The team at Pixar often spend years on a single script. This is heartening for any writer who has wondered whether their story carries any weight. Here are my top 5 picks from their 22 storytelling tips which I refer to when diving into a new plot for a children’s novel. Essential reading, I reckon.
#5: You admire a character for trying more than for their successes.
#4: Keep in mind what’s interesting to you as an audience, not what’s fun to do as a writer.
#3: Simplify. Focus. Combine characters. Hop over detours. You’ll feel like you’re losing valuable stuff but it sets you free.
#2: Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.
#1: Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th – get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself.
Happy Monday.
Justin/