reporter Adam Hochschild. "Make readers feel that they are there." Elements of setting To set a scene, include: Where the story takes place. Mention the … [Read more...] about Set the scene for story
Anatomy of an anecdote
See story elements at work in this healthcare narrative How do you organize a dramatic narrative? Model this piece written for Saint Luke's Health by Wylie Communications' head writer and senior writing coach, Loring Leifer. It has all of the elements you need to craft a compelling case study. Headline Start with a feature head. A good narrative deserves a creative … [Read more...] about Anatomy of an anecdote