Learn about the importance of obligatory scenes and conventions in storytelling. Discover how to find these elements for your story's genre and how to handle them in subplots. Understand the significance of comp titles and creating a list of obligatory scenes.
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insights INSIGHT
Essential Genre Elements
Obligatory scenes and conventions are essential story elements readers expect in your genre.
Meeting these expectations in creative ways helps craft a story that works.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Find Your Genre's Framework
Identify 3-5 comparable titles to your story to discover obligatory scenes and conventions.
Analyze what these titles share and refine your findings for your story's framework.
insights INSIGHT
Content Genre Drives Expectations
Genres like fantasy or sci-fi are commercial labels; the key is the content genre of your story.
Your story's main genre dictates obligatory scenes, even if set in fantastic settings.
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“When a story doesn't include these key scenes and conventions of its genre, it's just not going to work.” - Savannah Gilbo
Want a framework for your entire story? Learn what readers expect from a story like yours, and then use these obligatory scenes and conventions as a framework to craft a story that works.
[03:47] What are obligatory scenes and conventions (and why are they important)?
[06:58] 3 steps to finding the obligatory scenes and conventions for your story's genre.
[10:31] Savannah breaks out most of the required scenes and conventions, which you can download by visiting the blog post for this episode.
[13:58] How to handle the obligatory scenes and conventions of your subplots vs. the main storyline.
[16:51] Final thoughts: If you don’t do the work to understand your genre, you’ll have a hard time getting your books into the hands of readers. And without readers, your story will never be experienced. That’s a terrible thought, right? To avoid this, know your genre and give your readers what they’re expecting in a new and exciting way. Give them the emotional experience they’re looking for, and you’ll earn loyal fans for life.
Ready to stop overthinking and start writing? Join my LIVE 3-Day Writer Breakthrough Bootcamp, and you'll walk away with a realistic finish date, clarity on your story's deeper purpose, and a logline that proves your idea works. Click here to save your spot for just $27!
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