Story structure

Week 6

Story Structure

Ladder of Abstraction

Why thinking is more important than writing

It may take weeks to form this structure, to know where it’s going to end, to know why it’s going to end there, to know how it’s going to get there.”   — John McPhee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn4yj7f54MM

* Beginning   -- Middle -- End
    This happens. Then this happens. Then that happens. And this how it ended.


* Complication -- Journey --Resolution
    A problem introduced. Main character confronts it. Trials and tribulations. Problems solved/conquered.
    Universal lesson learned.


* Structure Types

    - Chronological.

    - Problem/Solution

    - Catalog

    - Repetitive


- Dramatic opening  --- This is your lede. Grab the reader. Introduce character. Set tension. Strong verbs.

- Nut graph -- what this story is about. What is means. Why you should read it. What makes this special.

-  Building with scenes supporting. Each scene has a purpose. Mini-drama. Conflict/resolution. 

- Climax. Story builds to this point. The verdict. The death. The game ends.

- Wind down. What happens after. Reinforce meaning.

- Conclusion. Resonate. Leave the reader thinking. Take to a new place.   

* Bragg's 5 Boxes
    "I'm a strong believer that you can't have a decent story if it doesn't leave you with a strong feeling or sense or image." -- Rick Bragg

    1. Lead. Image. Detail. Draw in reader.
    2. Nut graph. Gives context. Summarize.
    3. Retell story started in Box 1. New scene/anecdote detail to draw reader through story.
    4. Big picture. Important but less interesting. Stats. experts. Material to round out.
    5. Kicker. Quote. Image.



* Ladder of Abstraction

ABSTRACT    /    TELLING    / MEANING / BIG PICTURE    / SUMMARY
CONCRETE    /    SHOWING    /    ACTION    /    SMALL SCENE    /    DETAILS


* SHOW v. TELL

1.    The Delmar Loop was crowded.
   
2.    The pit bull scared the boys and girls.

    3.    The chancellor is a neat freak.



* Think cinematically.

    Zoom in. Concrete details. Scenes. Details. Dialogue. Action.

    Zoom out. Abstract. The wide shot. This is what you just saw means. Mulling. Thinking.

    - Alternate, going back and forth. Zoom in and pull back out. Action. Pause. Breath. Think. Action.


* WHAT IS THE NEWS?
* WHAT IS THE STORY?
  Should be able to sum up in 5-6 words, poetry. Action verbs.