Story Engineering

Mastering the 6 Core Competencies of Successful Writing

De: Larry Brooks

Narrado por: Chris Sorensen

The vast majority of writers begin the storytelling process with only a partial understanding of where to begin. Some labor their entire lives without ever learning that successful stories are as dependent upon good engineering as they are artistry. But the truth is, unless you are master of the form, function, and criteria of successful storytelling, sitting down and pounding out a first draft without planning is an ineffective way to begin.

Story Engineering starts with the criteria and the architecture of storytelling, the engineering and design of a story - and uses it as the basis for narrative. The greatest potential of any story is found in the way six specific aspects of storytelling combine and empower each other on the page. When rendered artfully, they become a sum in excess of their parts.

You'll learn to wrap your head around the big pictures of storytelling at a professional level through a new approach that shows how to combine these six core competencies, which include four elemental competencies of concept, character, theme, and story structure (plot) and two executional competencies of scene construction and writing voice. The true magic of storytelling happens when these six core competencies work together in perfect harmony. And the best part? Anyone can do it!

©2011 Larry Brooks (P)2020 Tantor

Yeah, the narrator sounds like a robot with a bad attitude

But the content is helpful and it’s more or less a textbook so maybe a great narrator isn’t so important. I got used to it.

Great for understanding story format

great book with lots of super helpful information. I would definitely recommend if you're writing fiction

Some nuggets found inside

If I were Larry Brooks I would have strangled my publisher for hiring Chris Sorensen to narrate this. It is only barely tolerable at 1.7x speed, and makes the author sound like the biggest dweeb.

The book itself lays out storytelling basics quite well, albeit way overwritten with too many metaphors and about 100 rants about plotting vs pantsing per chapter. I’d recommend you look up summaries and worksheets from this one instead.

Practical and clear, giving writers a concise blueprint for effective*story engineering*.

Some have expressed dislike for the narrator, he is just fine. I enjoyed his work here and his inflection entertaining.

What really matters here is the content, which is superb. There is a good amount of time spent defending the concept of story engineering, which I think is necessary in light of the fact that so many pantsers rail against the notion.

If this is you and you're unable or unwilling to entertain the possibility that a calculated, logical blueprint can dramatically improve your writing process and the inevitable chaotic result, go ahead and pass on this. This isn't for you.

For the rest of you, this book will be a guiding light.

I have found it relevatory and invaluable. Be sure to take notes!

Life changing read.

Personally, as a published author myself. This book has changed my life. in all forms of writing, I now have a guide. Thank you for this experience.