@@larrylovehandle8472 True. Most teachers that are really good are the ones who want to see success through students and don't care about the money. If teachers had a higher wage or so, I'm sure more talented professionals would take up teaching after spending a couple or a lot of years in their careers. But its such a shame for people who are raising the future to be one of the lowest paid workers.
I've always found the Three Act Structure to be oversimplified and the biggest cause of Boring Middle Syndrome. I personally find the Freytag Pyramid a better model. You have a short exposition phase that ends with the introduction of the main conflict, followed by a rising action phase that builds up to the point where the hero realizes he needs to really get serious. This leads to the climax phase, which is where the story turns in the direction of its final conclusion (where the hero either starts to get a grip on the situation, or, if you're going for tragedy, where it all starts to go wrong), then a falling action phase where things play out in the direction set up by the climax, followed by a short denouement after the conclusion of the main conflict, where you show the consequences of everything that happened. A perfect example of this model is found in Miyazaki's Castle in the Sky.
Hey Guys! This is the first of two videos about writing the middle of your novel. I know the middle can be a struggle so I really hope this video helps! I hope you also enjoy Toby's brief cameo at the end of this video. Thanks for watching!
Talk about burying the lead! Nobody has ever given me permission to change a character's goals or put him/her on the wrong path. Ellen, you hit the nail on the head with this one. I feel like I've just found the Rosetta Stone and unlocked a great mystery. Thank you for this, and all of these videos. It's funny, I'll watch a one-hour lecture on writing and come away with a page of notes and further distill those notes on my computer. I watch your lectures, averaging about 7 minutes apiece, and I end up with 2 - 3 pages of notes that end up getting expanded, rather than distilled, when I transcribe them on my computer. Thank you.
I want to thank you, Ellen - for all these videos, but most especially this one, because you've just given me a possible way to fix a short story that's been driving me crazy - now I finally know what's wrong with it: the goal is too well-defined right at the start. I need to make it a surprise. I suppose even with short stories, middles can be important (this one's 10,000 words actually, so pretty long). I'm off now to edit it. Thanks again! Nice dog :)
I'm working in a short film and I've got saggy middle syndrome, where most of the middle is focused on character relationships and emotions but nothing really happens that's meaningful to the plot until the end
Thank you, I needed this. My story started as a taut fast-paced thriller. Midway however it slowed to the main characters sitting on the edge of a skyscraper talking with the Muppets about quantum mechanics and why people don't use their blinkers.
I don't have a problem with my books' middles because I was always taught that your book should have 2 climaxes, one in the middle that changes the course of the story, and a bigger one at the end. My problem is my books' beginnings and making them not feel as if it's dragging on forever.
Damn I think I'm a natural, I've been following many of the right steps even before watching the many videos with advices about story telling, character development, world building, etc. from various people. I'm glad all those years of video games, anime, tv shows and movies left something good xD I just need to get better at English...
This is so profound. Why don't more people talk about this?! I've always been confused by typical writing advice about character goals because I assumed it would be the same goal throughout the story and it always seemed too simplistic to fit into a real story. And then I noticed recently that in my favorite stories, the character starts with some kind of goal but the goal actually shifts and changes throughout the novel. This video really helped me confirm that theory. I've also noticed a pattern where the goal expands from a small or self-focused goal to a wider goal involving higher stakes or a larger group of people.
Luke's first goal is to save the princess; when he sees the Death Star it changes. Dorothy's first goal is to leave home to save Toto, then when she meets the con artist it changes to getting back home to take care of her aunt, then when she's tornadoed away and gets her bearings in Oz it changes to seeing the Wizard so she can go home, then when she meets the Wizard it changes to getting the WWW's broomstick so she can go home. Scrooge's first goal is to be left alone to count his money, then it changes to saving himself from Marley's fate. In A Wrinkle in Time, Meg's first goal is to rescue her father, then at the midpoint Charles Wallace gets captured in the process of rescuing their father, so her goal changes to rescuing her father.
I really feel like these issues can all be solved with a strong outline. I know pantsers hate outlining and planning, and i used to as well, but i swear once i sat down and actually did the outline the entire story fell into place. It all made sense. I used a combination of the monomyth structure (i'm writing a fantasy epic), the 27 plot structure (thanks to your videos), and the Save the Cat Beatsheet (15 point plot structure). The reason it took all 3 was because each structure offered some unique explaination that helped me internalize and rationalize what that story beat meant. I was able to rearrange some of the monomyth structure, i was able to change some of my least favorite parts of the monomyth structure with some of the Save the Cat story beats, and now i have a wonderfully strong outline. it's really simple, but damn if it isn't freeing to finally KNOW what i'm supposed to be writing and WHERE the story is going. I'm able to foreshadow from the very first prologue, i'm able to weave in plot points and open story beats at the appropriate time. If you *think* you're a pantser, please, just try doing your outline. Do it until it's done, write stuff if you get inspired while doing it, but always come back until it's finished. I'm the kind of writer that doesn't need an outline to write good prose and set a scene and build a story, but damned if i didn't need an outline to make the vision in my head make sense.
I have always had issues with my middle. Thank you for the guidance in this video. I have enjoyed all your videos. You bring a practical perspective and useful guidance to the new writer. Thank you.
This is gold. Thanks. I've never quite heard it explained that way. It explains why a lot of novels bog down, even though you would not call them meandering. If the plot's too simple, it can easily become tedious.
I don’t know what I’d do without you Ellen. My act 2 is action-packed and exciting but I was concerned that my main character didn’t know the true goal from the beginning of the story. He actually discovers the true goal halfway into Act 2A. You made me realize this is a good thing, not a bad thing. Thank you 🙏
I like your idea of having a different goal in the beginning of the story. It will make for an interest switch and definitely not straight forward. I've read that a lot of writers are having trouble with the middle of their stories. I see the middle as a continues flow of building up to the climax, detailing a bit into sidequests and developing characters that way to keep the reader familiarised and engaged with the characters. Nice dog btw. That was a fun surprise at the end of this movie.
THANK YOU ELLEN. IVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THE MIDDLE SO MUCH. Now that I've calmed down, I would like to thank you for your writing advices. You help me so much in my writing. Cries
Same. I always had struggles in the middle. I'm writing a horror,and my beginning is interesting,with two villains (one main),and I'm writing on Wattpad so I want to have at least 30 chapters
This is a great way to look at goals. I have a dozen stories all with a soggy middle that just lays there. You've given me a different way of wrapping my head around the idea and it has stuck for once. :D I got a lot out of this video, thanks.
AHHH YOUR DOG!!! Also I think my Nano idea finally has something that all my pervious novels haven't had: a concrete middle. Specifically because the characters don't know the goal initially.
Oh my god, I've struggled with outlining/drafting the middle of my novel for so freaking long. What you said about giving a character a different initial goal or having them go about it the wrong way at first... blew my mind. I think you just got me unstuck. THANK YOU!
this issue is actually the reason it’s taken me one or two years to write my story. long story short, one of the main protagonists is in a coma. the other one waits by him for him to wake up, but he pretty much won’t. i had the beginning and end sorted out fine- characters get engaged, get into an accident on their way home from their place of proposal, all that stuff. i just didn’t know how to fill in the middle, seeing as though the other main protagonist is unable to respond to his partner. this video really turned things around for my story, though! hopefully, i will be able to progress a little quicker with my writing this time, and have a rough idea what is going on before a plan is even written down.
This video really made me think! I think in my story it's more of the MC is on the right path to her original goal, but she later realizes what she needs and ultimately wants is something different. I also try to up the stakes (especially at the midpoint) because it keeps things interesting and sometimes sets the character on a new path! -Melissa
that was brilliant. I just read a second novel in a three part series, which seems to be the hardest to write without boring the readers to death, and I kept thinking: okay, got it. cut to the chase. It was a quest and it was EXACTLY as you described- I already knew what was supposed to happen and the rest was filler. Thanks again for doing this new series. They are very helpful. cute puppy!
Hi Ellen ! You have reignited my desire to finally sit down and write ( rewrite, in some cases) the novel I started in 1992 and never finished! In fact, the idea came to me in the late 1970s but never got around to actually start writing it until '92! Big time procrastinator! My problems were: I had a setting and a premise. Some characters but no real plot. Nothing to drive my story - so I hit a wall about 250 pages in. Ground to a halt. Moved to Florida in '98 and lost all creativity. Been retired for 10 years now and am finally getting the urge to reboot my novel - Thanks to you !!! So, again, thank you so much for sharing ! Your advice is most helpful !
I noticed House of Leaves on your bookshelf. Nice. That you have such an unconventional book on display gives me greater confidence in your advice. Would you ever do a video on advice for epistolary novels?
in my story I have two MC. one is setting the right goal from the beginning but go for it in the wrong way. and the other has different goal that's not the main goal, and only with the death of the first MC, the second finely start to focus on the main goal of the novel.
Watching your videos has been VERY helpful to me. Thanks a lot Ellen. I wonder if you could say something about writing short stories since that's what I'm writing?
Found your videos yesterday and already made a half a dozen changes to my manuscript ... Your vids have been ridiculously useful and I'm very happy with them. Was wondering if you'd considering doing a video about juggling multiple characters. I've got a ship full of crew and refugees, not to mention the antagonist's faction ... I realize not everyone needs to be important, but both portraying a massive world while keeping the actual number of named characters low has been difficult, and I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on it.
Watch Back to the Future. One of the best stories ever written. The key scene is the midpoint where Marty finds out his family is disappearing from existence in his picture. This adds a new goaal to our hero's mission. Instead of getting back in time, he now has to make sure his parents get together or he won't exist. It launches some of the best parts of the movie in the second half where a lot of movies lag. This is called the midpoint and its where a giant rock drops in the path of the hero and a new goal forms. Usually it comes at the halfway point. Next time you are watching a movie and you see a new goal form for the protagonist, try pausing the movie. I can almost guarantee it will be at the 50% mark.
Thank you so much for this video. ALOT of people have problems with the middle and theres like maybe one video on it. Can you make video just focused on the middle, such as maybe what are the different types of middles a novel can have. Because of course in dystopias and war there is always that dreaded training that the MC and their rebel army has to go through, for example.
Hi, Ellen. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge on writing. I've been watching your videos since your early recordings and I've found them really helpful. So happy you're making lots of new videos. Please keep them coming. I'm sure you'll earn a loyal fan base with all the quality advice you've given. I've been studying writing for a while now. I may have some questions for you in the future. I hope it's okay if I post them here or somewhere appropriate. Excited to hear more from you. Thank you and God bless.
Ahh this video did help and did not at the same time... In my novel the main character has an objective of his own, but initially doesn't know how to move towards that objective, then another character comes in and convinces the main character they have the same goal but he needs the main character to fulfill it since the new one can't directly do it himself. However, the problem is one of two things: I might be setting too many obstacles for the main character OR the story is going too slow... I really don't know which applies here, but the middle part of the story is turning kinda dull to me :/ Also, cute doggie :3
Hi Ellen, I don't know if you read comments but can you do a video about first person narration ? I know that you've already made a omnicious narration's video. I really appriciate your videos :)
Funny that concept of the story that the mc knows the goal and start on the right path is an structure mainly for power fantasy, a wish fullfiment story
How do I make the "fake goals", the delays, the wrong paths relevant to the overall story? I'm really enjoying your videos! Always excited when a new one pops up in my inbox :D
Maybe your character is on the wrong path, but along the way they learn something that might be important later but at the time seems irrelevant, or it provides crucial character growth that might help them later. Just a thought.
However nothing is simple in it, sure the MC was great at predicting stuff, but the plans and events were far from simple and as you said kept the the viewer compelled
Sure. My point was that a singular goal from the get go can be compelling so long as the story is well done. I mean, Dany has spent 4 books and 6 seasons with one goal, and despite the length of the journey the audience is still invested.
Ransom Linder actually she didnt have just one goal. That's why it was compelling. Her first goal was to go home, then she was convinced that she belonged on the throne, so her goal changed to wanting her throne. Then her goal changed again when she wanted to rid Essos from slavery. (That wasnt an obstacle in the way of getting the throne, she chose to stay and fight slavery first). Then she finally decided to go back to her 2nd goal of taking the throne after she was satisfied with the progress of abolition.
was it hard to set that up? Im just wondering, because I definitely enjoy learning about structure. And how do you think they kept the viewer compelled.
are there any other stories like this one in terms of complexity? Its nice that the writers gave her different goals. Maybe only having one goal would make for a boring story.
Can you do a video on negative character arcs? I'm writing a backstory for a villain, where he is the main character. I feel that it's hard to progress the story, making the MC more evil as it goes along, without alienating the reader.
neg arcs r difficult. you have to make sure your character remains likeable and that the audience can empathize with the mc throughout. google techniques the pros use, otherwise, the reaser will not persist with a character they dont like. (Also, what neg character arc movies...)
I have a question. What should you do if the middle of your story is meant to be boring? Its meant to be a sort of false conclusion where the characters are between arcs and living relatively comfortable. Using it more as a means to show a pause in the chaos of their lives. How do you convey the routine without it being monotonous.
that goes against all novel and film structure I've ever read. And I've read a lot. maybe break it into 2 novels where the "everyday lull" is Act I before the next inciting incident. or do it as one scene, and the "illusion" is dispelled by the end. Either way, if you think its boring, so will the reader.
Talks about writing in 5th grade having lower standards, uses as her counter-example a book written for 3rd to 5th graders (Harry Potter). Cute. Very helpful video.
![Stromae, Pomme - “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1F3OGIFnW1k/mqdefault.jpg)
You are soooooooo much better then my writing professors in college.
George Frank most teachers suck. It's just a low level job. To gain a following on RUclips you need to be good, so it's not surprising.
She’s better than most author tubers. No frills, no irritating gimmicks. Just straight up good advice.
Learn from the best in their industry, not lame professors.
@@larrylovehandle8472 True. Most teachers that are really good are the ones who want to see success through students and don't care about the money. If teachers had a higher wage or so, I'm sure more talented professionals would take up teaching after spending a couple or a lot of years in their careers. But its such a shame for people who are raising the future to be one of the lowest paid workers.
I've always found the Three Act Structure to be oversimplified and the biggest cause of Boring Middle Syndrome. I personally find the Freytag Pyramid a better model. You have a short exposition phase that ends with the introduction of the main conflict, followed by a rising action phase that builds up to the point where the hero realizes he needs to really get serious. This leads to the climax phase, which is where the story turns in the direction of its final conclusion (where the hero either starts to get a grip on the situation, or, if you're going for tragedy, where it all starts to go wrong), then a falling action phase where things play out in the direction set up by the climax, followed by a short denouement after the conclusion of the main conflict, where you show the consequences of everything that happened.
A perfect example of this model is found in Miyazaki's Castle in the Sky.
Hey Guys! This is the first of two videos about writing the middle of your novel. I know the middle can be a struggle so I really hope this video helps!
I hope you also enjoy Toby's brief cameo at the end of this video.
Thanks for watching!
love Toby the dog - v cute . and the video and tips too, of course. thanks!
Talk about burying the lead! Nobody has ever given me permission to change a character's goals or put him/her on the wrong path. Ellen, you hit the nail on the head with this one. I feel like I've just found the Rosetta Stone and unlocked a great mystery. Thank you for this, and all of these videos. It's funny, I'll watch a one-hour lecture on writing and come away with a page of notes and further distill those notes on my computer. I watch your lectures, averaging about 7 minutes apiece, and I end up with 2 - 3 pages of notes that end up getting expanded, rather than distilled, when I transcribe them on my computer. Thank you.
I want to thank you, Ellen - for all these videos, but most especially this one, because you've just given me a possible way to fix a short story that's been driving me crazy - now I finally know what's wrong with it: the goal is too well-defined right at the start. I need to make it a surprise. I suppose even with short stories, middles can be important (this one's 10,000 words actually, so pretty long). I'm off now to edit it. Thanks again! Nice dog :)
Same,I always have problems with my story to be too short. This helped me a lot
I'm working in a short film and I've got saggy middle syndrome, where most of the middle is focused on character relationships and emotions but nothing really happens that's meaningful to the plot until the end
Thank you, I needed this. My story started as a taut fast-paced thriller. Midway however it slowed to the main characters sitting on the edge of a skyscraper talking with the Muppets about quantum mechanics and why people don't use their blinkers.
livewireOr so a muppet falls off the skyscraper, explains the existential mess of quantum physics on the way down? Awesome!
I don't have a problem with my books' middles because I was always taught that your book should have 2 climaxes, one in the middle that changes the course of the story, and a bigger one at the end. My problem is my books' beginnings and making them not feel as if it's dragging on forever.
Damn I think I'm a natural, I've been following many of the right steps even before watching the many videos with advices about story telling, character development, world building, etc. from various people. I'm glad all those years of video games, anime, tv shows and movies left something good xD
I just need to get better at English...
This is so profound. Why don't more people talk about this?! I've always been confused by typical writing advice about character goals because I assumed it would be the same goal throughout the story and it always seemed too simplistic to fit into a real story. And then I noticed recently that in my favorite stories, the character starts with some kind of goal but the goal actually shifts and changes throughout the novel. This video really helped me confirm that theory. I've also noticed a pattern where the goal expands from a small or self-focused goal to a wider goal involving higher stakes or a larger group of people.
Luke's first goal is to save the princess; when he sees the Death Star it changes.
Dorothy's first goal is to leave home to save Toto, then when she meets the con artist it changes to getting back home to take care of her aunt, then when she's tornadoed away and gets her bearings in Oz it changes to seeing the Wizard so she can go home, then when she meets the Wizard it changes to getting the WWW's broomstick so she can go home.
Scrooge's first goal is to be left alone to count his money, then it changes to saving himself from Marley's fate.
In A Wrinkle in Time, Meg's first goal is to rescue her father, then at the midpoint Charles Wallace gets captured in the process of rescuing their father, so her goal changes to rescuing her father.
Can you give me more examples?
I really feel like these issues can all be solved with a strong outline. I know pantsers hate outlining and planning, and i used to as well, but i swear once i sat down and actually did the outline the entire story fell into place. It all made sense. I used a combination of the monomyth structure (i'm writing a fantasy epic), the 27 plot structure (thanks to your videos), and the Save the Cat Beatsheet (15 point plot structure). The reason it took all 3 was because each structure offered some unique explaination that helped me internalize and rationalize what that story beat meant. I was able to rearrange some of the monomyth structure, i was able to change some of my least favorite parts of the monomyth structure with some of the Save the Cat story beats, and now i have a wonderfully strong outline. it's really simple, but damn if it isn't freeing to finally KNOW what i'm supposed to be writing and WHERE the story is going. I'm able to foreshadow from the very first prologue, i'm able to weave in plot points and open story beats at the appropriate time.
If you *think* you're a pantser, please, just try doing your outline. Do it until it's done, write stuff if you get inspired while doing it, but always come back until it's finished. I'm the kind of writer that doesn't need an outline to write good prose and set a scene and build a story, but damned if i didn't need an outline to make the vision in my head make sense.
Just wanted to say that even though I'm writing a Web comic of sorts, this series has been tremendously helpful. Thank you!
Bless your soul
What is wrong with me
Im making it too easy for my characters
* rolls up sleeves * *TIME TO SUFFER*
lmao
You could also have a series of escalating, related conflicts that eventually end and even build to the final conflict.
I have always had issues with my middle. Thank you for the guidance in this video. I have enjoyed all your videos. You bring a practical perspective and useful guidance to the new writer. Thank you.
This is gold. Thanks. I've never quite heard it explained that way. It explains why a lot of novels bog down, even though you would not call them meandering. If the plot's too simple, it can easily become tedious.
I don’t know what I’d do without you Ellen. My act 2 is action-packed and exciting but I was concerned that my main character didn’t know the true goal from the beginning of the story. He actually discovers the true goal halfway into Act 2A. You made me realize this is a good thing, not a bad thing. Thank you 🙏
I miss you. Yours is clearly the best writing channel I've found.
I like your idea of having a different goal in the beginning of the story. It will make for an interest switch and definitely not straight forward.
I've read that a lot of writers are having trouble with the middle of their stories. I see the middle as a continues flow of building up to the climax, detailing a bit into sidequests and developing characters that way to keep the reader familiarised and engaged with the characters.
Nice dog btw. That was a fun surprise at the end of this movie.
THANK YOU ELLEN. IVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THE MIDDLE SO MUCH.
Now that I've calmed down, I would like to thank you for your writing advices. You help me so much in my writing. Cries
Same. I always had struggles in the middle. I'm writing a horror,and my beginning is interesting,with two villains (one main),and I'm writing on Wattpad so I want to have at least 30 chapters
This is a great way to look at goals. I have a dozen stories all with a soggy middle that just lays there. You've given me a different way of wrapping my head around the idea and it has stuck for once. :D I got a lot out of this video, thanks.
AHHH YOUR DOG!!! Also I think my Nano idea finally has something that all my pervious novels haven't had: a concrete middle. Specifically because the characters don't know the goal initially.
Thanx, EB! I think that even the seasoned writers out there should be watching your videos. _Everyone_ could use a refresher from time to time.
This is such an important video, I think a lot of people who want to write stuggle with this. The advice is very helpful, thank you!
Oh my god, I've struggled with outlining/drafting the middle of my novel for so freaking long. What you said about giving a character a different initial goal or having them go about it the wrong way at first... blew my mind. I think you just got me unstuck. THANK YOU!
this issue is actually the reason it’s taken me one or two years to write my story. long story short, one of the main protagonists is in a coma. the other one waits by him for him to wake up, but he pretty much won’t. i had the beginning and end sorted out fine- characters get engaged, get into an accident on their way home from their place of proposal, all that stuff. i just didn’t know how to fill in the middle, seeing as though the other main protagonist is unable to respond to his partner. this video really turned things around for my story, though! hopefully, i will be able to progress a little quicker with my writing this time, and have a rough idea what is going on before a plan is even written down.
you just saved my novel, thank you!
This video really made me think! I think in my story it's more of the MC is on the right path to her original goal, but she later realizes what she needs and ultimately wants is something different. I also try to up the stakes (especially at the midpoint) because it keeps things interesting and sometimes sets the character on a new path! -Melissa
that was brilliant. I just read a second novel in a three part series, which seems to be the hardest to write without boring the readers to death, and I kept thinking: okay, got it. cut to the chase. It was a quest and it was EXACTLY as you described- I already knew what was supposed to happen and the rest was filler. Thanks again for doing this new series. They are very helpful. cute puppy!
I have been struggling with the middle of my novel for weeks now. This video has come right on time. Thanks, Ellen!
Your dog is beautiful 😊🐩🐾
Hi Ellen !
You have reignited my desire to finally sit down and write ( rewrite, in some cases) the novel I started in 1992 and never finished! In fact, the idea came to me in the late 1970s but never got around to actually start writing it until '92!
Big time procrastinator!
My problems were: I had a setting and a premise. Some characters but no real plot. Nothing to drive my story - so I hit a wall about 250 pages in.
Ground to a halt.
Moved to Florida in '98 and lost all creativity.
Been retired for 10 years now and am finally getting the urge to reboot my novel - Thanks to you !!!
So, again, thank you so much for sharing ! Your advice is most helpful !
Thank you! I reworked my outline based on this and I feel so much better about it!
Thank you for your video series on helping writers. These are immensely helpful!
I noticed House of Leaves on your bookshelf. Nice. That you have such an unconventional book on display gives me greater confidence in your advice.
Would you ever do a video on advice for epistolary novels?
Your videos are so very helpful! Thanks so much for making them! I'm off to change up my outline now 😁
in my story I have two MC. one is setting the right goal from the beginning but go for it in the wrong way. and the other has different goal that's not the main goal, and only with the death of the first MC, the second finely start to focus on the main goal of the novel.
I'm in process of plotting a new novel, and this video helped a lot. Thank you!
Watching your videos has been VERY helpful to me. Thanks a lot Ellen. I wonder if you could say something about writing short stories since that's what I'm writing?
great video.
I love how your dog knew to look into the camera when you were pointing in the wrong direction.
Found your videos yesterday and already made a half a dozen changes to my manuscript ... Your vids have been ridiculously useful and I'm very happy with them. Was wondering if you'd considering doing a video about juggling multiple characters. I've got a ship full of crew and refugees, not to mention the antagonist's faction ... I realize not everyone needs to be important, but both portraying a massive world while keeping the actual number of named characters low has been difficult, and I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on it.
Watch Back to the Future. One of the best stories ever written. The key scene is the midpoint where Marty finds out his family is disappearing from existence in his picture. This adds a new goaal to our hero's mission. Instead of getting back in time, he now has to make sure his parents get together or he won't exist. It launches some of the best parts of the movie in the second half where a lot of movies lag. This is called the midpoint and its where a giant rock drops in the path of the hero and a new goal forms. Usually it comes at the halfway point. Next time you are watching a movie and you see a new goal form for the protagonist, try pausing the movie. I can almost guarantee it will be at the 50% mark.
Hi Tobby! Thanks Ellen for sharing your insight, I can tell you've put a lot of thought into analyzing the books you've read and edited.
You always help me, feel so grateful that your channel exists
Loving Toby……thank you so much…fantastic stuff.
I have a saggy middle. No amount of working out has helped.
I really enjoyed listening to this. I feel inspired and you've just helped solve my current writing problem. Thankyou Ellen
Hey Ellen, you're very informative and I glean from your work. Ty!
Thank you for this, Ellen!
Thank you so much for this video. ALOT of people have problems with the middle and theres like maybe one video on it. Can you make video just focused on the middle, such as maybe what are the different types of middles a novel can have. Because of course in dystopias and war there is always that dreaded training that the MC and their rebel army has to go through, for example.
I prefer the right I sequences method and adjusting it as appropriate.
Hi, Ellen. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge on writing. I've been watching your videos since your early recordings and I've found them really helpful. So happy you're making lots of new videos. Please keep them coming.
I'm sure you'll earn a loyal fan base with all the quality advice you've given.
I've been studying writing for a while now. I may have some questions for you in the future. I hope it's okay if I post them here or somewhere appropriate. Excited to hear more from you. Thank you and God bless.
That was very helpful, thank you.
It did give me a new perspective on my story.
And you have a sweet doggy.
I'm really struggling with my book's middle right now, thank you so much for this video! Your channel is so incredibly helpful.
Ahh this video did help and did not at the same time... In my novel the main character has an objective of his own, but initially doesn't know how to move towards that objective, then another character comes in and convinces the main character they have the same goal but he needs the main character to fulfill it since the new one can't directly do it himself. However, the problem is one of two things: I might be setting too many obstacles for the main character OR the story is going too slow... I really don't know which applies here, but the middle part of the story is turning kinda dull to me :/
Also, cute doggie :3
This is incredibly helpful advice, thank you so much!
Finally, some actual advice
Thank you for this video! It's really helped me to figure out where to go from here x
This is exactly what I needed! Thank you!!
Love your videos. Thank you for sharing them. Your dog is so cute. My husky's name is Toby.😀
Great advice, and very cute dog!!
Great cameo Toby!
Hi Ellen, I don't know if you read comments but can you do a video about first person narration ? I know that you've already made a omnicious narration's video.
I really appriciate your videos :)
This was very helpful! Thank you.
Love your channel. Love your dog.
This was helpful. Keep em coming 😁
so cute the dog at the end
This is thought provoking! Ty for this vid. Your dog looks cute, btw!
So good. Thank you!
Funny that concept of the story that the mc knows the goal and start on the right path is an structure mainly for power fantasy, a wish fullfiment story
2:02 * winces *
becuz spoilers?
haha no bc she said Voldemort
Toby cameo, yay!
Best video ever.
Great video, and I love Toby. :-)
The monomyth is a thing for a reason.
Great video! Small tip, I'm thinking if that dog is in the thumbnail, you'll get more views. Just an idea!
Good shit
How do I make the "fake goals", the delays, the wrong paths relevant to the overall story?
I'm really enjoying your videos! Always excited when a new one pops up in my inbox :D
Maybe your character is on the wrong path, but along the way they learn something that might be important later but at the time seems irrelevant, or it provides crucial character growth that might help them later. Just a thought.
I think Code Geass worked pretty well with the MC knowing his goal the entire time. Infact, I found it really compelling.
However nothing is simple in it, sure the MC was great at predicting stuff, but the plans and events were far from simple and as you said kept the the viewer compelled
Sure. My point was that a singular goal from the get go can be compelling so long as the story is well done. I mean, Dany has spent 4 books and 6 seasons with one goal, and despite the length of the journey the audience is still invested.
Ransom Linder actually she didnt have just one goal. That's why it was compelling. Her first goal was to go home, then she was convinced that she belonged on the throne, so her goal changed to wanting her throne. Then her goal changed again when she wanted to rid Essos from slavery. (That wasnt an obstacle in the way of getting the throne, she chose to stay and fight slavery first). Then she finally decided to go back to her 2nd goal of taking the throne after she was satisfied with the progress of abolition.
was it hard to set that up? Im just wondering, because I definitely enjoy learning about structure. And how do you think they kept the viewer compelled.
are there any other stories like this one in terms of complexity? Its nice that the writers gave her different goals. Maybe only having one goal would make for a boring story.
Thanks. Thanks a lot
Thank u for this!
Great video.
Was sold on the host ages ago, not sold on the dog though. Needs more cats. J Hartley 2018
i have a problem in which the beginning of my wip is taking more than half the planned lenght Dx
THANK YOU! This was EXACTLY what was wrong with my story!
now how fix it?????
Coco and Zee give her money haha
Aww! Hi Toby!
Hi Toby!
So basicaly what you are saying lot of people have no or not enough sublots/milestones in their stories?
Can you do a video on negative character arcs? I'm writing a backstory for a villain, where he is the main character. I feel that it's hard to progress the story, making the MC more evil as it goes along, without alienating the reader.
neg arcs r difficult. you have to make sure your character remains likeable and that the audience can empathize with the mc throughout. google techniques the pros use, otherwise, the reaser will not persist with a character they dont like. (Also, what neg character arc movies...)
Toby is a lot bigger than I assumed... more of a Tobias.
I have a question. What should you do if the middle of your story is meant to be boring? Its meant to be a sort of false conclusion where the characters are between arcs and living relatively comfortable. Using it more as a means to show a pause in the chaos of their lives. How do you convey the routine without it being monotonous.
that goes against all novel and film structure I've ever read. And I've read a lot. maybe break it into 2 novels where the "everyday lull" is Act I before the next inciting incident. or do it as one scene, and the "illusion" is dispelled by the end. Either way, if you think its boring, so will the reader.
CUTE DOGGY! ♥
Vert good
Hello Toby 🥺💖
novel in relation to?
I know she’s right, because she spent five minutes reiterating the same thing.
Talks about writing in 5th grade having lower standards, uses as her counter-example a book written for 3rd to 5th graders (Harry Potter). Cute. Very helpful video.
great advice, really on point stuff, better that all the bullshit advice on the internet world nowdays😂
Frodo left the chat
Toby 😍
Ellen :-)