Writing Excuses 11.51: Ensemble as a Sub-Genre, with Lynne M. Thomas
Dec 18, 2016
Join a lively discussion about the Elemental Ensemble, a unique storytelling tool that blends action-adventure and romance genres. Discover how ensemble casts can elevate heist narratives and deepen emotional stakes in horror. Explore contrasting styles in famed shows like 'Firefly' and 'Star Trek,' focusing on character dynamics. Learn about the importance of character flaws and setting intentions for creativity and financial literacy in a sustainable writing career. Get insights on building compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
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Heists as Thriller/Mystery Plus Ensemble
- Heist stories aren't a subgenre of ensemble, but rather thriller or mystery PLUS ensemble.
- Some heists fail because they lack either the thriller element or the ensemble element.
Sports Drama as Ensemble
- The "sports drama" genre is fundamentally an ensemble piece, often overlooked.
- Science fiction/fantasy writers can learn from this genre's structure.
Ensembles in Idea Stories
- Ensembles can enhance "idea stories" by offering multiple perspectives on problem-solving.
- However, ensembles demand significant space/time, tempting writers to make them the entire focus.
