The 2 big questions to ask your first draft

The Importance of Establishing Genre and Theme

In this podcast episode, the host Tim Grall seeks feedback from Sean Cohen on his first draft of a novel. They discuss the importance of establishing genre and theme. Sean emphasizes that the novel cannot dip into multiple genres that are mutually exclusive, as it confuses the reader and dilutes the overall story. He advises Tim to choose between writing a young adult fantasy series or a Michael Crichton-esque thriller. They also discuss the significance of writing for a commercial market and how genre influences readers' expectations. Through their discussion, Tim gains clarity on the genre and theme of his novel, which will guide the revision process.

Balancing Realism and Fantastical Elements

Tim's first draft combines a fantastical element, the ability to regenerate after death, with a realistic depiction of trauma and personal growth. Sean advises Tim to make a choice and focus on either a young adult hero's journey or a thriller plot. Sean suggests that the fantastical elements, including the regeneration power, should be emphasized to make the story more engaging and imaginative. Additionally, Sean cautions against making the antagonist corporation too obviously evil and encourages Tim to add ambiguity by incorporating both good and bad elements. They explore the importance of capturing the readers' imagination by combining familiar and fantastical elements in a way that aligns with the chosen genre.

Developing the Story's Voice and Point of View

One of the challenges Tim faces is finding the voice and point of view for his novel. Sean explains that the storyteller's voice is crucial in providing the wind that propels the story. He encourages Tim to let the voice of the protagonist or another character shape the narrative and bring it to life. Sean advises Tim to read the chapter on controlling idea/theme in the Story Grid book and formulate a single sentence that clearly states the story's theme. This will serve as a beacon to guide the revision process and help establish a consistent voice and point of view throughout the novel.

Expanding the Story's Length and Adding Depth

Tim expresses concerns about the length of his draft, feeling that it may be too short and lacking depth. Sean reassures him that expanding the story will come naturally as the voice and point of view emerge. He suggests that the missing elements will become evident when Tim fully embraces the theme and allows it to shape the narrative. Sean likens the process to the story of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, where the ordinary world, magical elements, and adventures all contribute to a well-rounded story. He encourages Tim to trust the organic growth of the story and the voice that will guide its expansion and depth.

Story Grid Writing Podcast

The 2 big questions to ask your first draft

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Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Importance of Establishing Genre and Theme

Balancing Realism and Fantastical Elements

Developing the Story's Voice and Point of View

Expanding the Story's Length and Adding Depth

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