Story Circle: CARRIE
The following is derived from Dan Harmon’s Story Circle. Below, the “Circle” is applied to the book “Carrie” by Stephen King. Note: I’ve added a 9th TWIST to the Story Circle, 3 Act Outline, and Scene-by-Scene.
Story Circle: Night of the Living Dummy
The following is derived from Dan Harmon’s Story Circle. Below, the Story Circle is applied to the book “Night of the Living Dummy” by RL Stine. Note: in true form to Mr. Stine, I have included a 9th, and final TWIST in the Story Circle.
Story Circle: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s (Philosopher’s) Stone
The following is derived from Dan Harmon’s Story Circle. Below, the “Circle” is applied to the book “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Harry Potter, Book 1, Story Circle: A Character’s Zone of Comfort or Familiarity: Harry Potter is an ordinary boy, living a miserable life with his cruel aunt, uncle, and cousin in the Dursley’s house. They Desire / Want Something: Harry yearns for escape and to know more about his deceased parents, whom he barely remembers. They Enter…
Daily Digest: How Much is Too Much Backstory?
Readers want backstory information on characters and events. Having the right amount of backstory is tough, especially when you have so much great material to choose from. So, how much backstory should you include AND how do you effectively add it to the story? Backstory helps create complexity in your characters. [Like an iceberg], ninety percent of any given character … lies beneath the surface. —Megan Burkhart First, Let’s Look at the Pros and Cons of Backstory.
Story Circle: Star Wars, A New Hope
In a previous post we talked about Dan Harmon’s Story Circle. Below is the “Circle” applied to the movie: Star Wars, A New Hope (1977) Star Wars Story Circle A Character’s Zone of Comfort or Familiarity. For Leia, that is the opening scene, which isn’t roses and sunshine. She’s already deeply entrenched in the Rebellion on a Mission to Alderaan. For Luke, he’s on Tatooine and not exactly happy with life on the desert planet being a “moisture farmer.”