Showing the real work process between an editor and a writer is crucial for understanding communication challenges.
Practitioners should focus on translating theoretical knowledge into practical writing to enhance learning and application of writing techniques.
Setting clear parameters before developing a masterwork scene is essential for ensuring a structured approach to scene development and narrative cohesion.
Deep dives
Struggling Writer Transitioning to Writing a Scene Based on Masterwork
In this podcast episode, a struggling writer, Tim Grawl, transitions into writing a scene based on Ed McBain's 'I Witness.' The episode delves into the challenges faced during this transition, highlighting the struggle between the editor and writer to align on the narrative. It emphasizes the importance of showing the real work process between an editor and a writer, even when they face difficulties in communication and understanding each other's perspectives.
Importance of Applying Writing Techniques Practically
The episode underscores the mistakes made when writers focus on vague, hypothetical questions without translating them into practical writing. It stresses the significance of practitioners putting theoretical knowledge into practice by actually writing scenes rather than just discussing ideas. This approach aims to facilitate a more effective learning process and improve the application of writing techniques.
Establishing Clear Parameters for Scene Development
The discussion highlights the necessity of setting clear parameters before developing a masterwork scene. By defining what elements can be changed and what must remain constant in the scene, writers can avoid unnecessary struggles and ensure a more structured approach to scene development. This strategic planning is crucial for maintaining cohesion and clarity in the narrative.
Exploring Genre and Context Flexibility for Narrative Innovation
The podcast encourages writers to explore diverse genres and contexts for narrative innovation. By suggesting different story settings such as a mining camp, a company town, or even a spaceship, writers are prompted to think beyond traditional genres and experiment with unique story environments. This approach fosters creativity and allows for fresh storytelling perspectives.
Encouraging Writer's Iteration and Adaptation for Growth
The episode advocates for writers to iterate and adapt their writing processes to foster growth and skill development. Emphasizing the importance of trying different contexts, experimenting with variables, and pushing creative boundaries, writers are encouraged to embrace the learning journey, make mistakes, and refine their storytelling techniques through continuous practice and exploration.
How do we use all of this masterwork analysis to actually iterate our own short story?
In this week's episode, we look at the 624, Beat, and Trope analysis for the short story EYE WITNESS by Ed McBain (https://amzn.to/3Q2UpqV) and start discussing what kind of short story I might write based on all of the analysis.
This is where things start to go off the rails.
As you'll see, Shawn and Tim aren't always on the same page and struggle to communicate with each other.
We decided to leave this episode in so you can see what it looks like when an editor and author don's see eye-to-eye.
For the transcript and downloads for this episode, visit https://storygrid.com/265
—
Get a free copy of our book Story Grid 101: The First Five Principles of the Story Grid Methodology: https://storygrid101.com
This is Episode 265 of the Story Grid Podcast: https://storygrid.com/podcast
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
