top 15 writing tips from “Wired for Story” by Lisa Cron:
- Hook Readers Early: Start with a compelling first sentence to draw readers in immediately.
- Understand the Brain’s Desire: Stories should satisfy the brain’s craving for information and understanding.
- Focus on Story, Not Just Writing: Prioritize storytelling over just writing beautifully to keep readers engaged.
- Use Conflict and Tension: These elements drive the narrative and maintain reader interest.
- Create Relatable Characters: Characters should have clear desires and relatable struggles.
- Evoke Emotion: Trigger emotional responses to connect readers with the story.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use vivid scenes to convey emotions and actions.
- Balance Backstory: Seamlessly integrate backstory without overwhelming the narrative.
- Make Every Scene Matter: Ensure each scene advances the plot or develops characters.
- Revise with Purpose: Edit to enhance the story’s impact on the reader.
- The Brain on Story: Use insights from cognitive science to craft engaging narratives.
- Cause and Effect: Maintain logical progression with cause and effect relationships.
- Theme and Meaning: Clarify your story’s theme and message for depth and relevance.
- Inner Motivation: Explore characters’ internal motivations for believable actions and decisions.
- Sensory Details: Use vivid sensory details to fully immerse readers in your story.
Story Related questions from Lisa Cron’s “Wired for Story”:
- What does the protagonist want?
- Why does the protagonist want it?
- What obstacles are in the way?
- What will happen if the protagonist fails?
- What must the protagonist learn to succeed?
- What is at stake for the protagonist?
- What internal conflict does the protagonist face?
- How do the protagonist’s flaws or limitations affect their journey?
- What are the external challenges and antagonists?
- How does each event push the protagonist closer to or further from their goal?
- What changes occur in the protagonist’s understanding of their world or themselves?
- How do supporting characters influence the protagonist’s journey?
These questions help structure and maintain a compelling and coherent narrative.