Story Nerd: Recent Episodes
Melanie Hill, Valerie Francis
The Story Nerd Podcast demystifies story theory so writers spend less time studying and more time writing. Literary editors and writers, Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill, analyze a film a week as an example of a storytelling principle. The show focuses on concepts common to all stories across film, television, novels and screenplays.
It's not unusual for a debut author to query agents too soon. After all, this is a new skill and often they don't realize that their submission might not be ready. Yes, official queries require completed manuscripts (although on this show it's not necessary). But is that all a writer needs or could there be more? Tune into today's episode to find out. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
In this episode, Melanie takes us on a deep dive of spy stories, their conventions and subgenres. It turns out that what we usually think of as spy stories might not be spy stories at all! Meanwhile, Valerie examines the testing plot and offers advice about how to write historical fiction that works. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
How much worldbuilding should you do in your opening pages? Does it depend on which genre you're writing in? What happens if you do too much, or too little? Will the reader get lost or confused, or will they just go with it and fill in the blanks based on their personal past experiences and knowledge? We discuss all this and more in today's episode. Enjoy! - V.
Not gonna lie ... this episode kinda went off the rails. We're supposed to talk about why Hitchcock's Vertigo is such a fabulous story — after all, it is lauded as one of his greatest films. Buuuut ... I didn't watch it before I recommended it for our What Went Right episode. Yes, the narrative drive works well in places. No question. However, to say this movie doesn't age well is an understatement and Melanie lets Hitchcock have it with both barrels. I roared with laugher through her whole bit (thankfully, my mic was muted so you'll have no trouble hearing her). This episode is worth a listen for the laugh if nothing else. And please let us know ... do you think Vertigo is one of Hitchcock's greatest films? - V.
How do you know if you're ready to query? The short answer is: when you've finished your manuscript. But could there be more to it than that? Do you need to run it past beta readers first, or is that a waste of time? If it's a good idea, then who do you choose to be on your beta reader team? We discuss all this and more on today's Hook Your Reader episode. Enjoy! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
How did such a successful franchise get the last Bourne film wrong? There’s a simple answer - repetition and forgetting the rules of the world. This is an episode about the details, and it’s perfect for those writing a series because there’s a lot of good lessons to learn. - M
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Genre is a funny topic in our business because nobody can seem to agree on it. That makes querying agents a particularly tricky situation ... what if the agent has a different perspective of your story's genre than you do? What happens then? In today's Hook Your Reader episode, we offer our take on a horror story with fantasy elements that may, or may not, actually be an action story or a haunted house story or even a global internal genre story. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
In this episode we share our lessons learned and a-ha moments about the 4 Types of Protagonists and the Premise statement. The ability to summarize your story in one sentence is an absolute must and over the course of the season, Melanie explored several different methods for doing just that. Which one was her favourite and why? This week, she reveals all. And for my part, I explored the 4 different types of protagonists and was happily surprised to have found three such different examples of the anti-hero — a protagonist type that, I think, is both misunderstood and under used. What do you think? -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Steven Spielberg listens to Story Nerd. My proof? In a recent interview with The New York Times, he said, "The first thing I look for [in a story] is a very compelling premise. The second thing is a character we can hitch our wagons to." THIS is exactly what Melanie and I have been discussing all season. So yeah, he MUST be listening to us, right? ;-) Seriously though, you want to tune into this episode to hear why Spielberg thinks these two things — premise and character — are so important. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Serenity is the follow-on movie from Joss Whedon’s series, Firefly. While the movie had a guaranteed audience, the story suffers because the main protagonist doesn’t have a clear object of desire, however, the antagonist’s OOD is super clear and it saves the movie. Valerie’s exceptional study of the four types of protagonist moves up a notch again, as she explores the ‘lost soul’ theory for the anti-hero. - M
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Querying agents can be a daunting task but there's a way to do it effectively! Agents want to love your book but you have to know how to present it to them. Query letters aren't simply cover letters. They're sales letters and their job is to convince an agent to ask for more. Putting a query package together is a skill, and if you want to get an agent, it's a skill you must master! The Query Starter Kit available at learn.storynerd.ca now. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
What's the key to choosing comp (comparative) titles that pique an agent's curiosity? Should you use films or tv shows? What about huge bestsellers — would those make good comps, and if so, in which circumstances? In today's episode, Kathleen and I discuss an upmarket speculative thriller and discuss comp title choices, killer opening lines and, you guessed it ... exposition! And if you want to read the query letters and first 10 pages writing samples we discuss in these Hook Your Reader episodes, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
How do you create an emotional connection between a reader and an unlikeable character? That's one of the most common questions we get as editors. The answer lies in understanding the anti-hero protagonist and Birds of Prey offers up a whole group of them to study. And where there are multiple protagonists, there are multiple plotlines. And each of those plotlines needs its own premise statement. It's a full episode this week! Enjoy! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Nothing is what it seems in this mercenary mystery. I discovered a way to use two premises to create mystery and a twist - a great find for everyone writing mysteries or spy stories. Valerie works out what type of protagonist Sam is, and it’s not what I thought! -M
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
What kind of story are you writing? That question is actually much trickier to answer than it seems, and that's because writers and agents look at genre differently. What happens if, after reading the query letter, an agent isn't clear on your story's genre? What role do comp titles play in explaining genre? We answer these questions and many more in today's Hook Your Reader episode. Enjoy! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Well, well, well ... this has to be THE most interesting presentation of an underdog protagonist that I've ever come across. Not only have the filmmakers gone above and beyond with respect to their audience's expectations, but they've innovated the heck out of the underdog. This you've got to see! And if you're not sure whether you've written a logline or a premise statement for your story (or why you'd need both and when you'd use them) then Melanie's got your back because in this episode, she explains it all. Enjoy! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
This week I practised writing a premise for each of the characters in Notting Hill and I experimented with the ending to see if this tool helps writers evaluate writing ideas. Valerie studied the value of the “everyman” punching above his weight in a romance - a winning formula if ever there was one! - M.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
What happens when a story is pitched in the query letter as a mystery, but doesn't read like one in the opening pages? Where did the confusion creep in and how can you avoid a genre mismatch? We discuss this and much more (including writing unnamed protagonists and passive characters) in today's Hook Your Reader episode. Enjoy! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Of all the types of protagonists, audiences/readers love the underdog the most, and our discussion of this beloved archetype led us down all kinds of interesting story theory roads including tension, stakes, objects of desire, the use of consequences as plot devices, suspension of disbelief and the Disneyfication of fairy tales! Meanwhile, Melanie continues her study of the premise statement and logline — what the difference between them is, how to formulate them, why they're important and, of course, when a writer would use them. This episode is jam-packed! Enjoy! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Sicario presented us with a few surprises this week. Valerie thought she’d be analysing a hero, but Kate is an underdog. She’s not presented as a typical underdog, nor does she have the typical underdog resolution. On my end, the logline for the movie misses some essential information. I try a new method of creating a premise that clarifies the conflict and story climax, and it delivers a surprising discovery about the real antagonist. -M
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Can you write a killer opening line? Can you define what a killer opening line is? In this week's episode, we give our professional advice on the opening pages of a story described as upmarket with suspense elements, starting with a debate about the opening line. Don't get me wrong ... the first 10 pages are quite good, but we've got suggestions for how to make them great! Don't miss this episode! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
What type of protagonist does your story feature? There are 4 types, each of them can be a constant character or a change character, and each one evokes a different emotion from your reader/viewer. And that's exactly what I'm studying this season starting with the hero which could be a literal superhero, or it could be a little old lady. And Melanie is studying the story premise and how to articulate a story in one sentence (because it's a skill EVERY writer needs!). There's loads of great stuff coming up this season, starting with this episode all about Murder, She Said. Enjoy! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Poles apart - and not the dancing kind!
Anora won the 2024 Palme d’Or at Cannes and five out of six categories at the 2025 Academy awards including Best Original Screen Play and Best Film. Plus, it was nominated for a multitude of other awards and won its fair share. On Rotten Tomatoes it has an aggregated rating of 93%. That’s impressive.
However, we disagree about What Went Right. I saw how the writer director crafted a pessimistic story arc combined with a negative character arc. Valerie believes that nothing went right in this movie because of the characters, dialogue, and lack of originality. If you’ve seen the movie, let us know what you think. -M
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
It's AMA time! When is the best time to query an agent? When is the best time to go out on submission? How on earth does a writer choose comp titles? Literary agent, Kathleen Foxx, answers these questions and more on today's Hook Your Reader episode. If you want our feedback on your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample, visit storynerd.ca for details on how to submit. We look forward to reading your work! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
I'm convinced that the screenplay for this film was generated by AI. Of course, I have no proof for that, but 80 for Brady is so completely bizarre that if AI wasn't involved, I'd like to know what the filmmakers were smoking. It misses the mark at every turn and has so neglected (ignored? forgotten?) the fundamentals of storytelling that not even four legends of stage and screen can save it. This just might be the worst movie ever made. Oy with the poodles already! - V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
In the season roundup, we share all our best advice about the speech in praise of the villain (what it is, how to craft it, and why it's important), and constant characters (they're waaaaaay more common than you think!). -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
This is the first episode of our brand new HOOK YOUR READER series! In these episodes, literary editor Kathleen Foxx and I review query letters and first ten pages writing samples from you, our listeners! While we're getting this off the ground, and to give you time to prepare your work, we've devoted this week's show to answering your questions about AI, writing and publishing. It's a good one! And, to find out how you can send in your work for review, be sure to stick around to the end of the episode. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
What if you could get professional advice on your query letter and first ten pages writing sample BEFORE you started to send it off to agents? Well my friends, you're going to love this! Starting tomorrow, literary agent Kathleen Foxx and I are going to do just that (and it's free). For all the details about how you can get our feedback on your work, visit storynerd.ca. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
In a twist that no one saw coming, not even us, the villains in this movie are Val and Mel!
Despite this, I thought Thunderbolts would be better. :( However, the constant characters in this movie support a protagonist with a change arc, and fill archetypal roles in the movie. In another surprising twist - switching the villain in the end of the movie has a big impact on the effectiveness of the speech in praise of the villain. This episode has more twists and and turns than the MCU - and that is saying something! -M
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Season 5 kicks off with Men in Black. Valerie is studying plot structure, and Melanie is studying resonance. Now, admittedly, plot structure doesn't sound very sexy but it's one of the first decisions a writer must make. If you haven't chosen a structure for your novel, how will you know if what you've written is working? Do you know what the structure options are? Resonance is the ability to evoke or suggest images, emotions, and memories, and all successful writers use it to draw on their readers' experiences. So, how are you putting it to use in your own WIP? - V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Sometimes, studying a story that you love can be a bit scary. What if it turns out that the story is rubbish, and what you really like is the soundtrack, or the actor, or the costumes? Well, you can cast those worries aside this week because The Devil Wears Prada is solid. In terms of structure, it isn't fancy. It doesn't waver from the Hero's Journey/Archplot form, and that's okay. In fact it's more than okay because it teaches us what can happen when we focus on the fundamentals.-V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Does the nickname "baby" bother us? Why yes, yes it does. But we've got to admit, Dirty Dancing is an excellent example of the heroine's journey, as well as female archetypes and how women are presented in stories. It also happens to be, structurally, an excellent film. It's not a complex story, but it's well told. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Wowzers! This is a terrific movie. If you're writing a thriller (any sub-genre), or a story with nuanced and complex characters, this episode is for you. In fact, CONCLAVE is one of the movies we recommend you put on your short list of films to study because, seriously, you can learn about almost any aspect of storytelling from it. It's so good that I'm not even angry that the bad guy turns out to be a Canadian - lol! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
What does a literary agent look for in the sample writing pages of a query? In this special bonus episode, I speak with agent Kathleen Foxx (The Rights Factory) about the 4 criteria she uses to evaluate a submission, her 21-point checklist (which you can get for free), and the importance (or not) of a novel's opening line. This is an episode you're going to want to bookmark and share with your writer friends!
https://kathleenfoxxagent.com/
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Valerie asked me, “How are you going to explain this?”
Trippy.
It’s David Lynch and it’s trippy.
It’s also an antiplot story with characters who have two identities. Where is the speech in praise of the villain and what arc does the story and protagonist have? Well…it’s a mix of pessimistic, dreamy, constant, whoa, what is going on, and none.
Pick and choose. Close your eyes and we’ll see you in the void. -M
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Calling historical fiction writers, memoirists, and anyone writing a "David and Goliath" style story! In this episode, I do a deep dive into the Speech in Praise of the Villain and I show how the filmmakers expertly (and seamlessly) used exposition to let the viewing audience know just how formidable the antagonist is. (The level of craft here is truly next-level stuff!) And Melanie explains how, yet again, we have a story where the protagonist is a constant character...he doesn't have an arc, but the story sure does!
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
HEADS-UP! Amour is beautiful but heavy (have the tissue ready!).
Do you want to write gritty stories that leave readers grief struck long after they read THE END and close the book? Amour is a fantastic template for a complex moral problem that will never be resolved. This is another example of how a story can have an arc when the protagonist is constant. And Valerie does a stellar job of working out who or what the force of antagonism is and how the speech in praise of the villain applies when the antagonist isn't obvious. -M.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
HEADS-UP! Amour is beautiful but heavy (have the tissue ready!).
Do you want to write gritty stories that leave readers grief struck long after they read THE END and close the book? Amour is a fantastic template for a complex moral problem that will never be resolved. This is another example of how a story can have an arc when the protagonist is constant. And Valerie does a stellar job of working out who or what the force of antagonism is and how the speech in praise of the villain applies when the antagonist isn't obvious. -M.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Stories need both characters and a plot. That sounds obvious, I know...but you'd be surprised. In this week's episode, Melanie and I examine a film that, sadly, forgot to include a plot. No, really! INVITATION TO A MURDER has unfortunately fallen prey to a very common storytelling trap but the fix is super easy! To find out the problem (so you can avoid it), and the solution (if you've already erred), tune into this week's episode. Enjoy! - V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
This season I'm blowing the idea that ‘characters need arcs’ out of the water. Erin Brockovich is a constant character and she’s an underdog. With the odds against her, she does not change instead, she bends the world to suit herself. This is no mean feat, because the villain is powerful and wealthy. In underdog movies the speech in praise of the villain is essential. It's through this speech that we understand how powerful and how unlikely it is for our protagonist to come out on top. Join us as we unpack how a constant character and speeches in praise of the villain work together to deliver a deeply satisfying story. - M.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
On the list of films that haven't aged too well, THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH is near the top. Because it's Hitchcock I'll get flack for saying that, but watch it first and then decide. In terms of study topics this season, I'm looking at The Speech in Praise of the Villain and Melanie is examining Constant Characters. Its portrayal of women and parenting aside, this movie offers up interesting insights on bits of story theory. Enjoy! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Using a framing story in your novel? Maybe you're writing multiple plot lines. Or perhaps you want to know what truly masterful storytelling looks like. This week, we take a deep dive into THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Melanie and I were spoiled for choice in this What Went Right episode because, when you're dealing with a William Goldman story, pretty much everything is going right. Enjoy! -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
If you’re wondering what NOT to do when adapting your novel, there are great tips in this episode. We've all experienced the feeling of walking out of a cinema and saying, the book was better. That's definitely the case for The Golden Compass. I’ve read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it plus the book won the Carnegie Medal which means it's excellent. So how did such a good children story go so wrong when it was adapted for film? That is the question we answer in this episode.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
We're wrapping up Season 16 with our best advice, lessons learned and a-ha moments about The Shadow and The Hero's Monologue. If you didn't get a chance to listen to all the episodes this season, you'll definitely want to tune in and maybe even bookmark this episode! - V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
You control the shadows in your characters. This week we reveal how a negative shadow looms large despite being dead. Daphne du Maurier’s ‘Rebecca’ crushed everyone she came into contact with, even her allies. With our study of The Shadow drawing to a close, it’s time to look at how suppressed emotions break free and cause chaos. The Hero’s monologue is also treated differently in this film. See if you can pick where it is!
"The shadow isn't always bad character traits." - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
- The Incredibles
- The Holdovers
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Genre is enigmatic (at best). Writers, agents, readers, and editors, all have different perspectives, and sometimes they lead to heated debates. In this episode, which originally aired in Season 2, Melanie and I totally disagree on the genre. She thinks it's a horror, I think it's a thriller. Which of us is right? Tune in to find out. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode. Until then, Happy New Year! - V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Did you know that the beginning of your story, and the end of your story, work together as a unit? This this episode, which originally aired back in Season 3, we explore how the powerhouse pairing of Jane Austen and Emma Thompson put this bit of theory into action. For the rest of your story, understanding sequences might just be the key to making your story sing! We'll be back on January 14, 2026 with a brand new episode. Until then, we wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year! - V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Holy smokes! Now THIS is how you write a murder mystery. If you're a mystery writer, or simply want to watch an absolutely fantastic film during the holiday season, be sure to check out THE LAST OF SHEILA. This episode originally aired in Season 9 and it's one of our favourites. So sit back and enjoy, and we'll be back with a brand new show on January 14, 2026. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Wayne's World is a superior example of an anti-plot story (and it's hilarious to boot!). As Melanie and I take a much deserved recording break to enjoy the holidays with our families, we're sharing this archive episode with you because, if nothing else, it'll bring a smile to your face and give you a good laugh. We'll be back on January 15, 2026 with a brand new episode. Until then Happy Holidays, everyone! - V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
It's a brand new season and that means Melanie and I are studying two new topics: narrative drive and conflict triangles. Conflict and page-turners are usually associated with action stories, thrillers and the like. But DOUBT is a quiet, character-driven film that is so expertly crafted it grabs the viewer's attention immediately and holds it right to the bitter end. Seriously, there's so much for novelists in here. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
This is storytelling at its finest. We could study it to learn about almost any aspect of writing, but this week, Melanie and I are highlighting the complexity and nuance of the main character. He's a passive character, which makes for an especially interesting study of both the hero's monologue and the shadow. If you've not seen THE HOLDOVERS yet, watch it as a gift to yourself this holiday season. You won't be disappointed. We'll be back in January with a new episode. Until then, we'll be sharing some of our favourite episodes from the vault! Happy Holidays, everyone! And Happy New Year! - V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
If you are writing a villain’s POV in your story, this episode is for you. Lydia Tar is a villain but she’s also the protagonist of the story. Quite simply: villain + protagonist = anti-hero. The slow reveal of Tar’s shadow is a masterclass in writing a villain POV. You could start off with an evil villain and maintain that line in your story, but it’s much more compelling to watch the villain’s camouflage and true nature being revealed over time. -M.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
If you're curious about how to handle unlikeable protagonists, this episode is for you! In Hitchcock's classic, DIAL M FOR MURDER, the protagonist is the villain — he plots the murder of his wife, and that's about as unlikeable as it gets! His anti-hero's monologue is a veritable masterclass and his shadow reveals that he's actually kind of a nice guy underneath it all ... when he's not blackmailing people and planning murders that is. -V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
The villain isn’t a stand in for the hero’s shadow. The villain is a warning to the hero if the hero doesn't learn to integrate their shadow. The Incredibles is storytelling gold and a very clear example of the role of the villain and hero plus their relationship to the hero’s shadow. Of course, every good superhero movie needs a hero’s monologue and The Incredibles delivers. This week is a great week for both our topics, so join us as we don our capes and wear our undies on the outside! -M.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
If you're writing a dual protagonist story, a story with multiple plot lines or a romance, this episode is for you! After the spookiness of last week's episode, I thought we are all due for a feel-good, positive juju kinda movie. What better choice than THE PROPOSAL? Enjoy! -V. The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your bookin a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample atstorynerd.ca.For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visitvaleriefrancis.ca/checklistTo learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.Watch us on YouTube!
You need to read stories you don’t like. Yep, it’s true. This week I put my body on the line and I forced myself (and Valerie - so sorry, please forgive me) to watch The Substance. I don’t read, watch, or listen to horror, but there are times when I need to go outside my comfort zone to learn more about the craft. My topic this season is The Shadow, so it would be remiss of me to ignore a genre that relies on The Shadow. You don’t need to watch The Substance because I summarise it for you (minus the gore). There’s a lot to learn from this movie about The Shadow and I’ll talk you through my takeaways. -M.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
How does your reader know why your protagonist does what she does? This seemingly minor detail is one of the most important parts of your story and the way you let the reader know about it is through the hero's monologue. What aspect of your protagonist is hidden from her, from your reader, or both? If you want to create a main character with dimension and an arc, then understanding her shadow is key. The hero's monologue and the shadow are our study topics in this brand new season of the podcast. Enjoy! - V.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
I think I missed the mark with my choice for What When Right this Season. I went with The Outrun because it scored well on ratings sites. Why did this movie get such good ratings when both Valerie and I had trouble staying engaged? It’s a story that has great performances and it handles addiction without judgement. There’s also some parallel story telling in the shape of traditional Orkney fairy tales, which assists the viewer with navigating Rona’s view of the world. This is a puzzling movie but it has some good elements. -M.
The Hook Formula: the works-every-time method for describing your book in a way that captivates readers and makes them beg for more.
Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.
For your FREE First 10 Pages Checklist, visit valeriefrancis.ca/checklist
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.
Watch us on YouTube!
Today is a fantastic day for the Story Nerd Podcast. We are celebrating the launch of Melanie’s new middle-grade novel, Jett Cooper, by sharing a behind the veil look at how she put theory into practice.
Join us for this special episode and learn more about Melanie, what inspired her to write this novel, and why it took her so long. Valerie also shares her reaction to reading the completed novel for the first time with Melanie.
If you’ve ever wondered why Valerie and Melanie started the Story Nerd podcast then join us for this exclusive Story Nerd episode. If you want to see whether Melanie and Valerie know what they're talking about, now you can get their books and read for yourself. The proof is in the pages!
For more details about where you can get Jett Cooper, go to melaniehill.au
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
STAYIN' ALIVE has a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (I didn't even know that was possible!) so Melanie and I wanted to see if we could figure out where the storytelling in this movie went wrong. And boy, did it give us the giggles. In this episode, we cover everything from missing empathy to missing pants. So come join us, and be sure to let us know what you think of our analysis. -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
We've come to the end of another season and that means it's time for our best advice about the villain's monologue (what it is, and why it's essential you have one in your story) and turning points (those unexpected events that create opportunities for you to reveal character). -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
I think BLACK BAG misses the mark but it's one of Melanie's favourites. So what happens when we disagree on whether, from a craft perspective, a story is working or not? Well, you'll have to tune in to this week's episode to find out. One thing I'll say is that this might be a film that is meant for super fans of the spy genre (i.e., Melanie) because it seems to assume a level of knowledge about the world of espionage that the average viewer (i.e., me) simply doesn't have. Enjoy! -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Primal Fear is a superb film. The novel, by William Diehl, is even better. This is a story to add to your short list of go-to stories to study for absolutely any aspect of the craft. Enjoy! - V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
This week we're throwing it back to season 2. Valerie is studying The Hero's Gift Expressed and Melanie is studying Forces of Antagonism. Legally Blonde is a beautiful example of both!
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
In this week's episode, Melanie introduces the concept of conflict triangles and honestly, if you use them in your work, your story will improve immediately. In terms of cast design, while usually the plot supports the development of the characters in this case, the characters support the development of the plot. If you don't know which option best serves your story, you'd better tune in.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
In this episode, Melanie is studying female characters and how women are presented in modern stories (her work in this episode is reeeeally interesting!), and I investigate something I learned from Steven Pressfield, which is that we shouldn't introduce anything new after Act 2.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Whatever kind of story you're writing, if you want a reader to stick with you all the way to the end, you've got to build tension! Believe it or not, The Bourne Identity is a terrific example to study - even for a love story or coming of age story.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Puzzled about what it takes to write a great mystery? Then grab your notebook because this episode is chock-full of tips. No red herrings in this show, we promise!
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Ummm … I don’t know what to say to introduce this week’s episode. Perhaps I should start with a simple question, ‘What makes a story un-watchable/un-readable?’ Part of the answer is chickens. If you’d like to know the rest of the answer, then buckle-up and dive in. -M
“Foe makes all the same mistakes that most novelists make.” - Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes
- Season 13 - Four Story Questions
- Season 5 - Story Form
- Season 7 - World Building
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
THE MIRACLE CLUB is a multiple protagonist, miniplot, story. That means that each protagonist is also an antagonist. Sounds cool, right? But how the heck do you pull it off? Well one of the ways is to give each POV character her own villain's monologue. This film misses on one character and you just have to hear what happens to the story because of it! Melanie continues her study of turning points and this week, she shows us how they impact a story's pacing. Don't miss out! -V.
“The villain drives the middle build of your story.” - Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes
- Season 11: Conflict Triangles Deep Dive
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Valerie’s focus on the villain’s monologue in She Said was always going to be risky because we’d have to hear Harvey Weinstein's justification but justification requires the villain owning his stuff! What’s interesting is not what’s said but who says it. There’s also differences between the turning points in this movie and the others we’ve watched, and it has a big impact on the story. -M
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
The antagonist drives the middle of a story, so what happens when the antagonist is a really weak character? Well, if you're a filmmaker and can cast Emilio Estevez, you might get away with it. If you're a novelist, you're in trouble. This week, Melanie and I take a look at The Mighty Ducks where the story is thin but the ice is thick. While this movie doesn't offer up the best example of the villain's monologue, thankfully, it's got lots to teach us about turning points. -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Melanie and I have both had to do page-one rewrites (actually, I've done TWO!!!), and they're not fun. Not fun at all. We want to keep you from suffering the same fate, so in this episode, we explain where we went wrong and what you can do to make sure you never ever have to start your novel from scratch. -V.
- The Fundamentals of Storytelling
- coupon code: CANADA50
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Announcing THE FUNDAMENTALS OF STORYTELLING on-demand course, available now. Visit storynerd.ca/courses and use coupon code CANADA50 for 50% off, now through July 7, 2025.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation is a great example of good, straight forward storytelling. Yes, it’s an action movie with big stunts. Yes, you have to suspend your disbelief. Yes, it’s Tom Cruise. But there’s more craft in this movie than meets the eye. This episode, I’ll show you what I mean and Valerie will give her take on the interesting variation of the Villian’s monologue. Just in case anyone was wondering, Valerie and I do our own stunts on the podcast. -M
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
It's a brand new season and that means two brand new study topics! In Season 15, I'm studying something called the villain's monologue and Melanie is studying turning points. Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3 is one of those films that's ok as long as you don't look too closely! There are definitely logic problems but insofar as our study topics are concerned, this movie offers up some valuable craft advice. Enjoy! -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Authors often ask us for our advice about publishing models and whether traditional is better, or worse, than indie/self publishing. So this week, we're bringing you an interview with writer and podcaster, Matty Dalrymple. Matty also happens to be the Campaigns Manager for ALLi (the Alliance of Independent Authors) and she takes us through what she calls the ABCs of the traditional and indie publishing paths. This interview isn't meant to sway you in one director or another. Rather, we want to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each path, and of course, we want let you know that whichever one you choose, ALLi is an invaluable source of information - much of which is free! - V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
If you're writing a quiet, character-driven story — especially if it deals with questions of morality — Juror #2 is a film you must watch. The storytelling craft is rock solid, and although it's a legal drama, it's also highly nuanced with complex characters and an unbelievably intriguing plot. There's no spectacle here. It's all substance. Check out this hook: What if a juror in a murder trial realized that he is the killer? -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
If you are wondering what kids mean when they say, “It’s cringe” then watch this movie. Otherwise save yourself some time. On paper everything about this movie should work, but, and it’s an enormous but, it doesn’t. It’s easy to identify why. This movie doesn’t know what it wants to be when it grows up - is it a romance, a spy or an action movie. On the upside, if you listen to this episode you will learn the difference between action stories and spy stories - I have very strong opinions about this. We also have lots of fun with our cranky pants on. -M
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
We've reached the end of another season and that means it's time for me and Melanie to give your our best advice, our a-has, and our key takeaways all about the core event and progressive complications. You'll want to bookmark this episode! -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
We’ve had a number of masterful movies this season and Women Talking is another one. Q: How do you tell a story when everything you’ve ever known is at stake? A: Consider the pros and cons using multiple protagonists. This is a great movie where the level of writing craft is high, and the core event provides more relief than you thought possible. If you can bear to watch this movie more than once, it will be worth it. -M.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
This movie looks like an innocent little story about seniors who want to make the most of their golden years, but the craft behind it will knock your socks off. It's a multiple POV, multiple plot film and believe me, this is NOT an easy format to pull off. So if you're writing a story with more than one protagonist and/or more than one plot line, do yourself a favour — listen to this episode and learn from these master storytellers. -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Every-now-and-then we stumble across unassuming movies that blow our socks off. Anatomy of a Fall is one of these. There’s so much to love about this movie which is a masterclass in character, mystery, tension, and nearly every story telling principle we’ve discussed on the podcast. Of course, there’s a great deal to learn about progressive complications and the climatic moment. -M
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
I think the filmmakers had good intentions when they made SHIRLEY, unfortunately, they failed to stick to the essentials of storytelling. In this episode, Melanie does a fantastic job of illustrating what happens to a story when writers fail to create obstacles that progressively complicate the plot. (Progressive Complications are a big deal - you're going to want to pay attention to this one.) And I do a deep dive into the core event (aka the climax) and explain why it doesn't work and how you can avoid making the same mistake in your novel. -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
The antagonist owned the progressive complications in this movie. Celine shows her best friend Alice what a fate worse than death could be. Valerie explains how the Core Event is linked to its genre and why it’s important to understand the difference between the core event in an action, horror, or thriller. -M
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
If you're writing a character-driven story, or a story where society is the antagonist, or a story with broad societal issues, add Greenbook to your list of films to study. I know all about the controversy surrounding this film but our analysis this week is, as always, on the storytelling craft. And from a craft perspective, this movie does a whole lot of things right. - V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
First of all I have to let you know that it’s a miracle that no podcasters were harmed during the making of this episode.
Bloody hell! What have I done? The cringe factor in this movie is off the charts - it’s worse than getting “sand up your clacker” (if you’ve watched this movie, you’ll get the reference). However, the opening scene does provide a reasonable example of progressive complications in action. Not surprisingly, Valerie’s study of the Core Event is hampered by, um, by, everything. -M
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
It's a brand new season and that means two brand new story theory principles to discuss! This time around, I'm studying the core event (aka a story's climax) and Melanie is studying progressive complications. The writers of THE BANK OF DAVE definitely poured some sugar on this genuinely sweet, feel-good movie. It's rock solid. As an added bonus, it also features Def Leppard (seriously!). Let me know if you literally stand up and dance at the end of this movie. I did! -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
In this special bonus episode, I interview Brian Proctor, a bestselling author in the field of personal development. This might seem like an odd fit for the show until you realize that it's not our talent or ability that holds us back as writers, it's our mindset. In this interview we discuss how to conquer procrastination, the truth about manifesting, and the mindset Brian used to become a bestselling author with his very first book. -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
While Melanie and I continue to beaver away in the background, we thought we'd pull PRETTY WOMAN from the archives for you. This movie is a fan favourite and here's the thing, it gets all the storytelling fundamentals exactly right. We can't wait to share our new project with you. Stay tuned for more! - V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
While Melanie and I cook up something extra special for you, we're highlighting some past episodes that you might have missed. THE DRY is an Outback Noir that we studied back in season 9. We talk about the environment as an antagonist, character archetypes, and a whole lot more. Check it out! - V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Behind the scenes, Melanie and I are cooking up something very special for you! While we work on that, for the next few weeks we'll be replaying some of our best episodes for you. This week it's WHIPLASH. This is one of my all-time favourites because it's an excellent example of every story principle (seriously). Enjoy! -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
What makes the Paddington franchise so popular with audiences? That's exactly what Melanie and I set out to discover as we take a deep dive into the first film in the trilogy in this brand new What Went Right episode. We look past the CGI and get straight to the heart of the story. -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
It's our second "what went wrong" episode and this time we're taking a deep dive into the 2011 film, GREEN LANTERN. Even Ryan Reynolds says this one is a dud, so where did the storytelling go wrong? Tune in to find out! -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
That's a wrap on Season 13! Over the past eight episodes Melanie took a deep dive into one of the most important concepts in storytelling: tension. In this episode, she reviews the concepts of high and low tension, and highlights the principles you can use to create tension in your story. Meanwhile, I spent the season studying The 4 Story Questions. This is really important stuff. Trust me on this...if you can't answer these questions clearly and succinctly, your story might be in big trouble. -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Valerie and I take a scalpel to some well loved movies this season. First there was the Nightmare Before Christmas and now Sleepless in Seattle. I’m not a believer in ‘magic love’ so I find the premise of the movie silly, but there are some good examples of tension. However, under the microscope of Valerie’s 4 Story Questions, this movie is lacking in some fundamental storytelling scaffolding. Without clear wants there isn’t anything meaningful at stake. The take away - the story could be better. There, I said it. I am the Scrooge of Valentine’s Day. -M
"Tension is the anticipation that something is going to happen." - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
The Accidental Tourist (Season 5, Episode 503)
Crazy Stupid Love (Season 13, Episode 1304)
Season 5 - Shapes of Stories + Resonance
Season 7 - Character Dimension + Worldbuilding
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Writers of quiet, character-driven or "literary" stories often ask me if all this story theory stuff applies to them, or if it's only for "commercial" fiction. Believe me when I say that it's even more important and in this episode of the podcast, I explain why. Meanwhile, Melanie conducted an experiment this week. She wanted to discover how knowing the ending impacted the tension of a story. Does it kill the tension or enhance it? What she learned may surprise you. -V.
"Our jobs, when we're writing a novel, is to grab our readers' attention early, as early as humanly possible." - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Season 6 - Empathy + Stakes
Crazy Stupid Love (Season 13, Episode 1304)
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Frustration follows flaws! Can you create tension and conflict if the 4 Story questions haven’t been answered? The simple answer is “no”. I desperately wanted to love this movie because I’m writing a short story based on selkies. This is a sweet movie. It lacks some storytelling basics, which results in minimal tension and conflict. I know I’ve said it before, but learning from stories that don’t work is more valuable when you're learning to write. -M
"Conflict relies on tension to make readers want to know what happens." Janice Hardy
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Season 5
Calendar Girls (Season 13, Episode 1)
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Melanie and I talk about Object of Desire all the time and boy, oh boy, this movie really drives home why it's so important. The writers didn't go for the obvious choice here and it makes the movie, and the protagonist, so much more interesting because what Judy wants more than anything in the world is not to perform, but to be with her kids. In terms of tension, it's hit-and-miss. Tune in to find out how you can emulate the tension-creating techniques and how you can avoid the pitfalls. -V.
"It's the conflict that creates tension and change in a story." Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Season 6 (Creating Empathy + Stakes)
Season 7 (Character Revelation + World-Building)
Season 8 (Cast Design + Conflict)
Season 11 (Narrative Drive + Conflict Triangles)
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
I love it when Valerie and I study different theories and come to different conclusions about the movie. Crazy, Stupid, Love has great examples of slow/low tension and high/intense tension - it’s a great movie demonstrating how tension works. However, it doesn’t work so well when the 4 Story Questions are applied. Why? Because a multi-point-of-view story needs answers for all POV characters! Which POVs work and which don’t…dive into this episode and find out. -M
"Having your characters make stupid decisions is a great way to increase tension." -Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes:
The Accidental Tourist (Season 5, Episode 503)
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
In this archive episode, we revisit our study of FATAL ATTRACTION which first aired as episode 5 of season 7. I was studying character revelation and Melanie was studying worldbuilding, but what I find most fascinating about this movie is that, viewed through a modern lens, it's unclear who the antagonist really is. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode, until then, Happy New Year! -V.
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
While I'm teaching my kids to surf during our summer beach holiday, and Valerie is shovelling out from a winter storm, we're bringing you a throwback episode from season 6 where we studied stakes and empathy. Based on Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew", "10 Things I Hate About You" is packed with lessons about what not to do. We'll be back with a brand new episode on January 8. Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays story nerds! - M.
"Stakes equals object of desire plus consequences." Melanie Hill
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a favourite with both our families, and given that this is a Tim Burton film we expected that the storytelling would be rock solid. This is a great example of writers using the storytelling tools at their disposal to maximum effect. Ah, but since filmmakers have access to different tools than novelists, when you strip away the "spectacle" of stop-motion and musical numbers, how strong is the story itself? The answer may surprise you.
This is our last new episode before the holiday season. For the next two weeks we've selected two of our most favourite back episodes, and we'll be back with you in the new year. Happy Holidays everyone!! -V&M.
"If you cannot answer the four story questions... you are very likely wasting your time." Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes:
Coraline (Season 4, Episode 2)
Calendar Girls (Season 13, Episode 1)
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
The tension starts with the title of this week’s movie - The Banshees of Inisherin. Banshees cry right before someone dies. That’s tension right there - who will it be? The anticipation about who is going to die is high because the outcome is unknown. Tension thrives with uncertainty. I also explore the idea of high and low tension in a story. Valerie is powering on with her study of the 4 Story Questions and showing why they are so important.
If you don’t want to waste years writing in circles, this episode will help you hold the story banshees at bay. -M
"Tension is nested just like the units of story." - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Calendar Girls
Seasons 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Welcome to a brand new season! This time around I'm studying the 4 Story Questions and Melanie is focused on tension. This week we're looking at CALENDAR GIRLS. We love these actresses (I mean, honestly, what's not to love?) but the storyline threw us for a loop because when it felt like it was coming to a natural conclusion, we realized there was still another hour to go. What happened? And was that a good thing or not? Tune in to find out! -V.
"Making a sale or getting an agent hinges on your ability to describe your story to somebody else." Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes:
Late Night (Season 1, Episode 1)
Season 6 (empathy and stakes)
Season 7 (dimensional characters and worldbuilding)
Season 8 (cast design and conflict)
Season 12 (exposition and character arcs)
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
You want to get published, right? You want to see your book in bookstores, you want to hit a bestseller list, and maybe you want Reese Witherspoon to pick your book for her bookclub. Well, before any of that can happen you need an agent and an outstanding query letter is the key to getting one. That's why I developed my brand new course, THE ART OF THE QUERY. It includes everything you need to know and I even show you a super simple way to tackle the hardest part of the pitch. Grab the course now through Cyber Monday for only $27! Visit valeriefrancis.ca/blackfriday
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
We're trying something new this week! Writers are constantly asking me and Melanie to explain why a story seems weird to them. So to help you understand why some stories flop, at the end of each season we'll pick a film that doesn't work and we'll try to figure out why. In this inaugural episode, Melanie chose IN THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY because it got a whopping 4% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's an eye-opener, that's for sure! I'd love to hear if you agree, or disagree, with our assessment. -V.
"This movie failed because it didn't follow any of the basic storytelling principles." Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes
The Help (Season 11, Episode 5)
Season 10 - Setups and Payoffs
Season 11 - Narrative Drive + Conflict Triangles
Season 12 - Exposition
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
It's that time again! We've reached the end of the season and that means Melanie and I are wrapping up all our a-ha moments and lessons learned about writing exposition and creating character arcs. Plus we've got a special surprise coming for you and we talk about it in this episode to be sure to listen all the way to the end! - V.
"The closer a scene and its exposition are to real life, the easier it is to make it invisible." - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Season 12: Exposition + Character Arcs
Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Up In The Air, boring or not, is this week’s question. Why do I find this movie interesting, and why does Valerie find it boring? Could the answer lie in Ryan Bingam’s character arc (and does he have one)? Could it lie in the small amount of exposition? Or could it be that George Clooney movies are boring? One thing is certain: this episode is the opposite of boring. -M
"Is this story interesting, entertaining and worthwhile if the protagonist doesn't have an internal worldview shift?" -Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes:
The Social Network: Season 12, Episode 1
I, Tonya: Season 12, Episode 3
Gone Baby, Gone: Season 12, Episode 6
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This movie is almost entirely exposition, and while this isn't an approach I'd recommend for novelists, I can't imagine telling this particular story any other way. You might say that ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN is the exception that proves the rule. Master storyteller, William Goldman, pulls it off and that means there's a whole lot we can learn about how and when to use exposition when writing a story. When it comes to character arcs (Melanie's topic this season), neither of the protagonists change in this story but they change the world around them and what that reveals about how stories work is nothing short of fascinating. -V.
"It's almost exclusively exposition. If you have ever wondered whether exposition was a thing or whether it was important, seriously watch this movie." - Valerie Francis
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Most stories are about change. However, there is also a place for stories when the protagonist doesn’t change. The outcomes can still be positive - just watch James Bond and Erin Brockovich! There are also stories where the protagonist doesn’t change, and the outcome is ambiguous. This movie combines an ethical dilemma with a constant character to create a haunting outcome. The movie also has buckets of exposition. Is this a case of too much is way too much? Never fear, Valerie groups and summarises all the exposition into four key types. -M.
"Patrick's constant character with an ambivalent arc means that his internal state doesn't change." - Melanie Hill
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
As Melanie and I prepared for this episode one question kept coming up ... Who is the protagonist? Melanie argues that the entire family is the protagonist, but I think that Olive (who is the Little Miss Sunshine contestant) is the protagonist. It's an interesting question and our discussion about it is even more interesting. If you're writing a multi-POV story, be sure to check out this episode! -V.
"Exposition is all about the facts that we need to convey to the reader so that they can follow a story without getting confused." Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Season 7
Season 8
Nashville (Season 5, Episode 505)
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This season, I am focused on stories with negative or neutral character arcs. Sometimes, finding out what a character doesn’t want is the first step to discovery. On the surface, Cathy Whitaker has a perfect life. However, it’s a shallow life. Cathy’s choices are symbolically represented by her husband, Frank, and her gardener, Raymond. The two male characters are interesting external representations of Cathy’s internal choices. There’s a small amount of exposition in Far From Heaven, but when it features, it’s done straightforwardly and with simplicity. -M
“The interesting events in Cathy’s arc happen side by side in the movie. She shows an interest in Raymond at the same time, she discovers Frank with another man. While Cathy is trying to maintain one life, she’s also growing in another part of her life.” - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
The Accidental Tourist (Season 5, Episode 3)
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Wowzers! I, TONYA is absolutely chock-full of exposition. It's a documentary-style film so at first blush it doesn't seem to offer up many story lessons for novelists. However, DAISY JONES & THE SIX is a documentary-style novel so this is an episode you might want to pay attention to — not just for their handling of exposition, but also for their portrayal of the character of Tonya Harding. -V.
"Introducing characters can only be done via exposition." -Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes:
The Social Network (Season 12, Episode 1)
Dorian Gray (Season 12, Episode 2)
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
The Rolling Stone’s song ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want,’ is my earworm this season. This week, I started to pick apart how wants, needs and arcs are connected. Dorian Gray is a classic cautionary tale about selling your soul. Dorian arrives in London as a beautiful but naive young man and dies with a rotten and decrepit soul - he is unredeemable. Dorian gets what he wants, but he doesn’t get what he needs because there are no consequences for his actions. Understanding how wants, needs and character arcs is an essential story tool. Good exposition is invisible. Valerie highlights how exposition is masterfully delivered and where it fails. Exposition is all about information management - the what and the how. -M
“Understanding wants and needs is important for story arcs because they determine the protagonist’s motivations and actions.” Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
The Woman King (Season 8 Episode 2)
The Social Network (Season 12 Episode 1)
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
It's a brand new season and this time Melanie is studying character arcs through 5 key questions: Where do the characters start, where do they finish, what do they want, what decisions do they make along the way that get them to the end, and do they get what they want or need?
Meanwhile, I do a deep dive into exposition. You've heard about "show, don't tell" right? Well, that's not always true. Sometimes telling your reader information through exposition is exactly the thing you need to do. -V.
"When exposition is done properly, you as the audience member or the reader, you don't even notice it." -Valerie Francis
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Whoa. This season has been a heavy season. Narrative Drive and Conflict Triangles are two major concepts that can - and will - transform your writing. In this episode, Melanie and I summarize everything we learned this season. -V
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Eye in the Sky reminds me of the ‘greater good’ questions I discussed in class during high school - there’s no right or wrong answer but there are always consequences. This movie is an excellent example of how tension and escalating stakes combine with conflict triangles and narrative drive to create a compelling story. This isn’t an action movie but I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen for fear of missing something. Join us this week to discover how to craft stories that linger after the cover is closed. -M
“Eye in the Sky creates a fascinating amount of tension. It does this by setting up a situation at the beginning that has multiple courses of action and outcomes, and then it delays the decision until the last possible moment.” Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
The Woman King (Season 8 Episode 2)
Our Best Advice (Season 8 Episode 11)
The Help (Season 11 Episode 5)
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Your reader doesn't have to like the protagonist but she does have to empathize with him because if empathy is absent, your story is in trouble. In this episode Melanie and I study conflict triangles and narrative drive, but we also have an interesting side conversation about empathy and likeability. If you're writing an unlikeable character, or if you're writing a quiet, character-driven story, this episode is for you. -V
"The protagonist does not have to be likable, but you've got to be careful that you don't place the reader's empathy on another character." - Valerie Francis
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Holy moly, this is a good movie! It's an especially good movie to study for anyone writing a quiet, character-driven story. THE WIFE originally aired as Episode 4 of Season 6 when Melanie was studying stakes and I was studying empathy. But honestly, this is one of those rare films that novelists (and memoirists!) can study to learn just about any storytelling principle. -V.
*Programming Note: In next week's episode we review the movie NYAD, not GONE BABY GONE as indicated in the intro.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This movie is a masterclass on characters, character development, cast design and the relationships between characters. It honestly doesn't get any better than this. So no matter what kind of story you're writing, grab your notepad and dive in! -V.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Melanie chose Lego Batman from the vault because, in addition to being a really well-written story, it made her laugh. And that, imo, is the mark of superior writing. This episode originally aired in Season 5 when Melanie was studying resonance. If you're curious about what that is, and how it can truly enhance your storytelling, be sure to give this episode a listen. - V.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Melanie and I are taking a short mid-winter/mid-summer break, so while we recharge our batteries we're reposting some of our favourite episodes starting this week with THE GODFATHER. Wow, there just aren't too many movies with this level of storytelling craft in them. I had a whole lot to say about this classic film and I know that no matter which genre you're writing in, there's something in this episode to help you. Enjoy! - V.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
We visit the joys of multiplot stories this week. Valerie discovers (again) the issues with multiplot stories in movies, and I investigate how the different timelines impact the narrative drive. We both learnt what happens to a story when conflict triangles and curiosity and concern are absent - a cautionary tale for writers. -M
“A character can’t un-know something or completely ignore something that is right in front of them.” Melanie Hill.
RELATED STORY NERD EPISODES
Nashville Season 5, Episode 5
As Good as it Gets Season 6, Episode 5 (Empathy)
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
If you're writing a story with multiple protagonists/POVs, or if you're tackling a big social issue in your story, then you'll want to study The Help. As it happens, it's also a cracking example of Conflict Triangles and Narrative Drive - and that's what Melanie and I talk about in this week's episode. - V.
"The bigger the scope of the issue, the smaller the scope of your story." Valerie Francis
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This week one of mystery writing’s deadly sins makes a guest appearance. Valerie and I discuss if the appearance is welcome or not. A Simple Favour has good examples of how Narrative Drive works - great for my topic. However, it wasn’t so good for Valerie’s study of Conflict Triangles, so we see how superficial a story can be when the conflict isn’t complex. -M.
"After studying this movie, I understand that multiple narrative drive devices can be used simultaneously." Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Knives Out (Season 1, Episode 107)
The Gentlemen (Season 8, Episode 806)
The Good Liar (Season 9, Episode 906)
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
In BELFAST, Kenneth Branagh does something that most, if not all, new writers do. In a movie, it's kind of hard to spot because filmmakers have access to tools (like costume design, cinematography, and a musical score) that obscure it. In a novel, it's obvious —stark even — because all we have is black text on a white page. It's laid bare for all readers to see, and readers don't like it. Here it is ... in BELFAST the protagonist is passive. He's observing the action but not part of the action (and he's not a narrator either). So what can we do about it? Tune in to this week's episode to find out. - V.
"I felt like I should have liked it. I felt like that there was like, if I didn't like it, then there was something wrong with me." - Melanie Hill
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Sometimes we learn more from our mistakes than our successes - that’s my story and I’m sticking to it this week! Narrative drive is an important storytelling principle to learn and this week’s movie is an example of poor story structure resulting in terrible narrative drive. A mystery writer should have control of the information. Valerie’s study of conflict triangles was more fruitful than my area of study this week. The conflict triangle is present and clear to see. -M
"Narrative drive is all about information and the emotions it creates in the readers. It’s also about understanding your role as the writer to control that information." - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Late Night (Season 1, Episode 101)
Doubt (Season 11, Episode 1101)
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
It's a brand new season and that means Melanie and I are studying two new topics: narrative drive and conflict triangles. Conflict and page-turners are usually associated with action stories, thrillers and the like. But DOUBT is a quiet, character-driven film that is so expertly crafted it grabs the viewer's attention immediately and holds it right to the bitter end. Seriously, there's so much for novelists in here. -V.
"The main conflict in a story is between the protagonist and the antagonist, right? Fine. We all understand that. But if that's all we got, then our story is like a tug of war." Valerie Francis
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
We've reached the end of another season and so we're wrapping up our best advice and a-ha moments just for you. Tune in to hear what we have to say about writing female characters and using female archetypes. We also share why it's crucial for you to use the first half of your story to set up everything that happens in the second half. (Hint: it all about brain science!) - V.
"One of our most hardwired expectations is that anything that reads like the beginning of a new pattern, that is a setup, will, in fact, be a setup with a corresponding payoff." - Lisa Cron
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
I have been looking forward to this episode since the start of the season. I specifically selected Hanna so we could study fight scenes and weapons handling with female characters - Hanna doesn’t disappoint. I consider aspects of female fight scenes and firing pistols. Valerie wasn’t so lucky this week. Hanna is light on story because the action scenes take up a lot of space. However she did find a strong example of another story telling principle…join us to find out what it was. - M.
"Not surprisingly, women fight differently from men. There are significant things to understand about the sociological, psychological, biological and bio-chemical differences between male and female characters." Melanie Hill
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Quite often, stories that don't work have more to teach us than the stories that do. Maybe Maria Semple's novel (upon which this film is based), is simply one that's challenging to adapt to the screen. Whatever the case, this move has missed the mark on some basic storytelling principles (it has too many backstory info dumps, a Deus Ex Machina, and weak narrative drive). If you want to understand the impact these things have on a story, and on the reader/viewer, this episode is for you! - V.
"If exposition is not used properly, it will ruin your story." Valerie Francis
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Novellas are the ace up your writerly sleeve! They enable you to practice all of the principles of storytelling in a shorter, more manageable form. That's going to make you a much better novelist because your story will be focused and you won't get lost in your manuscript. And oh, the best part? Novellas are on the rise. - V.
*Script note: In the episode, I mention that Jenna Bush recommended two novellas in her March 2024 bookclub. That is incorrect. She recommended one — THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET (Sandra Cisneros)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Crazy Rich Asians pitches two female leads against each other - sounds excellent right? Not so fast… This should set up an epic battle of wills as one fights against traditions she doesn’t understand while the other fights to retain order and tradition. This week, I find out what happens when the protagonist doesn’t plausibly match, then surpass, the antagonist. Valerie discusses how superficial innovation doesn’t hide questionable male characters or Asian stereotypes.
"When I watched Rachel and Eleanor this week, I found Eleanor more fascinating and as a result, Rachel’s victory using game theory was hard to believe." - Melanie Hill
RELATED STORY NERD EPISODES
August Osage County (Season 8, Episode 1)
Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (Season 7, Episode 6)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This movie was way ahead of its time. It's a brilliant example of the heroine's journey and Melanie walks us through all 10 phases as outlined in Maureen Murdock's THE HEROINE'S JOURNEY: A WOMAN'S QUEST FOR WHOLENESS. Thanks to its excellent use of setups and payoffs, it also has an ending that is both surprising and inevitable.
"One of our most hardwired expectations is that anything that reads like the beginning of a new pattern, that is a setup, will, in fact, be a setup with a corresponding payoff." - Lisa Cron
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
The marketing for this film highlights Judi Dench, but she's barely in it at all. As fans of hers, Melanie and I were disappointed. The movie is ok but it wasn't what we expected and that soured our experience of the story. Melanie still did a study of female archetypes and I still studied setups and payoffs, but the real lesson this week is what happens when a story doesn't meet audience (or reader) expectations. -V.
"Female characters don't have to be based on female archetypes, and vice versa for male archetypes and male characters." - Melanie Hill
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Does the nickname "baby" bother us? Why yes, yes it does. But we've got to admit, Dirty Dancing is an excellent example of the heroine's journey, as well as female archetypes and how women are presented in stories. It also happens to be, structurally, an excellent film. It's not a complex story, but it's well-told. -V.
"In the first half of your story, you're planting seeds that will bear fruit in the second half of your story." - Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Beginnings and Endings (Season 3)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
War stories are often the domain of ‘dick lit’ male protagonists, but is this a true representation of history and does the experience of women in war differ? In this episode, I reference historical female warriors and examines how the experiences of Maya, the protagonist in Zero Dark Thirty, compares with her wartime service. Valerie explores what happens when the scope of a story is too wide, and the impact scope has on setups and payoffs. -M
"What is interesting to me, is how women are portrayed in war movies, are they portrayed as masculine or weak, are they given due credit for their skill and experience, and how does this compare to my own experience?" - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Rogue One (Season 1, Episode 8)
Skyfall (Season 4, Episode 6)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
We're kicking off a brand new season with two new story concepts. Melanie will be studying female characters and how women are presented in modern stories (her work in this episode is reeeeally interesting!), and I'll be investigating something I learned from Steven Pressfield, which is that we shouldn't introduce anything new after Act 2.
"Setups and payoffs are questions asked and answered." Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes:
Lady Bird (Season 8, Episode 9)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This bonus episode was prompted by a chat I saw on Threads. It started with the question, what excites you most about having an agent? Offline, Melanie and I began to literary agents and what they do. We decided to hit record and share what we know with you. Enjoy! - V.
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Left-brained stories (mysteries, crime thrillers, spy stories) are among the highest selling books on the market today. Readers can't get enough of them, and that means the bar for authors is really high because we have to create a puzzle that our readers haven't seen before. Add to this the fact that the fundamentals of storytelling work in a slightly different way than they do with other stories. In this episode, Melanie and I summarize all the lessons we've learned over the past 10 episodes and we share our greatest a-ha moments.
Our study of left-brained stories didn't stop with the podcast though. Offline we've been diving deeply into this genre that we both love. We've gathered up everything the writer of a left-brained story needs to know and we've put it in a webinar coming up on May 2, 2024. Don't miss it! To register, click here. - V.
"In a left brain story, the hook is an intellectual one, it's not an emotional one." - Valerie Francis
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Are you planning to use a twist at the end of your story? Have you ever wondered how M. Night Shyamalan pulled off this famous gotcha ending? If so, this episode is for you! Melanie does a deep dive into story twists and surprises so that you can craft an ending that delights your reader. I focused on the Central Dramatic Question which is a key part of creating Narrative Drive (and you must have brilliant Narrative Drive if your reader is going to get all the way to the end of your novel).
-V.
"Creating a good twist requires a deep understanding of human nature." - Melanie Hill
RELATED STORY NERD EPISODES
THE DRY (Season 9, Episode 2)
Story Form (Season 5)
The Hero's Gift Expressed (Season 2)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
To be a career author, you must have a breakout book. And, a breakout book is one that contains a story that works. In this episode, I tell you the story of an author who didn't know the difference between a breakout book and words on a page. What happened to him will make your jaw drop.
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
I just attended a training session with a literary agent who said that failure to write a breakout book is one of the most common mistakes writers make. Well sure, that's fine to say, but (1) what is a breakout book and (2) how do you write one? Well, believe it or not, that's exactly what I'm covering in the How Stories Work webinar on April 9. Maybe I should have called the webinar How to Write a Breakout Book! The important point here is that there's a tried-and-true way to do it, and those who understand how stories work, and who apply the principles, are well on their way to having vibrant writing careers. The How Stories Work webinar is on April 9. Click the link below to register.
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Now this is the epitome of a left-brained story. THE LAST OF SHEILA has puzzles within puzzles, an intricate plot that has been expertly set up, and a cast of characters who aren't who they seem to me. There are so many amazing things about it, I hardly know which of them to highlight for you here so I'll give you a bit of trivia: this movie was Rian Johnson's inspiration for THE GLASS ONION. Oh, and if you solved the mystery before the murderer was revealed, tag me on IG/Threads and let me know. I didn't get anywhere close to solving it.
-V
"If you can work a secret that is juicy and high stakes into your story, you're well on your way to creating really great narrative drive." - Valerie Francis
RELATED STORY NERD EPISODES
Gosford Park (Season 9, Episode 8)
See How They Run (Season 9, Episode 5)
Knives Out (Season 1, Episode 7)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
If you're writing a novel or memoir, you're writing a story. Sounds obvious, right? That may be, but most authors don't know how to tell a story that works. If you don't believe me check out the stats: 97% of the books sent to literary agents are rejected, of the books that get published 0.08% hit a bestseller list. Those who choose to self-publish can expect to pour thousands of dollars into advertising and sales dry up the second they stop promoting. But what if you knew how to write a story that works? Ah well, then readers will tell their friends about your book, and you're off to the races. -V
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This film offers two hugely valuable lessons to writers of all genres. The first is about the inciting incident and when it needs to happen. The second is about unlikeable characters and how to handle them. In Gosford Park, it's the victim who is unlikeable and that adds an interesting dimension to the murder mystery storyline.
-V.
"Notice where your sympathy and empathy lie. And ask yourselves, how does the writer create this? And most importantly, does it work in the context of what they're trying to achieve?" - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
No Way Out (Season 8, Episode 4)
Death on the Nile (Season 2, Episode 7)
Crooked House (Season 9, Episode 1)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
In our last episode about our most embarrassing literary moments, Melanie and I said that line writing (or prose writing) means learning to write a narrative. We also said that there are specific techniques involved in writing a narrative, but we didn't say what any of them are. So that's the purpose of this little mini episode. We reveal a line writing secret about one of the most valuable narrative techniques available to us as authors and storytellers.
-V
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
No one is born knowing how to write great prose. Like any other kind of specialized writing (ex., newspapers, academia, web, etc.), writing prose is a particular skill that can, and must, be learned. While Melanie and I were meeting to discuss our upcoming webinar about line writing, we started to share (horror) stories from the early days of our own literary careers and boy, are they doozies! Hoping that our mistakes might help you avoid the same pitfalls (or maybe just give you a good laugh) we hit the record button. I even share a sample from my own early work and, oh my! I blush at the thought of you hearing it...
-V
"I received some crushing feedback from one of my tutors about my writing." - Melanie Hill
"There is zero tolerance in this business for poor prose skills." - Valerie Francis
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Readers are on a need to know basis. That means that, as storytellers, we only tell them what they need to know, and only when they need to know it. In this adaptation of John le Carre's novel, the filmmakers could have told us everything we needed to know about Issa in the first few minutes. Instead, they sprinkled the details a little bit at a time, and as a result, the audience's curiosity goes into overdrive.
Melanie and I still think the book is better (shocker, right?), but this is a great episode to discover how to control the flow of information in a story. -V
"It's really tempting to say that, 'Well, I have to start my novel or my memoir with three chapters of backstory'." - Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes
See How They Run (Season 9, Episode 5)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
There are two ways to write great stories. The first involves at least 20 years of reading, writing and being rejected. The second, which is much faster, involves learning story theory. (Big shocker that I'm saying that, right?) If option number two sounds good to you, then check out the Story Nerd Spring Webinar Series, which kicks off on March 28. Melanie and I will teach you the concepts you need to know, in a way that you can use, so you can craft better stories right away.
For more information, and to register, visit www.valeriefrancis.ca/spring2024
-V.
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
The movie had both me and Valerie on the edge of our seats. When we come across a masterful movie we pull out as much as we can for you. This episode is chock-a-block full of info about point of view, narrative drive, clues, and liars. We also examine how the twist in The Good Liar is set up and pulled off. I continue to track the clues and motives this week...or should we say I track the lies. Valerie discusses how point of view and narrative drive work together to create this exciting thriller.
If you're building up to your twisty ending, this episode will have you speedwriting to get to the big reveal. -M
"When the whole meaning of a movie or a story changes, because of a vital piece of information REVEALED AT THE END then this is a device called a twist." - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Season 9, Episode 4)
The Bourne Identity (Season 3, Episode 2)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
A comedic take on a murder mystery had so much potential, but unfortunately, the creators of SEE HOW THEY RUN wasted it with what can only be described as lazy writing and lazy editing. This is what happens when the writers of murder mysteries aren't also superfans of the genre, or when they try to cut corners. This week, Valerie discusses the unfortunate skinny wrist reveal, and Melanie walks us through all the clues and red herrings. Do you agree with their analysis?
"If you're serious about getting published, be honest with yourself about the gaps in your knowledge. We all have them. It's okay." Valerie Francis
Related Story Nerd Episodes
Crooked House (Season 9, Episode 901)
Death on the Nile (Season 2, Episode 207)
Knives Out (Season 1, Episode 107)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
It's a long episode this week because there's a whole lot to talk about in this excellent adaptation of John le Carre's bestselling novel. Melanie gives her top tips for writing mysteries and Valerie discusses the type of protagonist we usually find in left-brained stories. One question lingered for them both: When did George Smiley discover who the mole was?
"Your opinion of George Smiley will change if you read THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD, because there his morality is laid bare. His duality, or his willingness to sacrifice innocence, is more laid bare." - Melanie Hill
RELATED STORY NERD EPISODES
The Dry (Season 9, Episode 2)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
By the time we get to the end of our manuscript, we can feel drained creatively. The temptation to phone it in looms large. But be careful. No matter how good the rest of your story is, if the ending is weak, the novel/film will fail to impress. This is just one of the lessons that Valerie and Melanie learned this week.
"What I mean by a left-brained story is basically a story that appeals to our heads more than our hearts. It has to hook the reader intellectually." - Valerie Francis
RELATED STORY NERD EPISODES:
Death on the Nile (Season 2, Episode 207)
Empathy (Season 6)
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This week Valerie and Melanie continue their study of left-brained stories. They step into the outback to discover how Australian crime writers create an atmosphere of isolation by combining plot and setting. Melanie is tracking clues, motives, and murderers' actions to discover the techniques used to raise questions and divert attention in the story – and there are many! Valerie investigates the Central Dramatic Question and Character Archetypes.
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
It's time for a brand new season of the show and this time around, Valerie and Melanie are studying the same topic: left-brained stories. Never heard of it before? Don't worry. Valerie made up the term to describe any story that has a puzzle of some kind and invites the reader/audience to try to solve the puzzle before the author reveals the solution. Left-brained stories tend to be mysteries/crime stories, thrillers, and spy stories but they can show up in any genre.
In left-brained stories, storytelling principles are applied a little differently—and that's exactly what Valerie and Melanie will explore all season long.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
For the past two seasons Valerie has been talking about character dimension and cast design. The key to understanding both concepts is to recognize that a person isn't a uniform, constant creature. A person's behaviour changes depending on the situation she finds herself in and the people she finds herself interacting with.
In this brief bonus episode, Valerie's daughter Avery (a theatre student at the York University Acting Conservatory) illustrates how this character shift plays out in real time. It's actually an acting assignment as part of her course work, but it sums up everything Valerie has been talking about over the course of the last twenty episodes. Enjoy!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This week Valerie and Melanie round up their a-ha moments and the lessons they've learned over the past ten episodes. What are their key takeaways wrt creating conflict in a story? How can you design a cast that supports both the main character's development and the plot? Tune in to find out!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
The one thing Valerie and Melanie agree on this week is that the execution of this film isn't as good as it could, or should, have been. They disagreed on just about everything else and they each have a strong case for why they've come to the conclusions they've come to. The main points of disagreement? The protagonist's object of desire (want) and whether the protagonist was empathetic or not.
What do you think? Do you agree with Melanie or Valerie?
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
If you're writing a character-driven story with a female protagonist, or a female POV character, this episode is a must for you. With only one viewing it's easy to miss the storytelling goodness of Lady Bird because it doesn't offer up the kind of story Hollywood has trained us to expect (i.e., external action, male protagonist, hero's journey-style stories). What it does give is a nuanced, complex female protagonist whose internal conflict drives the story. Yay, Greta!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
If you're writing a character-driven story, or if your protagonist has an arc, this episode is for you. This week, Melanie and Valerie continue their studies of conflict and cast design, and the connection between these topics and character development is a real eye-opener.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Never has there been a better example of why world building is so important. Fans of Sex and the City love to live vicariously through Carrie Bradshaw so it's no surprise that audiences gave this film a 77% Rotten Tomatoes score. However, film critics gave it a 50%, and Valerie and Melanie tend to agree. What is they see that fans don't? Tune in to this week's episode so that you can emulate the good and avoid repeating the bad.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Sometimes the best way to understand a concept is to have a simple, but clear, example. In this episode, Melanie explains why The Gentlemen is such a great example of conflict, especially external conflict. This film isn't such a great example of cast design though, so this week Valerie takes a detour and focuses instead on Narrative Device (which is not the same as Narrative Drive!).
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
There's no question that Little Women is a classic that is beloved by generations, but why? What is it about this story that resonates with so many readers and viewers? This week, Valerie and Melanie ponder just that and their study takes them to past episodes about world building and story shapes, they discuss the appeal of Jo March and they discover an interesting link to Pride and Prejudice.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
In this week's episode, Melanie introduces the concept of conflict triangles and honestly, if you use them in your work, your story will improve immediately. In terms of cast design, while usually the plot supports the development of the characters in this case, the characters support the development of the plot. If you don't know which option best serves your story, you'd better tune in.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Valerie and Melanie both approached this week's episode with some trepidation. The Full Monty is a favourite film and sometimes those can be the most challenging to study because it's hard to be objective. But thankfully, there was no need to worry; the structure of The Full Monty is solid and a deep study revealed some fascinating lessons on how to write comedic characters.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Creating multiple storylines is a popular approach for novelists and for writers who know what they're doing, the end result is nothing short of masterful. However, multiple storylines is an advanced writing technique and it can quickly and easily go off the rails. Unfortunately, that's what happened with The Woman King. Now, there's lots to admire about this film too, but there's also lots to learn about creating multiple plot lines and what can happen to a story when they're poorly executed.
(Valerie's puppy Luca has opinions on it too, as you'll hear ... apologies for that!)
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
It's time for a brand new season and this time around, Valerie is studying cast design (a concept which revolutionized her writing) and Melanie is studying conflict. August: Osage County is a brilliant example of both - in fact, it's a brilliant example of a whole lot of storytelling principles, so this is one movie you'll want to add to your repertoire.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
We've reached the end of another season and that means it's time for us to round up our a-ha moments and best lessons learned about how to develop characters and build fictional worlds. You'll want to bookmark this episode!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This movie is all about the inner turmoil of Louis Wain. You may not recognize his name, but you'll recognize his art (it's worth Googling). If you have a pet cat, it's because of Louis Wain. Communicating a character's inner thoughts or mental state is a tricky thing for film to do. It can be tricky for novelists too because it often leads to long passages of exposition. But externalizing the internal can (and must) be done. Do you know how? If not, this episode will show you how.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This movie is so light and joyful that it's easy to dismiss it as fluff, but nothing could be further from the truth. Pretty Woman is a masterclass in the fundamentals of storytelling. The plot isn't fancy (it isn't even original), but it's rock solid and the presentation of the characters is spot on. Yes, we're discussing character development and worldbuilding again, but the real beauty here is how well the filmmakers leaned into the fundamentals to tell a story for the ages.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Nanowrimo starts tomorrow and if you're going to win, you've got to have a strategy. It's no small task to write an entire draft of a novel in thirty days! Luckily, in this bonus episode Valerie is here with three proven strategies that to help you do just that. You don't need to follow all three, just pick one that works and go for it. Good luck!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
By popular request! So many of you have messaged Valerie about this movie, that she's finally decided to tackle it head on. All the questions you've sent in boil down to one thing...you didn't like the movie, but you can't put your finger on why. In this bonus episode, Valerie shares her insights. Given the star-power attached to this project, her answer might surprise you.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Anyone writing historical fiction needs to pay particular attention to how they build the world for the reader/viewer. In this week's episode, Melanie explains how to construct a fictional world around three main setting types. It's fascinating stuff! And Valerie explores what happens when the most interesting character in the story is NOT the protagonist. Does it spell trouble for the narrative, or is there a way (and a reason) to pull it off?
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
It's one thing to write a dramatic character, but what if you want to write a comedic one? Do the same storytelling principles apply, or not? And what about the setting? It's yet another story set in New York so how did the writers distinguish it from the NYC we saw in FATAL ATTRACTION and CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? All this and much more in this week's episode.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Ok, so basically, this movie is a bunch of action scenes strung together with expository dialogue. It's heavy-handed with theme (dare we say didactic?) and is bizarre even by antiplot standards. But, it's kind of an interesting film to study for worldbuilding all the same.
(Oh, and in this episode there's an unintended cameo by Luca, Valerie's yellow Labrador puppy. He clearly had opinions about Everything Everywhere All At Once that he needed to share.)
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Hooboy, this movie gets better with age. Why? Because when we watch it through the lens of 2023 it has much more depth and nuance. Glenn Close's character (Alex) is supposed to be the villain, but is she really? If you want to create a multi-dimensional antagonist who drives the plot and raises the stakes, you've got to listen to this episode.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This is an episode you're going to want to bookmark because Melanie is offering up oodles of info about how to create a fictional world your readers will love. Yes, District 9 is science fiction, but the principles apply to all genres and all world types; contemporary, realistic, historical, fantasy...you name it. And Valerie continues her study of character development with a look at what can happen to your story when your reader empathizes more with the victim than the protagonist (hint: it's not good).
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Because the novel is so funny and easy to read, and because the film is a romcom, it's easy to dismiss Bridget Jones's Diary as a simple story that Helen Fielding simply dashed off on a weekend. But nothing could be further from the truth. Even though it's a lighthearted story, Bridget is still a dimensional character and that's why we love her.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Here's an episode that will help you improve your line writing. Yes, Melanie is focusing on the poetic devices of metaphor, simile, and allegory, but they also apply to prose. So if you want to crank your writing up a notch, this one's for you.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
REGISTER FOR THE 2024 SPRING WEBINAR SERIES
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Very few movies make an adult afraid of what's hiding under her bed, but this is one of them...and it isn't even a horror movie. That's the power of effective world-building! Even though this movie is set in NYC, it's a version of the city that's specific to the protagonist. How is the world of your story specific to your protagonist?
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
It's a brand new season and that means brand new topics. For the next ten weeks, Valerie will study character development and Melanie will study world-building. These massive topics go hand-in-hand because every protagonist is a product of his/her environment. This is a season you don't want to miss!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This might be one of Agatha Christie's best known mysteries, but does it work for a modern audience? This week, Valerie and Melanie analyze Sir Kenneth Branagh's version of Christie's classic tale, and discuss just how far into a story the inciting incident can be. And don't miss Melanie's super sleuth skills in action as she uncovers a major plot hole that has to do with Poirot's famous moustache.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
In this episode, Melanie's study of subtext has revealed something odd (and slightly uncomfortable). It seems that, according to Skyfall at least, M stands for mother. But why should Judi Dench's M be a maternal figure for James Bond? Valerie's study of Act 2 uncovers a striking similarity to last week's film: Back to the Future. What on earth could these movies have in common?
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
It's not uncommon for a subplot, or secondary character, to take over a story - especially when a writer is still learning the ropes. So, how do you keep a subplot in check and what do you do if it starts taking over? In this week's episode, Valerie and Melanie discuss just that.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
West Side Story (2021) has been lauded for its depiction of race and racial tension, but how has it handled the love story? In his retelling of this age-old story, did Spielberg innovate the genre or did he perpetuate stereotypes?
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
For better or worse, Generative AI will change the job market. Some professions will disappear and new ones will be created. One of the new jobs popping up is called an AI Prompt Engineer and companies like Netflix have already started their hiring spree. But what exactly is a prompt engineer? Will the job put authors out of business, or will it ultimately prove our worth?
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Hey, this is Valerie. I recently had the good fortune to study with Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, Alec Sokolow. (Super cool, right!?) Somehow or other, I got up enough nerve to ask him for an interview and he graciously took 30 minutes out of his day to share with us his pro tips, tricks and advice. Oh, and he lets us in on his secret for writing a dual-protagonist story. Check it out!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
In this episode, Valerie and Melanie wrap up season six with a look at all the lessons they've learned about creating empathy for a protagonist, and establishing the stakes of a story.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Even though Operation Mincemeat hides its imperfections behind a star-studded cast, it's still a good example of how to raise the stakes in story. Mind you, if this was a work of pure fiction, a writer would never get away with it - there are way too many coincidences. But hey, it's Colin Firth.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
There's nothing fancy about the storytelling in Pixar's WALL-E. It's a solid story that relies on the fundamentals to engage its audience, and it's an approach that led them to gross over $521 million. Too often new writers reject the basics instead of embracing them. In WALL-E, empathy is established early and the stakes are clear. Mastering the basics has been a winning strategy for Pixar, and it can be a winning strategy for us too.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This movie does so many things well, it's a great one for both novelists and screenwriters to have in their repertoire of reference stories. We're studying stakes and empathy this season and boy does Manchester by the Sea deliver. If you haven't seen it yet, add it to your short list and have the tissues handy. Trust us on this one.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This one's coming to you by popular request! The #1 comment from women who've watched this movie is that it's too close for comfort, so that makes it a perfect choice for a study of empathy. What is it about Emma Thompson's character that resonated with so many viewers? What does she stand to lose? As an added bonus, this episode even a cameo by Meryl Streep...sorta.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
For information about Valerie's upcoming webinars, visit: www.valeriefrancis.ca/webinars
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Well, they rushed this one. Given the subject matter, this film deserved to have much more care and attention given to it. Instead, it feels like the studio was in such a hurry to get it to market (given the social tensions at the time of release), that they ignored basic storytelling principles. At least it's a great example of what not to do.
Oh, and the first half hour? Get rid of it. It's all exposition.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Everyone's talking about AI these days, and for good reason. Experts say that AI will have a bigger influence on our lives than electricity. So what does that mean for writers? Will AI be a tool that helps us write better stories? Or, is it something that will put us out of business? Tune in to this bonus episode to hear our initial thoughts.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Melvin Udall is not a nice man, but he sure is interesting and that's what makes this episode so important for writers. We concern ourselves with whether or not our reader will like our main character, but seldom do we consider whether our main character is interesting, or fascinating. Fascination is what we're after, not likability.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Sometimes we stumble upon a story that gets everything right - especially when to reveal information and when to hold back. Melanie and Valerie discuss how mystery impacts the audience's understanding of what's at stake, and how empathy is established in the first scene via shared experience and then grows as the story is revealed.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
There is so much storytelling goodness to be learned from The Godfather, it kinda boggles the mind. Even if you're writing a light-hearted romcom, believe it or not, your novel/screenplay will benefit from the way Coppola and Puzzo approached the craft. The stakes start out high and get even higher. And when it comes to empathy, the role that world-building plays is a thing of beauty. Of course, one of us totally empathizes with Michael and the other of us doesn't at all. Guess which one is which.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
The biggest problem facing writers who are trying to understand theory and learn how stories work, is that there is no standard lexicon. This leads to no end of problems…and frankly, arguments. How do we deal with this lack of consensus? Tune in to find out.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
This may not be the worst movie ever made, but it's certainly among them. The filmmakers have completely ignored storytelling basics and boy, does it ever show. It's based on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, so you'd think it would be brilliant, right? Wrong. Without the fundamentals in place this is nothing more than a bunch of stereotypes and cliches strung together, and it's painful to watch.
What did they do wrong and how can you avoid making the same mistakes in your story? Tune in to find out.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
On this brand new season of the podcast Valerie and Melanie are diving deeply into EMPATHY and STAKES. How did the makers of The King's Speech get us common folk to empathize with a king? How did they get an American audience to empathize with a British king when they fought a war to win their independence from the monarchy? Well, it was no easy task, but the trick to it lies in choosing the right type of protagonist (there are four types of protagonists). Tune into this episode to find out more.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Are you writing a novel with more than one protagonist and/or plotline? Are you using flashbacks or writing a series? If so, this is an episode you simply must check out. This week Valerie and Melanie review their key takeaways from ten weeks of study into story form (plot structure) and resonance.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
The shape of this story (the film version, anyway) changes dramatically depending on who you think the protagonist is. It's Jay Gatsby, right? Ah, maybe! Or the protagonist could be Nick Carraway! And exactly why are we still reading, watching and studying this story 100 years after it was written? In this week's episode of the Story Nerd podcast, Valerie and Melanie discuss all this and more. Don't miss it!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Seriously, what the heck is a quasi antiplot story? It sounds pretty fringe; like some crazy, obscure little bit of story theory that writers will never, ever, need to know. Sure, story theorists can fill their boots with it but if 99% of audiences expect an archplot story, why should we bother with quasi antiplot (whatever that is)? Well, it turns out that it can be the secret sauce for story innovation. Nora Ephron knew that and used it to write one of the most successful romcoms of all time. It also boosted her career into the stratosphere and led to a string of other successful movies. So, if understanding quasi antiplot can result in all that then yeah, we'll have what she's having.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
As we saw in the Aliens episode, resonance is a powerful tool for anyone developing a series. But what happens when resonance is used ineffectively? In this episode, Melanie takes us on a deep dive into the Star Wars universe and explains why The Force Awakens did a face plant. (Because she's a superfan, she also provides details on the inner workings of lightsabres, so if you've ever wondered why Kyloren's looks so bizarre, here's your answer.) In terms of structure, Valerie has discovered two interesting twists on the archplot form that just might help you jazz up your novel.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Well this is one wild ride of an episode! Wayne's World is an antiplot story that offers up plenty of writing lessons that surprised the heck out of Valerie and Melanie. It gave them the giggles too (be sure to listen all the way to the end). So sit back and enjoy this episode with Wayne, Garth, Valerie and Melanie. Party on, story nerds!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
If you're writing a series (no matter what the genre), this is one episode you won't want to miss. How did James Cameron use Resonance to create a sequel that viewers love? And, how does understanding a character's arc help writers keep a story fresh from film to film, or book to book? Valerie and Melanie discuss all this and more!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Hold on to your hats! Robert Altman's 1975 classic, Nashville, has 24 main characters and more storylines that you can count. If you're writing a story with two or more POVs and/or storylines, you can't afford to skip this episode! Mind blown. 🤯
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Melanie loves this film but it gives Valerie the creeps. They'll never see eye-to-eye on this one, but thanks to story theory, their subjective opinions don't get in the way of appreciating what this story has to offer. Guillermo del Toro has innovated the heck out of a courtship love story in a way that is nothing short of masterful. If you're looking for ways to innovate your story, regardless of the genre, this is the episode for you!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
It's easy to think that a Miniplot story is simply one where the protagonist has a strong internal arc. But that's only part of it. There's much, much more to it than that. So if your novel features a main character who changes over the course of the story, you definitely want to give this episode a listen!
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
The marketing people at Lego are geniuses. In 2014 they released The Lego Movie, launching a lucrative movie franchise and driving sales of their product through the roof. The storytelling isn't fancy, but it sure is solid. In this week's episode Valerie and Melanie look at Lego Batman (2017) and how the company uses resonance and storytelling fundamentals to create movies viewers love.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Season 5 kicks off with Men in Black. Valerie is studying plot structure, and Melanie is studying resonance. Now, admittedly, plot structure doesn't sound very sexy but it's one of the first decisions a writer must make. If you haven't chosen a structure for your novel, how will you know if what you've written is working? Resonance is the ability to evoke or suggest images, emotions, and memories, and all successful writers use it to draw on their readers' experiences. So, how are you putting it to use in your own WIP?
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
We've all heard this advice from A-List authors...if we want to be better writers we have to read more. What they don't tell us is that reading like a writer is an entirely different activity than reading like a reader. In this episode, Melanie explains her approach to reading actively, deeply, widely and consistently.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
That's a wrap for Season 4! In this episode, Valerie and Melanie pull out their a-ha moments from the past ten shows, and they give you their best advice about crafting the middles of stories (Act 2) and subtext.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Sometimes, studying a story that you love can be a bit scary. What if it turns out that the story is rubbish, and what you really like is the soundtrack, or the actor, or the costumes? Well, you can cast those worries aside this week because The Devil Wears Prada is solid. In terms of structure, it isn't fancy. It doesn't waver from the Hero's Journey/Archplot form, and that's okay. In fact it's more than okay because it teaches us what can happen when we focus on the fundamentals.
Learn more about Valerie's upcoming webinar at www.hookyourreader.com
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
How are you starting your story, and is your global inciting incident fulfilling its two most important functions? In this episode, Valerie fills you in on the key points you need to know about the Inciting Incident at the global story level and the scene level.
Learn more about Valerie's upcoming webinar at www.hookyourreader.com
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Want to keep the middle of your story from sagging? In this episode, Valerie reveals the one thing writers need to understand about the second act and its function in a story. While Valerie and Melanie agree on the genre for this movie, they disagree about whether the film works as a whole. What do you think?
Learn more about Valerie's upcoming webinar at www.hookyourreader.com
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Thanks to you, our fellow story nerds, this little passion project of ours is growing by leaps and bounds. We're already in 76 countries and are nearing 1,000 downloads per week. And we're still in our first year! To express our gratitude, we're introducing new bonus episodes called Story 101. They'll be your quick reference guide to story theory for those times you need a little refresher. We've got your back!
Learn more about Valerie's upcoming webinar at www.hookyourreader.com
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
What on earth can novelists learn from a musical? Well, as it turns out, quite a lot. Cinematically, this is a beautiful film, there's oodles of subtext, and yes, the music is lovely. The story itself? Well, it's kinda thin. And this is the problem many novelists have ... we spend too much time on the polish and not enough time on the substance.
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training, subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircle
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.au
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
Valerie and Melanie are both happily surprised (relieved?) to discover that there's much more to this movie than meets the eye. How did Harold Remis hold his audience's attention when the same day, and many of the same activities, repeat over and over and over again? It's quite a neat trick and is yet one more example of why understanding storytelling fundamentals is so important. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training, subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle: www.valeriefrancis.ca/innercircleTo learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website: www.melaniehill.com.auFollow Valerie on Instagram and Twitter @valerie_francisFollow Melanie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
In this episode, Melanie's study of subtext has revealed something odd (and slightly uncomfortable). It seems that, according to Skyfall at least, M stands for mother. But why should Judi Dench's M be a maternal figure for James Bond? Valerie's study of Act 2 uncovers a striking similarity to last week's film: Back to the Future. What on earth could these movies have in common?To learn more about Valerie and Melanie, visit their websites:www.valeriefrancis.cawww.melaniehill.com.au
Back to the Future has plot holes. There, we said it. Does it matter? Nope. We've watched this film dozens (hundreds?) of times and only saw the holes when we analyzed it for this episode. Folks, it doesn't get any better than that. This is a great example of the three-act structure and the hero's journey, so if you need an excuse to rewatch this 1985 classic, here it is! You're welcome.
The Australian film, Storm Boy, uses a very complex story structure. It's nonlinear, with a framing story and flashbacks...definitely not for the faint of heart. So, if you're using even one of these techniques in your novel or screenplay, this episode is for you. Oh, and what does all this have to do with Hugh Jackman (because he's not in the film)? You'll have to tune in to find out.
There are plenty of great reasons to study this film and chief among them is that it's a terrific example of why the antagonist in a story must have a point; a very good point that is hard to refute. What does your villain believe and can your reader agree, at least in part, with the argument?
Neil Gaiman is a master storyteller and his novel, Coraline, has been a favourite with young readers for two decades. The film version is a dazzling display of creativity from the stop-motion animation to the A-List voice talent, but does it eclipse or enhance Gaiman's original concept? What can novelists learn from the filmmakers' approach to adapting prose for the screen?
We're kicking off a brand new season with a holiday classic. Home Alone might feature a 10-year-old in the starring role, but the writing in this film is anything but child's play. If you're the kind of writer who likes to bend the rules, this is the episode for you.
To wrap up Season 3, we're doing a rundown of everything we've learned in the past ten episodes about the beginnings and endings of stories (and how they work as a unit), and sequences. Be sure to bookmark this episode so you can return to it whenever you need a quick refresher!
This is one strange movie. While we can understand it from an intellectual level, and we can deconstruct it (and yes, it won lots of awards), Lost in Translation didn't evoke any emotion from us (except maybe, annoyance). That's a big, big problem. Why is that the case? Where did this film go wrong, and how can we avoid making the same mistakes?
There are a handful of stories that theorists use as great examples of the craft, and Toy Story is one of them. (Chinatown is another, but sheesh, enough already!) Yes, the animation was groundbreaking for its day but that's not what makes this film special. All the fancy tech in the world (or even the best actors in the world) can't save a film from a script that doesn't work. If you're writing a buddy story, a story with two protagonists, or want to better understand character development, this movie—and this episode!—is for you.
It's not uncommon for a subplot, or secondary character, to take over a story - especially when a writer is still learning the ropes. So, how do you keep a subplot in check and what do you do if it starts taking over? In this week's episode, Valerie and Melanie discuss just that.
When fans talk about this movie, they usually mention the music. But an amazing soundtrack can't save a story that doesn't work. More importantly, for our purposes, music is outside the purview of the writer. So the question remains. Is the writing of this film solid, or does it rely on hits from yesteryear to gloss over its weaknesses? Tune in to find out.
This week, Melanie and Valerie fell into a discussion about whether Good Will Hunting is a miniplot story, or an archplot story with a couple of subplots. What's the difference? Why does it matter? And how can not knowing put your work-in-progress at risk? Tune in to find out.
Filmmakers have special effects, costuming, casting and music to help them tell their stories. As novelists, we've got 26 characters, a handful of punctuation, and our readers' imaginations. That's it. So how can we put our readers' imaginations to work for us? Tune in to this week's episode to find out. Happy Hallowe'en!
If you're writing a story with multiple protagonists, or multiple storylines, this episode is for you. This is a tricky kind of story structure to pull off, and there are a few different ways it can work, but does Sliding Doors pull it off? Is this an innovative way to approach story, or is it just a gimmick. Tune in to find out! Oh, and yes, there are cell phones in this movie - Gerry has one. When you listen to the episode you'll know why that's important.
Well, this was an interesting experience. Mercury was retrograde and it led to all kinds of technical issues and re-recording. In the end, to improve the audio, Melanie had a towel over her head. It's natural to want our work to be perfect before we send it out into the world, but sometimes we've got to just go with it. So, if you're hesitating to submit your work, take a listen to this week's episode, and then, ship your work. We did.
Whatever kind of story you're writing, if you want a reader to stick with you all the way to the end, you've got to build tension! Believe it or not, The Bourne Identity is a terrific example to study - even for a love story or coming of age story.
Valerie and Melanie are kicking off a brand new season of the Story Nerd podcast with a high level look at both sequences, and the beginnings and endings of stories. If you want to learn how the first act of a story telegraphs the last, or how to break your manuscript down into easily-manageable sequences, be sure to tune in.
To wind up the season, Valerie and Melanie summarize what they've learned about the hero's gift expressed and forces of antagonism, and they offer their best advice about how you can get these storytelling principles working in your own novel. This is an episode you'll want to bookmark!
It's hard to know quite where this film went off the rails, but certainly, one of the main problems is that there isn't any real conflict or tension. Just as tension begins to form, it fizzles, and so too does the viewer's interest. Why did this happen and how can you avoid it in your story?
If you've ever been told to "show, don't tell" then you'll want to listen to this episode because the truth is that exposition (i.e., "tell") is an effective storytelling tool. This film is a brilliant example of forces of antagonism, the hero's gift expressed, and just about every other storytelling principle you can think of — including exposition.
Well, the good news is that as writers we often learn more from the stories that don't work, than from the stories that do work. Booksmart is a great example of what not to do. Are you making any of the same mistakes as these screenwriters?
This might be one of Agatha Christie's best known mysteries, but does it work for a modern audience? This week, Valerie and Melanie analyze Sir Kenneth Branagh's version of Christie's classic tale, and discuss just how far into a story the inciting incident can be. And don't miss Melanie's super sleuth skills in action as she uncovers a major plot hole that has to do with Poirot's famous moustache.
The writing in this film is nothing short of masterful. Among the many reasons to study it is the way it develops Society as a force of antagonism. The heroine isn't just battling men, she's up against women, societal attitudes, and institutions too.
In the first 10 pages of your story, you need to give the ending away. Sounds crazy, right? But, it's true. Why on earth would we do that? It would ruin the story, wouldn't it? Nope. When done right, it makes the story better. How would we do it? Listen to this episode to find out.
Did you know that if the alter ego doesn't have a gift to express, the superhero doesn't have a superpower? In this episode Valerie and Melanie discuss the importance of Carol Danvers's gift, and how expressing it ultimately enables her to both outsmart and overpower the forces of antagonism.
This week's episode is a bit of a throwback to season one, as Valerie and Melanie debate the genre and whether the antagonist is a monster, or a man who is monstrous. (In the world of storytelling, there's a big difference!) What do you think, is The Invisible Man a horror or a thriller?
You can't go wrong with a performance story; it's a crowd-pleaser every time. With this genre, the opponent is usually the sole antagonist. But this film has a whole host of antagonists working together to complicate the plot and make life for the heroine very, very difficult. How did the writers weave together multiple forces of antagonism so seamlessly? Tune in to find out.
We're kicking off a new season with a focus on two new storytelling principles! In Season 2, Valerie is studying The Hero's Gift Expressed and Melanie is studying Forces of Antagonism. Legally Blonde is a beautiful example of both!
In this episode, Valerie and Melanie review their key takeaways from the ten films they studied this season. Tune in to learn their best advice for authors, ah-ha moments and resource recommendations.
Dune is a true feast for the eyes, and it's got the Oscars to prove it. However, none of the awards (or nominations) were for the writing and there's an obvious reason for that. Join Valerie and Melanie as they do a deep dive into the storytelling aspect of this popular film.
If you plan to blend genres in your novel, then do yourself a favour and tune in to this week's episode of Story Nerd. Maybe it's a western and maybe it isn't. Maybe it's something entirely new. Jane Campion and the entire team of professionals brought their A-Game to this one!
Oh dear. The scales have fallen from Melanie's eyes this week as she analyzed one of her favourite films. The "spectacle" of film sure does make the movie-going experience a whole lot of fun, but when we strip away the soundtrack, the CGI, the costumes and the actors we admire, we're left with the story. Sometimes that makes us love our favourite stories even more, and sometimes it doesn't.
Puzzled about what it takes to write a great mystery? Then grab your notebook because this episode is chock-full of tips. No red herrings in this show, we promise!
There's no question that Aaron Sorkin is a master storyteller, and the craft on display here is next level stuff. But, it doesn't necessarily mean the story works. In this episode, Melanie attempts to untangle the genre while Valerie discusses the hazards of prioritizing elevated writing technique over fundamental storytelling basics.
While this film may not be listed among Pixar's Top 10, there's still plenty to love about Turning Red and we need more stories that explore these themes. From a craft perspective, Melanie sees it as a good example of how the beginning of a story sets up the end, and Valerie considers whether the red panda is a metaphor that works.
In this episode, Melanie takes us on a deep dive of spy stories, their conventions and subgenres. It turns out that what we usually think of as spy stories might not be spy stories at all! Meanwhile, Valerie examines the testing plot and offers advice about how to write historical fiction that works.
If you're interested in character development, this award-winning film is one you want to study. However, if you're interested in studying examples of crime stories (which is how this movie has been marketed), maybe give it a pass. Tune in to find out why!
West Side Story (2021) has been lauded for its depiction of race and racial tension, but how has it handled the love story? In his retelling of this age-old story, did Spielberg innovate the genre or did he perpetuate stereotypes?
A story makes one point. If your story is about everything, then it's about nothing. Understanding genre is a vital skill for writers because everything in a story flows from it; it's the key to telling a story in an entertaining and effective way. Can you boil your story down to one idea? Does your choice of genre help your story make its point?
Join literary editors and writers, Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill, as they analyze a film a week as an example of a storytelling principle. If you want to spend more time writing and less time studying, this show is for you.