Rationally Writing
Episode 22 - Bottom Up Storytelling
Jan 22, 2017
Explore the fascinating contrast between bottom-up and top-down storytelling methods. Discover common pitfalls when crafting natural stories and delve into how unexpected story developments can arise from simple premises. The hosts share unique homespun examples, discussing the significance of character motivations and societal implications in narrative depth. They even tackle the challenges of integrating firearms in fan fiction, pointing out why such elements often feel out of place in certain universes. Tune in for insights that spark creative storytelling!
35:38
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Quick takeaways
- Bottom-up storytelling focuses on organically revealing narratives through established rules, allowing for unexpected developments and rich world exploration.
- Maintaining realistic power dynamics with limitations enhances conflict, ensuring characters face moral dilemmas that deepen narrative complexity and engagement.
Deep dives
Understanding Bottom-Up Worldbuilding
Bottom-up worldbuilding involves introducing a rule or concept into a fictional world and exploring its implications, rather than starting with a specific social or political issue. This approach is characterized by allowing the story to emerge organically from the established rules, leading to unexpected developments and conflicts. Examples cited include the work of authors like Sam Hughes and Brandon Sanderson, who illustrate how introducing elements like a teleportation device can drive the narrative by revealing how society adapts and reacts. This method encourages discovery throughout the writing process, resulting in a richer exploration of the world and its intricacies.
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