Stories That Soar: Classic Craft

For one-on-one help to apply dramatic devices to enliven your script reply DEVICES.

What is the key to crafting great stories? Practised knowledge.

Let me explain.

I strongly believe that the classic storytellers from about 1800 to 1960 were the greatest fiction writers. Think of the plays of Schiller, Ibsen, and Rattigan. The novels of Austen, Hugo, and Conrad. The thrillers of Dumas, Sabatini, and Fleming. The screenplays of Hecht, Yordan, and Rattigan.

But

today many of the greatest classic storytellers are not read. This hurts every writer who doesn’t know their stories and why they are so compelling.  

Why?

One of the greatest heritages of civilization is the art of storytelling. Not just the content of inspiring and imaginative narratives, but also the skills and techniques of classic storytelling itself.

The lack of knowledge today about the stories of classic writers of the past partly explains why contemporary storytelling so lacks.

The higher the shoulders of the story giants who came before you that you can stand on, the higher you will reach with your own stories and career.

What is Classic Storytelling?

Classic storytelling is not all that boredom you may have suffered in English or Lit classes when so called classic literature was examined in boring point after pedantic detail. Or via some political lens or cultural rules. When storytelling techniques – a vital creator of drama and all those exciting and scary emotions -- were ignored.

Classic storytelling is the use of specific dramatic devices to create imaginative story concepts, exciting plots, and unforgettable characters.

In my work as a story coach, I teach my clients key classic storytelling techniques. I discuss with my clients the principles of these devices and I give examples from literature and film. I then help these writers, producers, directors, and executives apply this foundational knowledge to their own stories.

To give you a glimpse of the art and power of classic storytelling, I’ve collected links to my articles about thirteen of them.  

Classic Storytelling Techniques

Meaningful Themes.

Larger Than Life Plot Situations.

Big Character Values and Stakes.

Originality.

Imagination.

Life Changing Character Choices.

Ingenious Plot Complications and Scenes.

Dramatic Irony.

Deception and Disguise.

Suspense.

Mystery Lines.

Ironic Twists.

Reversals.

Actionable Creative Takeaway

To become a skilled professional writer, you must learn and practise knowledge of excellent writing.

To help you achieve this goal, first study the articles above (and many others) to learn these vital dramatic devices.

Then, for your current story, apply this knowledge in the form of questions about your story, characters, and events. Start that creative process by asking these four questions of your story:

1) What is the original big new angle in this story concept?

2) What is the big suspense question? 

3) What is the big mystery question?

4) Do I have two or three big reversals?

You will be amazed what pops up once you know the right questions to ask.

Classical dramatic techniques are “magic” potions that add exciting tang and spice to your stories. Practised knowledge!

If you are stuck applying the above dramatic techniques reply with DEVICES.

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Ideas to make your story resonate