How I Write

Nick Bilton: The Art of Storytelling in Films, Journalism, and Murder Mysteries | How I Write

Sep 11, 2024

Nick Bilton, a journalist with a knack for storytelling, shares insights on captivating narratives. He dives into the essentials of storytelling, emphasizing emotion, tension, and character development. Discover how to create compelling moments that resonate with audiences, whether in screenwriting or journalism. Bilton discusses the balance between ambition and empathy, and the role of sensory details in narrative design. Plus, he reflects on lessons learned from his journalism journey, highlighting the importance of responsibility and diverse perspectives.

01:19:46

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Nick Bilton

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Quick takeaways

Establishing drama and tension from the outset is crucial for creating compelling and engaging narratives that captivate readers.

A well-structured narrative mirrors screenplay writing, emphasizing the economy of language to focus on character-driven elements and impactful scenes.

Themes provide a unifying lens through which readers interpret the narrative, emphasizing the importance of clarity and significance from the beginning.

Deep dives

Creating Tension in Storytelling

The essence of compelling storytelling lies in establishing drama and tension from the very beginning. Engaging narratives should propel the reader from one page to the next, making them feel as though they're part of the unfolding experience. This approach echoes techniques utilized in screenwriting and murder mysteries, where suspense and emotional stakes are paramount. A gripping story invites readers to question how they would react in similar situations, evoking a sense of personal involvement.

The Art and Structure of Storytelling

01:58

Crafting Compelling Narratives: Character Intentions and Screenwriting Techniques

03:30

Embrace the Chaos of Reality

01:21

The Craft of Captivating Storytelling

04:16

Intro

2min

The Universal Art of Storytelling

2min

Crafting Compelling Narratives

27min

Crafting Authentic Characters and Immersive Narratives

10min

Crafting Sensory and Authentic Narratives

13min

Exploring Musk's Mindset and the Art of Storytelling

8min

Journeys in Journalism and Storytelling

14min

Bringing Numbers to Life: The Art of Analogies in Writing

5min

Welcome to 74-minutes of storytelling strategy that’s better than all of your English classes combined. Nick is a journalist who has written for The New York Times and Vanity Fair. He’s a screenwriter, an author, a murder mystery enthusiast. In other words, he knows how to push a story through a brick wall. And he’s going to show you how you can, too.

This episode is the ultimate storytelling toolkit. Cliffhangers. Tension. Dialogue. Character. Motifs. You’ll learn it all.

And here’s the thing: if you can tell great stories, then you will succeed in life. Stories make up our entire world — from a politician’s speech to the back of a cereal box to a dinner party with friends. Good storytellers always have the upper hand. So, if you want to tell fast-paced and dizzying stories, this episode is for you.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://www.nickbilton.com/

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nick-Bilton/author/B003UP0RIM

Vanity Fair: https://www.vanityfair.com/contributor/nick-bilton

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickbilton

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbilton

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