Storytelling: 6 Essential Questions

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 14. 05. 2024
  • Are there rules for writing a screenplay? I don’t think so. Or rather: there are a LOT - all sorts of theories and ideal structures - and most of them offer SOMETHING helpful.
    But in the end you need to figure out how to write YOUR SCRIPT.
    And I believe that means asking yourself QUESTIONS.
    These 6 questions are the most important that I know for figuring out how to turn a chaos of ideas and feelings into a dramatic story.
    - - - - -
    This channel is here to help you learn to write for screens - ANY kind of screens, from Hollywood tentpole to streaming series to DIY indie.
    Want to know more about me? Want to work with me, one-on-one? Script reading and consulting, project and process consulting: go to WRITINGFORSCREENS.COM.
    Credits Motion Graphics: Xander Brennan, xanbrennan.com
    Credits Music: musicfornothing.com
    Additional Music:
    www.bensound.com/royalty-free...
    www.freesound.org/magixmusic

Komentáře • 642

  • @writingforscreens
    @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +304

    Hey everyone - this is VERY IMPORTANT: these questions are not a TEST of anything! They don't "prove" anything is good or bad. If they don't always work for you, DON'T WORRY. They are just TOOLS!! They're just to help you with your own writing process! Use them IF they make it easier - and IGNORE them if they DON'T!

    • @daneoman1000
      @daneoman1000 Před 2 lety +2

      I would disagree that’s its about the people, it’s about the CHARACTERS (Wallee, woody & Buzz, TARS are not people) but story is superior, great 6 steps, agreed.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +15

      @@daneoman1000 Thanks! (Characters, people, animals, robots, bugs....whatever you call them, I just think we follow them and care about them.)

    • @catthewondahokulea6515
      @catthewondahokulea6515 Před 2 lety +5

      Thank you for the awesome tips and the hard work!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +2

      @@catthewondahokulea6515 Thank YOU for watching and commenting!

    • @enshk79
      @enshk79 Před rokem

      Characters are part of a good story. Cant have a good story with bad characters. Period.
      (My opinion. Totally subjective)

  • @JenniVander
    @JenniVander Před 2 lety +126

    These questions get straight to the heart of storytelling. I'm finding this very useful for my novel writing.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +12

      Thanks, I'm really glad you find them helpful! I do think that the same problems and principles show up in a lot of different forms of storytelling, it's terrific to hear that you're having that experience.

  • @filmcourage
    @filmcourage Před 2 lety +234

    Glenn, congrats on 1000 subscribers! It is so awesome to see all the hard work you have been putting into this channel pay off. Keep it up!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +31

      THANK YOU SO MUCH! It's all because of you, honestly - your endless efforts to give everyone a voice and some help. You're the ultimate connectors :)

    • @JacobPatrick1
      @JacobPatrick1 Před 2 lety +3

      @@writingforscreens Ahh

    • @jolaajtak7861
      @jolaajtak7861 Před 2 lety +9

      @@writingforscreensIt's kind of true. : ) I just came because of the interviews with Film Courage.

    • @fellowcitizen
      @fellowcitizen Před 2 lety +2

      Thanks for introducing me to this channel, and to Shannan's 🐾

    • @JustTooRiskyMedia
      @JustTooRiskyMedia Před 5 měsíci +1

      3 years later, he's at 19.2k subs.

  • @KeenX72
    @KeenX72 Před rokem +42

    I 've always wanted to write a compelling story, but I've never know what makes one good. I've tried reading and watching as many great stories as I can and just emulating them but nothing I've come up with really stuck. Eventually I decided to sit down and actually research what makes for good storytelling, and now I'm coming up with much better stories.
    In fact, I even used these 6 questions to write this comment.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +10

      Yay! Thank you. (How did it end? I hope it ended happily :) )

    • @miriamrobarts
      @miriamrobarts Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@writingforscreens They did write how it ended: "and now I'm coming up with much better stories."
      Sounds like a happy & optimistic ending to me.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 5 měsíci +3

      @@miriamrobarts Yes! Thank you :)

    • @guitar300k
      @guitar300k Před 2 měsíci

      wow, it's a good story, I didn't even notice it

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 měsíci

      @@guitar300k Haha - yes indeed!

  • @SuperAudience
    @SuperAudience Před 2 lety +37

    Love you man! From watching your speech in film courage, CZcams suggested this gem. Thanks so much for an exclusive video about these 6...

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +5

      So great to know these ideas are useful to you! Inspires me to keep making more.

  • @r.bongvergara749
    @r.bongvergara749 Před 4 dny

    You are the beloved restaurant that should have Michellin stars but doesn't. Thank you for your bullseye content.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 4 dny

      LOL - I am, aren't I?! Thank YOU for this comment, it makes a real difference to me to know that my work is helping...especially such creative comment-writers :)

  • @robinmcfarland3226
    @robinmcfarland3226 Před 14 dny

    I find the questions excellent to kick off a story, character, and plot, but also beneficial as a review when checking the script to search for any weak areas that might need shoring up, because the questions take the story full circle. Thanks!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 12 dny

      Thank you for telling me this - I am really glad to hear it's a useful tool for you!!

  • @littletodger7008
    @littletodger7008 Před 2 lety +10

    Bang! Got it on one. Do these simple things (well, not so simple that they don't contain worlds) and you will write stories - and you will never have writer's block. Much gratitude Glen.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +6

      And gratitude right back for watching and taking the time to respond! You have no idea how motivating it is for me to know that my attempts to make sense of this stuff is connecting with others.

  • @Silverbolt74
    @Silverbolt74 Před 2 lety +40

    I've been stuck for months due to my anxiety. Thank you for breaking it down like that. I'm excited to start writing again.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +7

      I'm so glad to hear that it's helpful. Small steps, keep exploring - you'll find your way!

  • @rich9785
    @rich9785 Před 2 lety

    Thanks Glenn.. you’re a champion!!

  • @monkspot561
    @monkspot561 Před 2 lety +17

    Hi Glenn, Film Courage brought me here. I'm a novelist who loves learning from screenwriters. You got to the pith. Thank you for putting this together. Not only was it super informative, but really motivational as well.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +4

      So glad to hear that! Working on more of them. Really grateful to have you let me know it's worth doing.

  • @HowDoU_Sleep
    @HowDoU_Sleep Před měsícem +1

    Damn. I’ve not been writing for a while bc I lost my direction with my passion project, but now that I’ve watched this… let’s just say that I have hope. 🙏Thank you🙏

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před měsícem

      I'm so glad to hear this!! Hope is good. Keep exploring, keep working on it, small steps.

  • @shinebrightlywithmalaika

    I always come back to these questions with every new story I start or idea I mull over to see if it's got traction. To me, these questions are a much simpler approach to the 3-Act Structure and they help to delineate from the story objective and scene objective.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem

      I am SO glad to hear they are helpful! Thank you so much for this comment - and for coming on the livestreams :)

  • @Lake_Filter
    @Lake_Filter Před rokem +9

    I love watching your videos at the start of my writing sessions. I often find gems about the obstacles I am currently having, either the possible solutions or simply just a better understanding of what the core of my problems are. Thank you for making these kinds of content.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +1

      I'm so very glad to hear that these videos work this way for you! It's exactly what I hoped they would do!

  • @meredithkurz6134
    @meredithkurz6134 Před 9 měsíci +5

    Glenn Gers , you're a good teacher. Thank you for this. We wonder and wonder what the heck's wrong with a scene (I write short stories - doesn't matter - every story is scenes) and you offer us questions - not formulas - not guaranteed - just asking the right questions. Appreciate it.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 9 měsíci +2

      Thank you so much!! I am grateful that you "get it": all any of us can do is gather tools and tricks and try them out, and keep figuring out our own path. I'm glad to hear my teaching helps!

  • @lizlefae
    @lizlefae Před rokem +1

    Thank You for this tool! I hope to use it effectively!

  • @exili
    @exili Před 2 lety +3

    Glenn I’m grateful for your channel and the insights you share; looking forward to learning from you!

  • @Bosonfriendly
    @Bosonfriendly Před rokem

    Good stuff. Sometimes its just the basics we need to learn/fix/be reminded of. Thank you for doing that for me and others. Respect!

  • @realitymyquest
    @realitymyquest Před rokem

    Thanks so much Glenn for this helpful and succinct guide on story development!

  • @mattmanpro
    @mattmanpro Před 2 lety

    Very cool. As you say in the description, there are so many paradigms, theories, etc. and while none of them are "the answer", they're all pushing on parts of the essential thing we're all trying to find. I love hearing all kinds of methods like this and looking for the overlaps. Thank you!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety

      Yes: every artist has to find their own path - so there's no way to say what will be useful. Different things for different people at different times. Glad you feel like my ideas are part of what helps!

  • @anthonypizzoferrato5363

    Grateful for your words of wisdom, they are truly a RX for any story or complete thought.

  • @ShivKachiwala
    @ShivKachiwala Před 2 lety

    So much I learned and so many things got clarified by asking these 6 simple questions! Kudos to you! Great help. Thanks a lot!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety

      Very glad to hear this - thank you for watching and commenting!

  • @BJ-fj6jw
    @BJ-fj6jw Před rokem +2

    BRILLIANT SIR, YOU HAVE SHARED A CORE PIECE OF WHAT MOST WOULD SELFISHLY GUARD WITH THEIR LIFE... I HAVE WATCHED THIS VIDEO IN UTTER AMAZEMENT. I LOVE IT WHEN PROFESSIONALS CONDENSE WHAT WE CALL MAGIC AND UNFATHOMABLE INTO A HANDFUL OF CONCRETE ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS. YOU HAVE COMPRESSED THE RAW MATERIALS OF STORYTELLING INTO A SOLID DIAMOND. I BELIEVE WE ALL FEEL THE WORTH OF WHAT YOU HAVE GIVEN TO US - WITH INFINITE GRATITUDE. THANK YOU!

  • @m0L3ify
    @m0L3ify Před rokem

    Thank you! I've been trying to formulate a basic plot for a book idea I have and this helped me immensely!! ♥

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +1

      I'm SO happy to hear this! Enjoy your process, do your work, make your path!

  • @quagernag
    @quagernag Před rokem +1

    I found your channel from film courage video that was recommended and I’m liking it!
    I’ve been thinking alot of my own writing style as comics artist and trying to find better tools to get stuff out of my head to paper and this seems really great, clean, almost too easy sounding method of putting things in order.
    Like drawing you should always remember the basic fundamentals what ever you do.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +1

      thank you, I'm so glad you find it helpful! I do think process ideas often cross over between different creative pursuits. Don't worry about it being too easy - it always gets harder and more complicated within the simplicity :)

  • @cporrasramirez
    @cporrasramirez Před rokem +2

    I have spent a lot of time looking for these answers to how to write a story and I feel like it takes a huge weight off my shoulders to know that there is content like yours that allows me to easily understand it and that I can tell stories.
    Thank you.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +1

      Thank you so much for this beautiful message - please do keep exploring your creativity!

  • @amunkhot
    @amunkhot Před 2 lety +2

    Thank you for making these videos. Clearest guidance for when you’re lost.

  • @elisebeaufeaux8261
    @elisebeaufeaux8261 Před 2 měsíci

    I love the outtakes. Super helpful video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge freely you have no idea how grateful I am to find such a resource online!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 měsíci

      Thank you so much! I am really happy to hear that it's helpful, and very grateful you took the time to comment.

  • @micahstarr8606
    @micahstarr8606 Před 2 lety +7

    To start, I have to thank you so much! Seeing your interview with Film Courage pop up onto my screen feels akin to divine intervention. I've wanted to write for so long and have been playing scenes in my head for a number of ideas, but have only been able to sustain inspiration for short bursts (I've always blamed this on my mild bipolar issue, lots of ups and downs), but knowing that this is not unusual is like letting out a breath I've been holding for way too long. Your videos are so helpful and are making me feel as though I may actually be able to someday complete a story or two. You are a miracle sir, your words have helped to inspire and encourage me, and I know I'm only one of so very many who feel this way. Thank you again for all you are doing!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +1

      I'm very glad to be helping. Art IS difficult - it's not something most people do, so they don't know how to understand/advise. There's a lot of good info out there, from artists, for artists - and from bipolar people and experts! The main thing is: small steps, and look at yourself and the world honestly so you can figure out what really works, what's really possible, and what really matters. It's rarely what people-who-don't-create-stuff think. Small steps, over time. Keep doing it, and you'll learn as you go...which is what we all have to do :)

  • @karnawrites8666
    @karnawrites8666 Před 2 lety +1

    Much gratitude to you Mr. Glen and Film courage that brought me here. You just make it look so easy. Subscribed! Keep up the good work!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +1

      That you so much! It's never really "easy" - but it can be fun and a source of joy...and that helps when it's not easy :)

  • @kurisuchiinu1206
    @kurisuchiinu1206 Před rokem

    I saved this and will keep coming back to this whenever I feel I'm stuck. It makes me think of my work. Thank you!

  • @darrallc
    @darrallc Před rokem

    Thanks for this! Helped clarify and distil the narrative drive of a short story I was writing. Very much appreciate you putting this video out. :)

  • @Toonmoonsoon
    @Toonmoonsoon Před 2 lety

    Finally someone makes it easy to follow. That is genius. I love it.

  • @LesandaMooreAuthor
    @LesandaMooreAuthor Před 2 lety +1

    Amazing video. It took me years of research to learn what you just explained with 6 questions. Simplicity at its finest.

  • @Search4TruthReality
    @Search4TruthReality Před 10 měsíci

    After reading many books on screenwriting and story, this short video helped stitch things together. Thank you for sharing.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 9 měsíci

      Hooray! I am happy to be a part of the big picture: that's what any "how to" should be. The picture is for you to put together as you need it. Thank you.

  • @oscar-lagrosen
    @oscar-lagrosen Před rokem

    Hands down the best advice for storytelling I’ve ever heard, no doubt
    Thank you so much Glen!! Whenever I am better at storytelling, I’ll cred this video and you
    Storytelling is super important to have success for new creators

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +1

      Thank YOU, what a great comment to read - as you know as a creator, it means a lot.

  • @francoanzalone4061
    @francoanzalone4061 Před rokem

    Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and putting it in layman terms!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +1

      So grateful to know it's connecting! Been right there with you, trying to figure it out, and this stuff is just how I explained it to myself :)

  • @shupri
    @shupri Před 6 měsíci

    I deeply appreciate and applaud you, Glenn Gers. What a teacher! Such clarity and sincere help thats all for free?? Every video of yours is amazingly insightful - I have learned a LOT. Thank you immensely!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 6 měsíci

      Thank you so much for letting me know that these ideas are useful! This is truly the most important reward I can get.

  • @aventurellauk
    @aventurellauk Před 2 lety

    I saw one of your interviews on Film Courage and I immediately knew that I should subscribe to your channel. I just want to thank you for the valuable information that you so generously give out in your videos. I am incredibly grateful for all the knowledge and experience that you choose to share and for how encouraging and motivational your videos are. These are just what I need to push through and overcome my fears of failure. I know now that I am on the right path. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

  • @nscoby9311
    @nscoby9311 Před rokem

    I greatly appreciate your teaching here as an aspiring writing. I like to write short stories so far I've written two but I've never asked myself these questions in my writing process. I will immediately begin asking myself these questions on my next short story.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem

      I am so glad to think these tools can be helpful! Keep writing! You're not just an aspiring writer: if you're writing something, you ARE a writer.

  • @mrcloudlion
    @mrcloudlion Před 2 lety +1

    Seriously, Thank you!
    I am adding this right away, to my list of tools when creating scenes and plots.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +2

      That's exactly how I like to think of it - as just a tool, to use if it helps and set aside if not!

    • @mrcloudlion
      @mrcloudlion Před 2 lety +1

      @@writingforscreens Great! I already liked and subbed. I have to catch up now.

  • @ParmyBaddhan
    @ParmyBaddhan Před 2 lety

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge to help me write my story. It's very much appreciated.

  • @feelgoodink5005
    @feelgoodink5005 Před 2 lety

    Thank you!!

  • @samhhaincat2703
    @samhhaincat2703 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Thanks for this. I've been watching a bunch of "writing" videos and you're the first person who doesn't sound like a pretentious, annoying know-it-all and actually sounds encouraging.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 5 měsíci

      Thank you so much! It's really encouraging to hear this. I think many teachers have something to offer, as long as you take the bits or ideas that help and disregard the pretentious or annoying stuff :)

  • @Corrans
    @Corrans Před rokem +1

    Thank you for this video and putting this info out into the world!

  • @ServingKant42069
    @ServingKant42069 Před 2 lety

    you have no idea how much your videos has helped my writing process

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety

      Thank you SO much for telling me - that really is wonderful for me!!

  • @joannkelly7994
    @joannkelly7994 Před 2 lety

    Thank you. God bless,

  • @Koujujutsu
    @Koujujutsu Před rokem

    Thanks so much! I've been wanting to write a small comic strip for sometime and i finally did last night. I remembered this video from a few weeks ago. So I'll use these tips to evaluate and fix my draft. Thanks so much!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +1

      You're entirely welcome - I'm so glad it's helpful! Thank you for telling me.

  • @boswor
    @boswor Před 5 měsíci +1

    I don't know how to say it, but at some point in my life, I found that this skill is the greatest skill one can acquire, without exaggeration.
    I really don't know how to thank you, Mr. Glenn.
    I wish you a happy life from the bottom of my heart❤.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Thank you SO much - I am really happy to hear that sharing the result of my own creative struggles can help.

  • @JavierBonilla78
    @JavierBonilla78 Před 2 lety +6

    This is a great video Mr. Gers, I already answered all 6 questions, so that's means the story I want to tell and myself are on the right path. Thank you so much!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +3

      That's great! Keep asking questions, that's the name of the game.

  • @ScriptSleuth
    @ScriptSleuth Před měsícem

    Excellent video, Glenn! You hit the nail on the head with a character WANTING something. That makes us naturally want to know if they're going to get it.

  • @aroset
    @aroset Před 4 měsíci +1

    Thank you so much for breaking this right down. This information is so beautifully succinct and cuts right down to the core. 🙏 ❤

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 4 měsíci

      Thank you! It really mens a lot to me to get this comment, you've named exactly what I worked to accomplish and it's wonderful to find out it connected with you.

  • @mickeyaugrec7560
    @mickeyaugrec7560 Před rokem

    4:56 'If your objective is important and your obstacles are substantial [ ]' is the crux for me. Love your vlogs, apply the processes / tools actively - thanks 1,000,000 Glenn!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem

      So glad to hear that I am being useful in doing this! Thank you!!

  • @RodMartinJr
    @RodMartinJr Před 2 lety +5

    Saw one of your interview clips on Film Courage and loved it. Subscribed. As a lifetime writer, even with a few screenplays under my belt (though not sold or optioned), I always enjoy the learning process.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +4

      Thanks so much! Working creatively and learning all life long - whether or not you "sell" - is a marvelous and healthy thing to do!

  • @blue_evolution_studio_official
    @blue_evolution_studio_official Před 2 měsíci +1

    Thank you very much for sharing these important questions with us

  • @moklooking3485
    @moklooking3485 Před měsícem

    经典 !thanks you very much sir🙏

  • @GameSoup
    @GameSoup Před 2 lety

    Thanks for the lesson!

  • @maximusalemon4682
    @maximusalemon4682 Před rokem

    Hola amigo Gleen. Thanks a lot for the guidance with this six questions for structure a history, I find it very useful. It is like the conceptual design of an entire fiction world.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem

      Thank you so much! The most important thing is - use it when it it helps, forget it when it doesn't!!

  • @diegooland1261
    @diegooland1261 Před 2 lety +3

    Thanks, this is very good. Easy to understand and I can see this playing out in so many movies that just pop into my head while thinking about the six. I get stuck on five. My obstacles aren't very strong, or even worse, someone else in the story solves the obstacles for the main character.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +4

      Great! Remember these are just tools to help you work though your story - not a "right or wrong checklist." Every writer with every project will come up with different answers - and they might even change during the process. All that matters is if it helps you think of scenes and characters and get something written!

  • @TheFilmLook
    @TheFilmLook Před 2 lety

    Your video on Film Courage sent me here and, my god, I love your channel! I'm happy I was able to answer the 6 questions!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety

      Thank you so much! I hope the questions stay useful - remember that's the point: to be useful tools to help you to make choices and to think of actions and lines and scenes. If they help, great. If they don't - toss 'em aside! Best of luck on your work :)

  • @lanyamatthews8033
    @lanyamatthews8033 Před 6 měsíci

    Thank you for taking the time to record this. It's so helpful. I'm an actor and at the beginning of my writing journey. Watching this has given me something to bounce my ideas off of. You are appreciated 🙏

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 6 měsíci +1

      I'm so glad to hear that these videos are useful! I believe actors make wonderful writers, because they know how to think about the life and needs of the character as the center of any drama. Keep creating!

  • @engleharddinglefester4285

    That was very generous of you and much appreciated!

  • @elborrego4916
    @elborrego4916 Před 2 lety

    What a beautifully craft video
    This was really helpful! Thanks!

  • @authorsatoshi9148
    @authorsatoshi9148 Před 2 lety +1

    I just subscribed. I have Witten 700k words but I stopped a couple of months ago because of Tinnitus. It's just hard to focus with ringing in the ears. But a few days ago, I decided to write again instead of falling into depression and I accidentally stumbled on this channel. For me, the video literally ends "Writer's block". Thank you so much Mr. Glen.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +1

      Wow - thank you so much for this message! I am very very sorry to hear about your tinnitus; I am sure it is very debilitating and painful. I hope that my videos can help you work, and to work WITHIN your reality - which hopefully will continue to improve. Best of luck, and thank you again.

  • @abhiraaid
    @abhiraaid Před rokem +2

    This is so powerful. Thanks for sharing this Glenn

  • @Mattnova_116
    @Mattnova_116 Před rokem +1

    This is better understood than your "Film Courage" video. Thank you.

  • @yateoi
    @yateoi Před 2 lety +19

    Was having a hard time getting into the writing flow for a project. I'm giving this a try. Thanks for the class!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +4

      I hope it helps! Remember: the point is to get your heart and head into the story WITH the character. It's not a checklist to check-off and set aside. Find YOUR way to tell YOUR story :)

  • @deathpresent101
    @deathpresent101 Před rokem +1

    My mind is blown and inspired! Time to start writing, thank you!

  • @timothymaggenti717
    @timothymaggenti717 Před 7 měsíci +2

    First this is brilliant, secondly, you are brilliant, and thank you very much. I have been trying to figure this out for way too long and you summed it all up in what 8:02 WOW. Well that was finally eight minutes of my life that matter the most. Thank you so much.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 7 měsíci

      Thank YOU so much! When you create anything, even a how-to video, you're just guessing on whether it will "work" - there is nothing more amazing and gratifying than to hear from a stranger that your work "worked" for them!!

  • @Aysquare
    @Aysquare Před rokem

    Wow! Thank you so much for this, you are a LIVE SAVER

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem

      Thank YOU so much for reaching out to comment! I really appreciate it.

  • @Valkalyn_Serpenz
    @Valkalyn_Serpenz Před 5 měsíci

    this is a great video, It got me thinking about my own project and the characters in it. I like that is got me thinking. thank you.

  • @sedaozaltan
    @sedaozaltan Před 2 lety

    Amazing! Thank you so much!

  • @pilarvera6985
    @pilarvera6985 Před 2 lety +3

    Glenn, I don’t know how to put into words my gratitude! I have this amazing idea for a fantasy-romance novel, I did some story structure and I’ve been thinking about the details for more than a month now. But every time that I have to actually write it… I can’t! Nothing comes out. I begin to feel very lost and don’t know how to start. It’s awful. Every time I end up so anxious and discouraged, thinking things like “who the hell do I think I am?” “what did it make me believe that I could write a novel?” But I found your interview with Film Courage and you can’t imagine how relieved you made me feel. Everything you said felt pretty accurate to my experience trying to write. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your knowledge. It means a lot for people like me that can’t afford to go to college and just have a dream but zero experience and opportunities.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +1

      Thank you! Small steps. Do what you do, the best you can, and keep learning and exploring. Don't worry too much about publishing and rewards -- just try to make it as good as you can right now. And if you keep doing that, each small step: it and you will keep getting better and better.
      There has never been a time like this for "outsiders" to do creative work and even get it out to an audience. That's a whole OTHER journey, that you can only take when the work is good. So just enjoy the process, make work you like, and keep learning. You will find SO many resources on line...some will help, a lot won't -- so just take what helps and throw away the rest! Best of luck! Have fun!

  • @patataeve
    @patataeve Před 2 lety +2

    Just found your awesome channel, thank you so much for sharing all this knowledge and wisdom!!!!

  • @agoogleuser4410
    @agoogleuser4410 Před 2 lety

    Awesome. Thanks.

  • @dreal500
    @dreal500 Před rokem

    Sir, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Where were you ten years ago. That was the simplest most concise way ive heard to write a story. Thank you so much. Im a subscriber and im going to write now.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +1

      I'm so glad to hear that - small steps, keep exploring, enjoy the work and the process!

  • @chrissheridan33
    @chrissheridan33 Před měsícem

    Great advice - clear and to the point! Thank you.

  • @gustavocoronel4893
    @gustavocoronel4893 Před 2 lety

    Thanks! Greetings from Argentina

  • @ICYMIINMIY
    @ICYMIINMIY Před rokem +1

    I can not thank you enough for this breakdown, Glenn! It has simplified the writing process for me because this all seemed overwhelming in the beginning but not anymore. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

  • @jamuojisan
    @jamuojisan Před rokem

    I must have saved the whole world in my past life to be able to find your lesson in this life. Thanks for your amazing teaching.

  • @DLGUltraKong87
    @DLGUltraKong87 Před rokem

    I appreciate this advice and video, while seemly simple and obvious, after watching this I have a greater sense of being able to finish my second book.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +1

      So glad it helps - and also: SECOND book, that's already a great accomplishment! Congratulations.

    • @DLGUltraKong87
      @DLGUltraKong87 Před rokem

      @@writingforscreens Thank you, it'll drop sometime this summer.

  • @kylebilezerian687
    @kylebilezerian687 Před rokem

    I was stuck for a while trying to come up with a meaningful and logical plot and I was ready to give up. Then I found this video and answered the 6 questions and after a few minutes I was able to plan out an entire plot that both makes logical sense and also follows an interesting story with plenty of conflicts and a few twists. Now I just have to write it :). Thanks, Glenn.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před rokem +1

      So glad to hear this!! You can write it! Small steps, over time, enjoy taking the steps and making the little bits.

  • @omnipop4936
    @omnipop4936 Před 2 lety

    This was really good. I'd love to have you critique some movies/shows in terms of these six questions. Examples of movies/shows that got it _right,_ vs. others that were weak on one or more of the questions, etc. Cheers!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +2

      Actually, I like to focus on using these questions as tools for unwritten scripts, instead of as a template to judge finished work. The whole idea for me is that every writer will find their OWN answers: even for the same exact story outline, different writers would feel different emotions are driving the story. The purpose is to give you YOUR path through the story that doesn't exist yet. Because, just as an example: in THE GODFATHER (1) - you can make a decent argument that the story is about Michael wanting to "protect the family" - but you could also say Michael is provoked to own his lust for power, which he begins the story trying to repress - OR you could say that he wants to find an identity and in the end resolves that by discovering that he IS, essentially, his father - OR you could say that it's about how Michael is trying desperately to escape the pull of crime (and failing). All of those could steer a writer to write that script. None is right or wrong. The use of these questions is when you haven't written THE GODFATHER yet and you need to figure out what happens...you ask, well, if Michael is trying to protect the family, what would force him to take action - ah! His father is shot. (Spoiler, sorry!) This is a hugely over-simplified example, but the point is: my main concern is how do you make a story when you don't have a story yet? How do you write a scene when you're facing a blank page?

  • @crimsonwolf9572
    @crimsonwolf9572 Před 11 měsíci +4

    I needed to hear this, thank you!
    I never knew I wanted to be a writer until I realized I cared more about the characters and what happened to them, than their video games,
    It feels odd writing this as I never in a million years would have thought that's what I wanted to be, I thought just becoming a comic book artist was enough.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 11 měsíci

      Well, I think becoming a comic book artists IS enough, if you like being a comic book artist. But if you ALSO like becoming a writer: you can!
      I'm mainly just very glad that my videos are helping you sort out what you like, and encouraging you to explore and try things.

    • @crimsonwolf9572
      @crimsonwolf9572 Před 11 měsíci +1

      @@writingforscreens im not sure what to say ,so I will say thank you for the information.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 11 měsíci

      @@crimsonwolf9572 I hope that didn't come off as critical or negative in any way! I only meant that I like to think inclusively, and didn't want the joy of one discovery (of writing) to diminish the joy of another (comics) :) Best of luck, keep exploring and creating!

    • @miriamrobarts
      @miriamrobarts Před 5 měsíci

      Re: "I thought just becoming a comic book artist was enough."
      Well, you need something to draw. Even one picture (or one frame or cell) can & should tell a story.
      You just discovered that you want to write your own stories instead of illustrating other people's stories.
      (Even if you illustrate someone else's story, you are still adding pieces to it by how it is drawn, what colors you use, etc.)
      • • ❈ • •
      I came to this video because I'm trying to think of an idea (or story) for an illustration (in response to a prompt). I like drawing, but I have a hard time coming up with interesting ideas.
      • • ❈ • •
      A video I've seen by Will Terry explains that illustration needs a good story. He said when you draw something, it's like you're saying, "Hey! Hey, everybody! Come look at this!"
      So you need to make it worth it, & tell them something interesting. I can't remember the exact example he used, but it was something like: If your picture says, "Hey, everyone! A girl walked her dog." No one will care. You need to add something else.
      The video said it needs to tell a compelling story, or if it's something that simple it needs to be extremely well made (for example: a picture that is simply beautiful & nice to look at that you'd hang on a wall, or an image on a greeting card).

  • @TheDramacide
    @TheDramacide Před 2 lety +3

    Really fantastic vid! Thanks for posting! I have an illogical fear that learning too much about the process of writing will make my writing sound like everyone else's. But all I've been achieving with that mentality is making things unnecessarily difficult for myself 😅 Really appreciate you!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 2 lety +3

      That's really common and understandable: creative work comes from a place we can't really understand - so it feels like knowing-too-much about it might wreck it. But I try to think about things like playing a musical instrument: the more you own it, the more you know about how it works, the more you can use it well. And the PROCESS of writing is (as far as I can tell) always kind of the same and kind of indestructible...all we can do is learn to how make it comfortable for us, and how to fit it into our lives. So glad if this was helpful!

  • @Claude-tj6ud
    @Claude-tj6ud Před 5 měsíci

    Thank you so much!

  • @mattliglese5862
    @mattliglese5862 Před 2 lety +1

    Excellent, this process is enlightning ☀️! Thank You

  • @omnipop4936
    @omnipop4936 Před 2 lety +1

    (5:20) I immediately thought of Roy Scheider's character in 'Jaws' (1975), and the situation he found himself in at the end, and the actions he had to take to get out of it.

  • @paulosborn6167
    @paulosborn6167 Před 6 měsíci

    WOW thank you so much what a lightbulb moment, I'm very excited and mi creative mind has just exploded

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 6 měsíci

      Love this comment, thank you! Exploding creative minds is my whole ideal job description!!

  • @MODOZENoficialNICO
    @MODOZENoficialNICO Před 5 měsíci

    Brilliant!

  • @elpatoempatado2404
    @elpatoempatado2404 Před 5 měsíci

    I began writing a story a few weeks ago, so I guess I'll try to answer the questions with some of the characters in mind. Thanks!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 5 měsíci +1

      You're welcome, I hope they help! Remember: they're not a test, they're not rules - they're just ways to start thinking and asking questions. The answers - YOUR answers, whatever feels right to you - are what matter.

  • @maisey2363
    @maisey2363 Před rokem

    Thank you Mr Gers ...BEST CONCISE information in a nutshell that is articulated well, with fun examples ...but the outtakes are the best ^^))

  • @michaelvicente5365
    @michaelvicente5365 Před 9 měsíci

    working on a video game, and this is actually very good advice for that medium as well. It's a bit trickier since some of these things could be defined by the player himself, about who they want to be and how they want to play the story. I think that these rules are especially interesting for video game "factions" to make sure to make them believable and grounded into the world. I would also argue that for the "what do they want" part, if it's power, it's much more interesting to focus on what they want, to achieve power, rather than just "power" as an abstract concept.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 9 měsíci +1

      Thanks, yes! I think you do have to adapt my ideas for the new art form of video games - but I think the basic nature of character and narrative still holds true.
      And the point is: these are just questions, just ways to look at stories, to help you find the way you want it to be. They aren't answers. They're just tools to apply, however that works for you.

  • @DreadKnots1
    @DreadKnots1 Před rokem

    Yessir, thank you

  • @Denver_Risley
    @Denver_Risley Před 8 měsíci +1

    Just a little story...Narrating audio books is my usual gig and as an extra value to the rights holder I like to add a little dramatic music and sound FX. That got me into scoring soundtracks for movies and series that don't exist and selling them on my bandcamp page. One thing that makes writing a soundtrack easier and actually more substantial is to actually have scenes to score! So as part of my music writing, I actually write the scenes along with the music. SO these tips are very useful. Thanks for sharing.

    • @albertbozesan
      @albertbozesan Před 8 měsíci +1

      What a cool business you built there!! Very original, and sounds super fun to do.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 8 měsíci +1

      I love to hear all the different ways people come to and take from my work! It's wonderful. I'm really glad to hear it's helpful. It wounds like you have found a personal and unique niche in which to work, I think that's brilliant.

    • @Denver_Risley
      @Denver_Risley Před 8 měsíci

      @@albertbozesan Thanks for the encouragement! I don't know what I'm doing, I just do it!

    • @Denver_Risley
      @Denver_Risley Před 8 měsíci

      @@writingforscreens I don't know where it's going but I just do what Bukowski said: find what you love and let it kill you.

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 8 měsíci

      @@Denver_Risley As I often say: as long as it's not harming you or those around you - whatever works, whatever helps you have fun and write what you like and like what you write, is the thing to do!

  • @cfhall54
    @cfhall54 Před rokem

    This is pretty awesome! Thank you

  • @svetashmeleva1499
    @svetashmeleva1499 Před 6 měsíci

    Thank you so much for the advice! I'm really inspired to write, but I feel like I don't have any understanding of structure and how to build a story, so I get stuck all the time. These questions are gold!

    • @writingforscreens
      @writingforscreens  Před 6 měsíci +1

      Thank you so much! Keep exploring, keep experimenting, keep creating.

    • @svetashmeleva1499
      @svetashmeleva1499 Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@writingforscreensI've used your questions while writing yesterday, they really helped with the characters and the story 🙇‍♀️

  • @maxhuk
    @maxhuk Před rokem

    Such a valuable resource! Thank you!

  • @alastairrose4964
    @alastairrose4964 Před 2 lety

    Thank you.

  • @TheLuconic
    @TheLuconic Před rokem

    Omg, this formula is jot only gonna improve my writing but also help me with good kinds of filler. Because my story is too bare bones and not enough meat. Thank you!!!! This solves my chapter crisis.