The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

240 | George Saunders' Storytelling Masterclass

55 snips
Mar 6, 2025
In a lively discussion, George Saunders, the Booker Prize-winning author known for his unique storytelling talent and popular Substack, shares his insights on the craft of writing. He explores the delicate dance between creativity and structure, emphasizing the importance of authentic character development. Saunders also reflects on the role of personal experiences in storytelling, drawing inspiration from Lincoln's grief. He candidly addresses challenges like writer's block and the often tricky balance between audience expectations and genuine expression in creative work.
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ADVICE

Trust Your Writing Instincts

  • Trust your instincts about story and characters more than market pressure.
  • Researching real people’s experiences can reveal deep character and plot insights.
INSIGHT

Discover Story Through Prose

  • Saunders writes prose to discover the story, not to strictly follow outlines.
  • Story emerges from language and emotional impact rather than detailed pre-planning.
INSIGHT

Power of Patterned Storytelling

  • Pattern stories create reader expectations that must be fulfilled.
  • Early story details set up these patterns and organically guide the narrative.
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