Hey everyone - this is VERY IMPORTANT: these questions are not a TEST of anything! They don't "prove" anything is good or bad. If they don't always work for you, DON'T WORRY. They are just TOOLS!! They're just to help you with your own writing process! Use them IF they make it easier - and IGNORE them if they DON'T!
I would disagree that’s its about the people, it’s about the CHARACTERS (Wallee, woody & Buzz, TARS are not people) but story is superior, great 6 steps, agreed.
Thanks, I'm really glad you find them helpful! I do think that the same problems and principles show up in a lot of different forms of storytelling, it's terrific to hear that you're having that experience.
I 've always wanted to write a compelling story, but I've never know what makes one good. I've tried reading and watching as many great stories as I can and just emulating them but nothing I've come up with really stuck. Eventually I decided to sit down and actually research what makes for good storytelling, and now I'm coming up with much better stories. In fact, I even used these 6 questions to write this comment.
Bang! Got it on one. Do these simple things (well, not so simple that they don't contain worlds) and you will write stories - and you will never have writer's block. Much gratitude Glen.
And gratitude right back for watching and taking the time to respond! You have no idea how motivating it is for me to know that my attempts to make sense of this stuff is connecting with others.
BRILLIANT SIR, YOU HAVE SHARED A CORE PIECE OF WHAT MOST WOULD SELFISHLY GUARD WITH THEIR LIFE... I HAVE WATCHED THIS VIDEO IN UTTER AMAZEMENT. I LOVE IT WHEN PROFESSIONALS CONDENSE WHAT WE CALL MAGIC AND UNFATHOMABLE INTO A HANDFUL OF CONCRETE ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS. YOU HAVE COMPRESSED THE RAW MATERIALS OF STORYTELLING INTO A SOLID DIAMOND. I BELIEVE WE ALL FEEL THE WORTH OF WHAT YOU HAVE GIVEN TO US - WITH INFINITE GRATITUDE. THANK YOU!
First this is brilliant, secondly, you are brilliant, and thank you very much. I have been trying to figure this out for way too long and you summed it all up in what 8:02 WOW. Well that was finally eight minutes of my life that matter the most. Thank you so much.
Thank YOU so much! When you create anything, even a how-to video, you're just guessing on whether it will "work" - there is nothing more amazing and gratifying than to hear from a stranger that your work "worked" for them!!
Hi Glenn, Film Courage brought me here. I'm a novelist who loves learning from screenwriters. You got to the pith. Thank you for putting this together. Not only was it super informative, but really motivational as well.
I just subscribed. I have Witten 700k words but I stopped a couple of months ago because of Tinnitus. It's just hard to focus with ringing in the ears. But a few days ago, I decided to write again instead of falling into depression and I accidentally stumbled on this channel. For me, the video literally ends "Writer's block". Thank you so much Mr. Glen.
Wow - thank you so much for this message! I am very very sorry to hear about your tinnitus; I am sure it is very debilitating and painful. I hope that my videos can help you work, and to work WITHIN your reality - which hopefully will continue to improve. Best of luck, and thank you again.
(5:20) I immediately thought of Roy Scheider's character in 'Jaws' (1975), and the situation he found himself in at the end, and the actions he had to take to get out of it.
I don't know how to say it, but at some point in my life, I found that this skill is the greatest skill one can acquire, without exaggeration. I really don't know how to thank you, Mr. Glenn. I wish you a happy life from the bottom of my heart❤.
Thanks for this. I've been watching a bunch of "writing" videos and you're the first person who doesn't sound like a pretentious, annoying know-it-all and actually sounds encouraging.
Thank you so much! It's really encouraging to hear this. I think many teachers have something to offer, as long as you take the bits or ideas that help and disregard the pretentious or annoying stuff :)
I always come back to these questions with every new story I start or idea I mull over to see if it's got traction. To me, these questions are a much simpler approach to the 3-Act Structure and they help to delineate from the story objective and scene objective.
I hope it helps! Remember: the point is to get your heart and head into the story WITH the character. It's not a checklist to check-off and set aside. Find YOUR way to tell YOUR story :)
To start, I have to thank you so much! Seeing your interview with Film Courage pop up onto my screen feels akin to divine intervention. I've wanted to write for so long and have been playing scenes in my head for a number of ideas, but have only been able to sustain inspiration for short bursts (I've always blamed this on my mild bipolar issue, lots of ups and downs), but knowing that this is not unusual is like letting out a breath I've been holding for way too long. Your videos are so helpful and are making me feel as though I may actually be able to someday complete a story or two. You are a miracle sir, your words have helped to inspire and encourage me, and I know I'm only one of so very many who feel this way. Thank you again for all you are doing!
I'm very glad to be helping. Art IS difficult - it's not something most people do, so they don't know how to understand/advise. There's a lot of good info out there, from artists, for artists - and from bipolar people and experts! The main thing is: small steps, and look at yourself and the world honestly so you can figure out what really works, what's really possible, and what really matters. It's rarely what people-who-don't-create-stuff think. Small steps, over time. Keep doing it, and you'll learn as you go...which is what we all have to do :)
I needed to hear this, thank you! I never knew I wanted to be a writer until I realized I cared more about the characters and what happened to them, than their video games, It feels odd writing this as I never in a million years would have thought that's what I wanted to be, I thought just becoming a comic book artist was enough.
Well, I think becoming a comic book artists IS enough, if you like being a comic book artist. But if you ALSO like becoming a writer: you can! I'm mainly just very glad that my videos are helping you sort out what you like, and encouraging you to explore and try things.
@@crimsonwolf9572 I hope that didn't come off as critical or negative in any way! I only meant that I like to think inclusively, and didn't want the joy of one discovery (of writing) to diminish the joy of another (comics) :) Best of luck, keep exploring and creating!
Re: "I thought just becoming a comic book artist was enough." Well, you need something to draw. Even one picture (or one frame or cell) can & should tell a story. You just discovered that you want to write your own stories instead of illustrating other people's stories. (Even if you illustrate someone else's story, you are still adding pieces to it by how it is drawn, what colors you use, etc.) • • ❈ • • I came to this video because I'm trying to think of an idea (or story) for an illustration (in response to a prompt). I like drawing, but I have a hard time coming up with interesting ideas. • • ❈ • • A video I've seen by Will Terry explains that illustration needs a good story. He said when you draw something, it's like you're saying, "Hey! Hey, everybody! Come look at this!" So you need to make it worth it, & tell them something interesting. I can't remember the exact example he used, but it was something like: If your picture says, "Hey, everyone! A girl walked her dog." No one will care. You need to add something else. The video said it needs to tell a compelling story, or if it's something that simple it needs to be extremely well made (for example: a picture that is simply beautiful & nice to look at that you'd hang on a wall, or an image on a greeting card).
Glenn Gers , you're a good teacher. Thank you for this. We wonder and wonder what the heck's wrong with a scene (I write short stories - doesn't matter - every story is scenes) and you offer us questions - not formulas - not guaranteed - just asking the right questions. Appreciate it.
Thank you so much!! I am grateful that you "get it": all any of us can do is gather tools and tricks and try them out, and keep figuring out our own path. I'm glad to hear my teaching helps!
Thank you Mr. Glenn, as a veteran going to therapy and med., I'm trying to help my son get back on his feet, he just finish up his time in the U.S.Marines Corps, & he's fighting a real bad depression and anxiety now under medication and therapy, and that's who I come a cross your video., you got no idea how much you are helping us with a simple video. Keep doing this with out knowing how many people benefit from them, because at the end you always going to be BLESSED.
I am so very glad to hear that my video helped, Orlando! I am truly heartbroken that you and your son have been struggling, and hope that the support, medication and therapy can help him find his way out of the dark time. I do believe that having a project or task can help fight depression and anxiety, and that working through your feelings and experiences in storytelling can be healthy. I hope that you and your family can keep living, one day, even one hour at a time - making small steps, exploring, trying, and enjoying the good moments - no matter how rare they may be sometimes. They do keep showing up, if we keep trying. Thank you so much for your kind comment.
Damn. I’ve not been writing for a while bc I lost my direction with my passion project, but now that I’ve watched this… let’s just say that I have hope. 🙏Thank you🙏
Thank you! It really mens a lot to me to get this comment, you've named exactly what I worked to accomplish and it's wonderful to find out it connected with you.
I love the outtakes. Super helpful video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge freely you have no idea how grateful I am to find such a resource online!
I love watching your videos at the start of my writing sessions. I often find gems about the obstacles I am currently having, either the possible solutions or simply just a better understanding of what the core of my problems are. Thank you for making these kinds of content.
Hooray! I am happy to be a part of the big picture: that's what any "how to" should be. The picture is for you to put together as you need it. Thank you.
Saw one of your interview clips on Film Courage and loved it. Subscribed. As a lifetime writer, even with a few screenplays under my belt (though not sold or optioned), I always enjoy the learning process.
Sir, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Where were you ten years ago. That was the simplest most concise way ive heard to write a story. Thank you so much. Im a subscriber and im going to write now.
I find the questions excellent to kick off a story, character, and plot, but also beneficial as a review when checking the script to search for any weak areas that might need shoring up, because the questions take the story full circle. Thanks!
Omg, this formula is jot only gonna improve my writing but also help me with good kinds of filler. Because my story is too bare bones and not enough meat. Thank you!!!! This solves my chapter crisis.
This cut to the core of a problem I was having; Too often, my characters had no goals. They didn't want anything. It's no surprise now that the stories I was trying to write went nowhere. I now know I have to establish a motive ASAP if I want to move the story forward.
Great! I'm so glad it's helpful. Look at DRAMATIC ACTION ruclips.net/video/AxQTGeNuKMI/видео.html and BUILDING CHARACTER ARCS ruclips.net/video/PmgYABExP84/видео.html for more thoughts on making your characters and stories active.
I love that you don't say we HAVE to do this. There are no rules. There are only processes that work for some people but maybe not for everyone. The older I get, the more I think the real and only secret to good writing is confidence. Pure and simple. Believe and write.
I deeply appreciate and applaud you, Glenn Gers. What a teacher! Such clarity and sincere help thats all for free?? Every video of yours is amazingly insightful - I have learned a LOT. Thank you immensely!
I have spent a lot of time looking for these answers to how to write a story and I feel like it takes a huge weight off my shoulders to know that there is content like yours that allows me to easily understand it and that I can tell stories. Thank you.
This is a great video Mr. Gers, I already answered all 6 questions, so that's means the story I want to tell and myself are on the right path. Thank you so much!
Excellent video, Glenn! You hit the nail on the head with a character WANTING something. That makes us naturally want to know if they're going to get it.
Thank you for taking the time to record this. It's so helpful. I'm an actor and at the beginning of my writing journey. Watching this has given me something to bounce my ideas off of. You are appreciated 🙏
I'm so glad to hear that these videos are useful! I believe actors make wonderful writers, because they know how to think about the life and needs of the character as the center of any drama. Keep creating!
Just a little story...Narrating audio books is my usual gig and as an extra value to the rights holder I like to add a little dramatic music and sound FX. That got me into scoring soundtracks for movies and series that don't exist and selling them on my bandcamp page. One thing that makes writing a soundtrack easier and actually more substantial is to actually have scenes to score! So as part of my music writing, I actually write the scenes along with the music. SO these tips are very useful. Thanks for sharing.
I love to hear all the different ways people come to and take from my work! It's wonderful. I'm really glad to hear it's helpful. It wounds like you have found a personal and unique niche in which to work, I think that's brilliant.
@@Denver_Risley As I often say: as long as it's not harming you or those around you - whatever works, whatever helps you have fun and write what you like and like what you write, is the thing to do!
Glenn, I don’t know how to put into words my gratitude! I have this amazing idea for a fantasy-romance novel, I did some story structure and I’ve been thinking about the details for more than a month now. But every time that I have to actually write it… I can’t! Nothing comes out. I begin to feel very lost and don’t know how to start. It’s awful. Every time I end up so anxious and discouraged, thinking things like “who the hell do I think I am?” “what did it make me believe that I could write a novel?” But I found your interview with Film Courage and you can’t imagine how relieved you made me feel. Everything you said felt pretty accurate to my experience trying to write. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your knowledge. It means a lot for people like me that can’t afford to go to college and just have a dream but zero experience and opportunities.
Thank you! Small steps. Do what you do, the best you can, and keep learning and exploring. Don't worry too much about publishing and rewards -- just try to make it as good as you can right now. And if you keep doing that, each small step: it and you will keep getting better and better. There has never been a time like this for "outsiders" to do creative work and even get it out to an audience. That's a whole OTHER journey, that you can only take when the work is good. So just enjoy the process, make work you like, and keep learning. You will find SO many resources on line...some will help, a lot won't -- so just take what helps and throw away the rest! Best of luck! Have fun!
4:56 'If your objective is important and your obstacles are substantial [ ]' is the crux for me. Love your vlogs, apply the processes / tools actively - thanks 1,000,000 Glenn!
I'm not exactly stuck, but a little lost this morning so I started asking questions about the character: Who is this character? I couldn't answer that right off, but I started thinking about all the things the character is definitely not and arrived at some answers that way. But I've really been revolving my mind on the 2nd question because when I think about every character I've ever loved personally, and every very strong character, it's always been about something they want, something they think they deserve, which they have not been able to get. I've seen, in my own experience of enjoyment of a story, a character that is initially not likeable become likable -- even beautiful -- simply because they want something they cannot get. The Frankenstein monster wanted his father's love. He thought he deserved it. He couldn't get it. That's the source of the great emotional power in that story. In my favorite soap opera series, the strongest and most lovable character was one who wanted parental love and approval and couldn't get it for a variety of different obstacles thrown in his path, such as being given a false identity, the death of one parent, then the other, and being repeatedly betrayed by the only living male relative he had, who was his grandfather. Of a huge cast of interesting characters, each with their own desires, this character stands out as the strongest and most interesting. What do they want and why can't they get it? Those two questions seem very important to me at this moment.
You're welcome, I hope they help! Remember: they're not a test, they're not rules - they're just ways to start thinking and asking questions. The answers - YOUR answers, whatever feels right to you - are what matter.
Oh awesome! Thanks and I took away two things: 1. The job is to tickle the audience's problem and social simulation engine. 2. To keep energy and focus, the writer should "begin with the end in mind." (Covey) Thanks again - this is magic.
@@writingforscreens Are you able to break down movies, docs or short films (even stuff you have worked on) to show how they followed the 6 question structure, I think that would be an excellent series of videos to watch.
@@jabumabaya I may try that - but: every writer will come up with a DIFFERENT set of answers, even for the same story. For example: one writer may say that Michael in THE GODFATHER wants to "protect the family" - which he does...but at a terrible cost. But another writer might say Michael wants to "escape from the family," - and it's a story of how he fails. Both are true. The thing you want to learn is to find that core when there are no scenes written yet. The process of analyzing a finished film is VERY different from the process of making one up that doesn't exist yet. I hope to teach everyone to recognize that crucial difference: the creative process is about making choices and following through on them when you DON'T have anything to break down. The purpose of the questions is not to judge or explain the story/characters - it's to give yourself a REASON to make CHOICES. The questions help STEER you as you cope with the vagueness of an UNWRITTEN story, so you can make choices based on a clear dramatic path.
If you look at this using kishotenketsu, you would list it like: 1."Who is it about?" as the introduction. 2."What do they want?" as the development. 3.The questions that make up the middle section as the twist. 4."How does it end?" as the conclusion.
Interesting! I had never heard of "kishotenketsu" - thank you for steering me to it. I think the most important thing to remember about these questions - or kishotenketsu or any formula to organize art is: it's a TOOL. Use it if it helps, don't if not. And everyone will use it their own way.
Writing a pilot and got stuck because I didn't have a foundation for the character. Ran across your channel and I had to like the video and subscribe. 👍🏾 Thanks for the gems 💎
If you change your tittle to "6 essentials of storytelling" you will get x10000 views. Your content is golden! Help the RUclips algorithm to bring more people to your content, so pity many people can't find it. Put the word "Storytelling" in every tittle of your video, it is the most trending topic between YT creators. I am so lucky to find your channel in the beginning of my journey, I wish you a lot of success and I am grateful that you share this information with us!
Thank you - that's really interesting and good advice. I will think about how to put it to use!! I have been uneasy about making claims bigger than I can deliver on...but I think you make a fair point that these ideas really do apply to more than just screenwriting. Thanks!!
Reading Daniel Pink's "A whole new mind". and the importance of story telling. I looked up story telling which led to Ted talks about story telling and the use of plain language and eventually led to the six questions on another channel which brought me to your channel.
Thank you so much! I have 2 or 3 left in editing but mostly I'm done with the short "Lesson" videos - it's over 50 and they truly do say what I wanted to say...(I talk about that a bit here: LIVE Screenwriting Class: “Farewell 2023 - Some Thoughts, Some Advice” - ruclips.net/user/livelNKtAF3AP-I). I'll now be doing weekly Livestreams where I talk about whatever's on my mind that week, and when I finish my novel I will try to cut those up into smaller "topics covered" and work on making them all more find-able somehow...so many things I want to do!
I was looking for tips to start writing my comic and found this, my mind was blown when I saw the amount of 2hs long videos on this channel! This sort of content is so helpful to anyone trying to dig deeper into a subject. Thank you sir for posting SO MUCH free information, and making yourself available for questions. I'm always thankful for those with a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. Looking forward to watching your old live sessions, you're the best!
@@wild.berryz & @buira9482 This video might be helpful for you: 'How To Write Short Comics' ruclips.net/video/rJQ7tTrEHWs/видео.html Jake Parker explains how to get started writing comics, and why it's a good idea to start with short ones.
I found your channel from film courage video that was recommended and I’m liking it! I’ve been thinking alot of my own writing style as comics artist and trying to find better tools to get stuff out of my head to paper and this seems really great, clean, almost too easy sounding method of putting things in order. Like drawing you should always remember the basic fundamentals what ever you do.
thank you, I'm so glad you find it helpful! I do think process ideas often cross over between different creative pursuits. Don't worry about it being too easy - it always gets harder and more complicated within the simplicity :)
I was stuck for a while trying to come up with a meaningful and logical plot and I was ready to give up. Then I found this video and answered the 6 questions and after a few minutes I was able to plan out an entire plot that both makes logical sense and also follows an interesting story with plenty of conflicts and a few twists. Now I just have to write it :). Thanks, Glenn.
Thank you so much! I don't know...I'm growing slowly, so maybe one day I'll get there. In the meanwhile I am just happy to know that my work is helping people.
Thanks, this is very good. Easy to understand and I can see this playing out in so many movies that just pop into my head while thinking about the six. I get stuck on five. My obstacles aren't very strong, or even worse, someone else in the story solves the obstacles for the main character.
Great! Remember these are just tools to help you work though your story - not a "right or wrong checklist." Every writer with every project will come up with different answers - and they might even change during the process. All that matters is if it helps you think of scenes and characters and get something written!
Thank you so much! I hope the questions stay useful - remember that's the point: to be useful tools to help you to make choices and to think of actions and lines and scenes. If they help, great. If they don't - toss 'em aside! Best of luck on your work :)
I was just thinking about the Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer that dropped today and how much the trailer follows 5 of the six questions in order.... the only thing they don't have is the end! But it makes you want to see the movie. The narrative is there--who PP is at the beginning and what his situation is, what he wants, what he asks for Doc Strange to do, and then how it goes awry, and then all the flashes of things he does about it.... thanks for this video.
So far, Marvel has managed the early-Pixar miracle of astonishingly-good storytelling and still being kickass movie-movies. I was a little worried after ENDGAME that they wouldn't be able to keep it up in this new "phase" - but they're doing it :)
THANK YOU! Thats really my whole goal here: not to spew out disposable "content" but to create a library people can find over time and return to when they need it. Really appreciate your comment!
I can not thank you enough for this breakdown, Glenn! It has simplified the writing process for me because this all seemed overwhelming in the beginning but not anymore. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!
Really fantastic vid! Thanks for posting! I have an illogical fear that learning too much about the process of writing will make my writing sound like everyone else's. But all I've been achieving with that mentality is making things unnecessarily difficult for myself 😅 Really appreciate you!
That's really common and understandable: creative work comes from a place we can't really understand - so it feels like knowing-too-much about it might wreck it. But I try to think about things like playing a musical instrument: the more you own it, the more you know about how it works, the more you can use it well. And the PROCESS of writing is (as far as I can tell) always kind of the same and kind of indestructible...all we can do is learn to how make it comfortable for us, and how to fit it into our lives. So glad if this was helpful!
This is a very helpful video. One that actually managed to cut through my bullheaded stubbornness about not properly determining the overall course of my story, rather than simply meandering from scene to scene based on what immediately preceded it. :) I do find it interesting how I am fairly certain this method could work very well in a nested format. As in, answer the six questions for the overall story, then do it again for each of your planned story arcs, then again for each scene in each arc, etc. Or do the reverse and scale it upwards for each story in a series of connected stories. Then repeat that process for every character you plan on developing beyond a background pawn. Might get a little bit messy though if you don't properly organize your planning docs. ;p
That's very much how I use it - but not for EVERY scene. Some you just "get" and there's no need to add to your pile of "paperwork." It's just a good tool to apply when you can't figure something out - a scene, an arc, a line.
working on a video game, and this is actually very good advice for that medium as well. It's a bit trickier since some of these things could be defined by the player himself, about who they want to be and how they want to play the story. I think that these rules are especially interesting for video game "factions" to make sure to make them believable and grounded into the world. I would also argue that for the "what do they want" part, if it's power, it's much more interesting to focus on what they want, to achieve power, rather than just "power" as an abstract concept.
Thanks, yes! I think you do have to adapt my ideas for the new art form of video games - but I think the basic nature of character and narrative still holds true. And the point is: these are just questions, just ways to look at stories, to help you find the way you want it to be. They aren't answers. They're just tools to apply, however that works for you.
Hola amigo Gleen. Thanks a lot for the guidance with this six questions for structure a history, I find it very useful. It is like the conceptual design of an entire fiction world.
There are clear and concise descriptions of the first three questions, even memorable ideas, but the "What do they do about that?" and "Why doesn't that work?" questions did not get as much attention. Few specifics about those two.
Thank you so much. Lots of love from INDIA 🇮🇳. I learn a lot from you. Even core of storytelling. Please keep making videos. You are the hope for those who can't take admission in film making colleges. Thank you 🙏❤
I saw one of your interviews on Film Courage and I immediately knew that I should subscribe to your channel. I just want to thank you for the valuable information that you so generously give out in your videos. I am incredibly grateful for all the knowledge and experience that you choose to share and for how encouraging and motivational your videos are. These are just what I need to push through and overcome my fears of failure. I know now that I am on the right path. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I don't write for screen. I write novels. But I seek out advice from screen 'thinking' because screen folks have a lot of great POVs about story and the story process (and they can put it into words and are willing to share knowledge). I think all said here applies to literature, as well. And I think it applies not only to the full story arc, but to self-contained scenes and to sequences of scenes that work together to tell mini-stories inside the larger story. So I will apply this thinking to my work. These questions can be a good checklist for analyzing a scene one writes, too.
I appreciate this advice and video, while seemly simple and obvious, after watching this I have a greater sense of being able to finish my second book.
Thank you. Excellent help, so I've subscribed. Why am I here: a story I began almost 60 years ago, now with multiple revisions and rewrites, is bugging me. So I'm now almost ready for this sound advice. Almost because I must now see my story though a new lens, refocus, rethink.
Hey everyone - this is VERY IMPORTANT: these questions are not a TEST of anything! They don't "prove" anything is good or bad. If they don't always work for you, DON'T WORRY. They are just TOOLS!! They're just to help you with your own writing process! Use them IF they make it easier - and IGNORE them if they DON'T!
I would disagree that’s its about the people, it’s about the CHARACTERS (Wallee, woody & Buzz, TARS are not people) but story is superior, great 6 steps, agreed.
@@daneoman1000 Thanks! (Characters, people, animals, robots, bugs....whatever you call them, I just think we follow them and care about them.)
Thank you for the awesome tips and the hard work!
@@catthewondahokulea6515 Thank YOU for watching and commenting!
Characters are part of a good story. Cant have a good story with bad characters. Period.
(My opinion. Totally subjective)
These questions get straight to the heart of storytelling. I'm finding this very useful for my novel writing.
Thanks, I'm really glad you find them helpful! I do think that the same problems and principles show up in a lot of different forms of storytelling, it's terrific to hear that you're having that experience.
Glenn, congrats on 1000 subscribers! It is so awesome to see all the hard work you have been putting into this channel pay off. Keep it up!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! It's all because of you, honestly - your endless efforts to give everyone a voice and some help. You're the ultimate connectors :)
@@writingforscreens Ahh
@@writingforscreensIt's kind of true. : ) I just came because of the interviews with Film Courage.
Thanks for introducing me to this channel, and to Shannan's 🐾
3 years later, he's at 19.2k subs.
I 've always wanted to write a compelling story, but I've never know what makes one good. I've tried reading and watching as many great stories as I can and just emulating them but nothing I've come up with really stuck. Eventually I decided to sit down and actually research what makes for good storytelling, and now I'm coming up with much better stories.
In fact, I even used these 6 questions to write this comment.
Yay! Thank you. (How did it end? I hope it ended happily :) )
@@writingforscreens They did write how it ended: "and now I'm coming up with much better stories."
Sounds like a happy & optimistic ending to me.
@@miriamrobarts Yes! Thank you :)
wow, it's a good story, I didn't even notice it
@@guitar300k Haha - yes indeed!
This is better understood than your "Film Courage" video. Thank you.
Thank you!
Love you man! From watching your speech in film courage, RUclips suggested this gem. Thanks so much for an exclusive video about these 6...
So great to know these ideas are useful to you! Inspires me to keep making more.
I've been stuck for months due to my anxiety. Thank you for breaking it down like that. I'm excited to start writing again.
I'm so glad to hear that it's helpful. Small steps, keep exploring - you'll find your way!
Bang! Got it on one. Do these simple things (well, not so simple that they don't contain worlds) and you will write stories - and you will never have writer's block. Much gratitude Glen.
And gratitude right back for watching and taking the time to respond! You have no idea how motivating it is for me to know that my attempts to make sense of this stuff is connecting with others.
BRILLIANT SIR, YOU HAVE SHARED A CORE PIECE OF WHAT MOST WOULD SELFISHLY GUARD WITH THEIR LIFE... I HAVE WATCHED THIS VIDEO IN UTTER AMAZEMENT. I LOVE IT WHEN PROFESSIONALS CONDENSE WHAT WE CALL MAGIC AND UNFATHOMABLE INTO A HANDFUL OF CONCRETE ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS. YOU HAVE COMPRESSED THE RAW MATERIALS OF STORYTELLING INTO A SOLID DIAMOND. I BELIEVE WE ALL FEEL THE WORTH OF WHAT YOU HAVE GIVEN TO US - WITH INFINITE GRATITUDE. THANK YOU!
Thank you so much!
First this is brilliant, secondly, you are brilliant, and thank you very much. I have been trying to figure this out for way too long and you summed it all up in what 8:02 WOW. Well that was finally eight minutes of my life that matter the most. Thank you so much.
Thank YOU so much! When you create anything, even a how-to video, you're just guessing on whether it will "work" - there is nothing more amazing and gratifying than to hear from a stranger that your work "worked" for them!!
Hi Glenn, Film Courage brought me here. I'm a novelist who loves learning from screenwriters. You got to the pith. Thank you for putting this together. Not only was it super informative, but really motivational as well.
So glad to hear that! Working on more of them. Really grateful to have you let me know it's worth doing.
I just subscribed. I have Witten 700k words but I stopped a couple of months ago because of Tinnitus. It's just hard to focus with ringing in the ears. But a few days ago, I decided to write again instead of falling into depression and I accidentally stumbled on this channel. For me, the video literally ends "Writer's block". Thank you so much Mr. Glen.
Wow - thank you so much for this message! I am very very sorry to hear about your tinnitus; I am sure it is very debilitating and painful. I hope that my videos can help you work, and to work WITHIN your reality - which hopefully will continue to improve. Best of luck, and thank you again.
(5:20) I immediately thought of Roy Scheider's character in 'Jaws' (1975), and the situation he found himself in at the end, and the actions he had to take to get out of it.
I don't know how to say it, but at some point in my life, I found that this skill is the greatest skill one can acquire, without exaggeration.
I really don't know how to thank you, Mr. Glenn.
I wish you a happy life from the bottom of my heart❤.
Thank you SO much - I am really happy to hear that sharing the result of my own creative struggles can help.
Thanks for this. I've been watching a bunch of "writing" videos and you're the first person who doesn't sound like a pretentious, annoying know-it-all and actually sounds encouraging.
Thank you so much! It's really encouraging to hear this. I think many teachers have something to offer, as long as you take the bits or ideas that help and disregard the pretentious or annoying stuff :)
I always come back to these questions with every new story I start or idea I mull over to see if it's got traction. To me, these questions are a much simpler approach to the 3-Act Structure and they help to delineate from the story objective and scene objective.
I am SO glad to hear they are helpful! Thank you so much for this comment - and for coming on the livestreams :)
Was having a hard time getting into the writing flow for a project. I'm giving this a try. Thanks for the class!
I hope it helps! Remember: the point is to get your heart and head into the story WITH the character. It's not a checklist to check-off and set aside. Find YOUR way to tell YOUR story :)
To start, I have to thank you so much! Seeing your interview with Film Courage pop up onto my screen feels akin to divine intervention. I've wanted to write for so long and have been playing scenes in my head for a number of ideas, but have only been able to sustain inspiration for short bursts (I've always blamed this on my mild bipolar issue, lots of ups and downs), but knowing that this is not unusual is like letting out a breath I've been holding for way too long. Your videos are so helpful and are making me feel as though I may actually be able to someday complete a story or two. You are a miracle sir, your words have helped to inspire and encourage me, and I know I'm only one of so very many who feel this way. Thank you again for all you are doing!
I'm very glad to be helping. Art IS difficult - it's not something most people do, so they don't know how to understand/advise. There's a lot of good info out there, from artists, for artists - and from bipolar people and experts! The main thing is: small steps, and look at yourself and the world honestly so you can figure out what really works, what's really possible, and what really matters. It's rarely what people-who-don't-create-stuff think. Small steps, over time. Keep doing it, and you'll learn as you go...which is what we all have to do :)
I needed to hear this, thank you!
I never knew I wanted to be a writer until I realized I cared more about the characters and what happened to them, than their video games,
It feels odd writing this as I never in a million years would have thought that's what I wanted to be, I thought just becoming a comic book artist was enough.
Well, I think becoming a comic book artists IS enough, if you like being a comic book artist. But if you ALSO like becoming a writer: you can!
I'm mainly just very glad that my videos are helping you sort out what you like, and encouraging you to explore and try things.
@@writingforscreens im not sure what to say ,so I will say thank you for the information.
@@crimsonwolf9572 I hope that didn't come off as critical or negative in any way! I only meant that I like to think inclusively, and didn't want the joy of one discovery (of writing) to diminish the joy of another (comics) :) Best of luck, keep exploring and creating!
Re: "I thought just becoming a comic book artist was enough."
Well, you need something to draw. Even one picture (or one frame or cell) can & should tell a story.
You just discovered that you want to write your own stories instead of illustrating other people's stories.
(Even if you illustrate someone else's story, you are still adding pieces to it by how it is drawn, what colors you use, etc.)
• • ❈ • •
I came to this video because I'm trying to think of an idea (or story) for an illustration (in response to a prompt). I like drawing, but I have a hard time coming up with interesting ideas.
• • ❈ • •
A video I've seen by Will Terry explains that illustration needs a good story. He said when you draw something, it's like you're saying, "Hey! Hey, everybody! Come look at this!"
So you need to make it worth it, & tell them something interesting. I can't remember the exact example he used, but it was something like: If your picture says, "Hey, everyone! A girl walked her dog." No one will care. You need to add something else.
The video said it needs to tell a compelling story, or if it's something that simple it needs to be extremely well made (for example: a picture that is simply beautiful & nice to look at that you'd hang on a wall, or an image on a greeting card).
Glenn Gers , you're a good teacher. Thank you for this. We wonder and wonder what the heck's wrong with a scene (I write short stories - doesn't matter - every story is scenes) and you offer us questions - not formulas - not guaranteed - just asking the right questions. Appreciate it.
Thank you so much!! I am grateful that you "get it": all any of us can do is gather tools and tricks and try them out, and keep figuring out our own path. I'm glad to hear my teaching helps!
I think this channel offer amazing value.
Thank you so much! Comments like this really matter.
Thank you Mr. Glenn, as a veteran going to therapy and med., I'm trying to help my son get back on his feet, he just finish up his time in the U.S.Marines Corps, & he's fighting a real bad depression and anxiety now under medication and therapy, and that's who I come a cross your video., you got no idea how much you are helping us with a simple video. Keep doing this with out knowing how many people benefit from them, because at the end you always going to be BLESSED.
I am so very glad to hear that my video helped, Orlando! I am truly heartbroken that you and your son have been struggling, and hope that the support, medication and therapy can help him find his way out of the dark time. I do believe that having a project or task can help fight depression and anxiety, and that working through your feelings and experiences in storytelling can be healthy. I hope that you and your family can keep living, one day, even one hour at a time - making small steps, exploring, trying, and enjoying the good moments - no matter how rare they may be sometimes. They do keep showing up, if we keep trying. Thank you so much for your kind comment.
Damn. I’ve not been writing for a while bc I lost my direction with my passion project, but now that I’ve watched this… let’s just say that I have hope. 🙏Thank you🙏
I'm so glad to hear this!! Hope is good. Keep exploring, keep working on it, small steps.
Just so you know, your advise is by far the best. Please create more videos. I hope you are well. Thank you for sharing your brilliance!
Thank you so much for this encouragement and support!!
This is better than legit 3 scriptwriting books ive read lol
Cool, thank you! (I think so too :)
you have no idea how much your videos has helped my writing process
Thank you SO much for telling me - that really is wonderful for me!!
Thank you for making these videos. Clearest guidance for when you’re lost.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for breaking this right down. This information is so beautifully succinct and cuts right down to the core. 🙏 ❤
Thank you! It really mens a lot to me to get this comment, you've named exactly what I worked to accomplish and it's wonderful to find out it connected with you.
I love the outtakes. Super helpful video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge freely you have no idea how grateful I am to find such a resource online!
Thank you so much! I am really happy to hear that it's helpful, and very grateful you took the time to comment.
I love watching your videos at the start of my writing sessions. I often find gems about the obstacles I am currently having, either the possible solutions or simply just a better understanding of what the core of my problems are. Thank you for making these kinds of content.
I'm so very glad to hear that these videos work this way for you! It's exactly what I hoped they would do!
Wisdom desperately needed, thanks.
Thank you!!
Thank You for this tool! I hope to use it effectively!
I've never written a story and this is my first time doing it. Your video is already helping me immensely, thank you.
I'm so glad to hear this - keep exploring, keep creating!
After reading many books on screenwriting and story, this short video helped stitch things together. Thank you for sharing.
Hooray! I am happy to be a part of the big picture: that's what any "how to" should be. The picture is for you to put together as you need it. Thank you.
I must have saved the whole world in my past life to be able to find your lesson in this life. Thanks for your amazing teaching.
Well, if so - thank you for saving the whole world!!
Saw one of your interview clips on Film Courage and loved it. Subscribed. As a lifetime writer, even with a few screenplays under my belt (though not sold or optioned), I always enjoy the learning process.
Thanks so much! Working creatively and learning all life long - whether or not you "sell" - is a marvelous and healthy thing to do!
Sir, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Where were you ten years ago. That was the simplest most concise way ive heard to write a story. Thank you so much. Im a subscriber and im going to write now.
I'm so glad to hear that - small steps, keep exploring, enjoy the work and the process!
I find the questions excellent to kick off a story, character, and plot, but also beneficial as a review when checking the script to search for any weak areas that might need shoring up, because the questions take the story full circle. Thanks!
Thank you for telling me this - I am really glad to hear it's a useful tool for you!!
Omg, this formula is jot only gonna improve my writing but also help me with good kinds of filler. Because my story is too bare bones and not enough meat. Thank you!!!! This solves my chapter crisis.
Hooray! So glad to hear that it's helpful.
This cut to the core of a problem I was having; Too often, my characters had no goals. They didn't want anything. It's no surprise now that the stories I was trying to write went nowhere. I now know I have to establish a motive ASAP if I want to move the story forward.
Great! I'm so glad it's helpful. Look at DRAMATIC ACTION ruclips.net/video/AxQTGeNuKMI/видео.html and BUILDING CHARACTER ARCS ruclips.net/video/PmgYABExP84/видео.html for more thoughts on making your characters and stories active.
My mind is blown and inspired! Time to start writing, thank you!
Yay! Thank you so much!
I love that you don't say we HAVE to do this. There are no rules. There are only processes that work for some people but maybe not for everyone. The older I get, the more I think the real and only secret to good writing is confidence. Pure and simple. Believe and write.
Thank you! That IS a good secret! Everyone must make their own path, to their own work :)
I deeply appreciate and applaud you, Glenn Gers. What a teacher! Such clarity and sincere help thats all for free?? Every video of yours is amazingly insightful - I have learned a LOT. Thank you immensely!
Thank you so much for letting me know that these ideas are useful! This is truly the most important reward I can get.
I have spent a lot of time looking for these answers to how to write a story and I feel like it takes a huge weight off my shoulders to know that there is content like yours that allows me to easily understand it and that I can tell stories.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for this beautiful message - please do keep exploring your creativity!
This is a great video Mr. Gers, I already answered all 6 questions, so that's means the story I want to tell and myself are on the right path. Thank you so much!
That's great! Keep asking questions, that's the name of the game.
I saved this and will keep coming back to this whenever I feel I'm stuck. It makes me think of my work. Thank you!
I'm so glad to hear this! Keep trying, small steps.
Excellent video, Glenn! You hit the nail on the head with a character WANTING something. That makes us naturally want to know if they're going to get it.
Thank you!!
Finally someone makes it easy to follow. That is genius. I love it.
Thank you!!
Thank you for taking the time to record this. It's so helpful. I'm an actor and at the beginning of my writing journey. Watching this has given me something to bounce my ideas off of. You are appreciated 🙏
I'm so glad to hear that these videos are useful! I believe actors make wonderful writers, because they know how to think about the life and needs of the character as the center of any drama. Keep creating!
Amazing video. It took me years of research to learn what you just explained with 6 questions. Simplicity at its finest.
Wow - thank you!!
Thanks! Greetings from Argentina
Thank you for sharing your knowledge to help me write my story. It's very much appreciated.
So glad it's helpful! Thank you for the encouraging comment!
Just found your awesome channel, thank you so much for sharing all this knowledge and wisdom!!!!
Glad you enjoy it!
Just a little story...Narrating audio books is my usual gig and as an extra value to the rights holder I like to add a little dramatic music and sound FX. That got me into scoring soundtracks for movies and series that don't exist and selling them on my bandcamp page. One thing that makes writing a soundtrack easier and actually more substantial is to actually have scenes to score! So as part of my music writing, I actually write the scenes along with the music. SO these tips are very useful. Thanks for sharing.
What a cool business you built there!! Very original, and sounds super fun to do.
I love to hear all the different ways people come to and take from my work! It's wonderful. I'm really glad to hear it's helpful. It wounds like you have found a personal and unique niche in which to work, I think that's brilliant.
@@albertbozesan Thanks for the encouragement! I don't know what I'm doing, I just do it!
@@writingforscreens I don't know where it's going but I just do what Bukowski said: find what you love and let it kill you.
@@Denver_Risley As I often say: as long as it's not harming you or those around you - whatever works, whatever helps you have fun and write what you like and like what you write, is the thing to do!
Glenn, I don’t know how to put into words my gratitude! I have this amazing idea for a fantasy-romance novel, I did some story structure and I’ve been thinking about the details for more than a month now. But every time that I have to actually write it… I can’t! Nothing comes out. I begin to feel very lost and don’t know how to start. It’s awful. Every time I end up so anxious and discouraged, thinking things like “who the hell do I think I am?” “what did it make me believe that I could write a novel?” But I found your interview with Film Courage and you can’t imagine how relieved you made me feel. Everything you said felt pretty accurate to my experience trying to write. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your knowledge. It means a lot for people like me that can’t afford to go to college and just have a dream but zero experience and opportunities.
Thank you! Small steps. Do what you do, the best you can, and keep learning and exploring. Don't worry too much about publishing and rewards -- just try to make it as good as you can right now. And if you keep doing that, each small step: it and you will keep getting better and better.
There has never been a time like this for "outsiders" to do creative work and even get it out to an audience. That's a whole OTHER journey, that you can only take when the work is good. So just enjoy the process, make work you like, and keep learning. You will find SO many resources on line...some will help, a lot won't -- so just take what helps and throw away the rest! Best of luck! Have fun!
Glenn I’m grateful for your channel and the insights you share; looking forward to learning from you!
Thank you so much - great seeing you on the Livestreams!
4:56 'If your objective is important and your obstacles are substantial [ ]' is the crux for me. Love your vlogs, apply the processes / tools actively - thanks 1,000,000 Glenn!
So glad to hear that I am being useful in doing this! Thank you!!
I'm not exactly stuck, but a little lost this morning so I started asking questions about the character: Who is this character? I couldn't answer that right off, but I started thinking about all the things the character is definitely not and arrived at some answers that way. But I've really been revolving my mind on the 2nd question because when I think about every character I've ever loved personally, and every very strong character, it's always been about something they want, something they think they deserve, which they have not been able to get. I've seen, in my own experience of enjoyment of a story, a character that is initially not likeable become likable -- even beautiful -- simply because they want something they cannot get. The Frankenstein monster wanted his father's love. He thought he deserved it. He couldn't get it. That's the source of the great emotional power in that story.
In my favorite soap opera series, the strongest and most lovable character was one who wanted parental love and approval and couldn't get it for a variety of different obstacles thrown in his path, such as being given a false identity, the death of one parent, then the other, and being repeatedly betrayed by the only living male relative he had, who was his grandfather. Of a huge cast of interesting characters, each with their own desires, this character stands out as the strongest and most interesting.
What do they want and why can't they get it? Those two questions seem very important to me at this moment.
I like your profile pic 👍
Much gratitude to you Mr. Glen and Film courage that brought me here. You just make it look so easy. Subscribed! Keep up the good work!
That you so much! It's never really "easy" - but it can be fun and a source of joy...and that helps when it's not easy :)
I began writing a story a few weeks ago, so I guess I'll try to answer the questions with some of the characters in mind. Thanks!
You're welcome, I hope they help! Remember: they're not a test, they're not rules - they're just ways to start thinking and asking questions. The answers - YOUR answers, whatever feels right to you - are what matter.
Oh awesome! Thanks and I took away two things:
1. The job is to tickle the audience's problem and social simulation engine.
2. To keep energy and focus, the writer should "begin with the end in mind." (Covey)
Thanks again - this is magic.
Thank you so much!!
Thank you very much for sharing these important questions with us
I'm very glad you find them helpful!!
Seriously, Thank you!
I am adding this right away, to my list of tools when creating scenes and plots.
That's exactly how I like to think of it - as just a tool, to use if it helps and set aside if not!
@@writingforscreens Great! I already liked and subbed. I have to catch up now.
This was one of the best things I've ever watched. Definitely gets a subscribe. Thank you so helpful.
Thank you!!
Grateful for your words of wisdom, they are truly a RX for any story or complete thought.
Thank you!
Simply but powerful set of questions. Thanks for the great video.
Thank you! Please let me know (you can comment here) what topics or questions you'd like to see videos about!
@@writingforscreens Are you able to break down movies, docs or short films (even stuff you have worked on) to show how they followed the 6 question structure, I think that would be an excellent series of videos to watch.
@@jabumabaya I may try that - but: every writer will come up with a DIFFERENT set of answers, even for the same story. For example: one writer may say that Michael in THE GODFATHER wants to "protect the family" - which he does...but at a terrible cost. But another writer might say Michael wants to "escape from the family," - and it's a story of how he fails. Both are true. The thing you want to learn is to find that core when there are no scenes written yet. The process of analyzing a finished film is VERY different from the process of making one up that doesn't exist yet. I hope to teach everyone to recognize that crucial difference: the creative process is about making choices and following through on them when you DON'T have anything to break down. The purpose of the questions is not to judge or explain the story/characters - it's to give yourself a REASON to make CHOICES. The questions help STEER you as you cope with the vagueness of an UNWRITTEN story, so you can make choices based on a clear dramatic path.
@@writingforscreens that is deep, thank you once again
If you look at this using kishotenketsu, you would list it like:
1."Who is it about?" as the introduction.
2."What do they want?" as the development.
3.The questions that make up the middle section as the twist.
4."How does it end?" as the conclusion.
Interesting! I had never heard of "kishotenketsu" - thank you for steering me to it. I think the most important thing to remember about these questions - or kishotenketsu or any formula to organize art is: it's a TOOL. Use it if it helps, don't if not. And everyone will use it their own way.
@@writingforscreens Yes! You're welcome.
Writing a pilot and got stuck because I didn't have a foundation for the character. Ran across your channel and I had to like the video and subscribe. 👍🏾 Thanks for the gems 💎
Great to hear it helped, thank you!!
If you change your tittle to "6 essentials of storytelling" you will get x10000 views. Your content is golden! Help the RUclips algorithm to bring more people to your content, so pity many people can't find it. Put the word "Storytelling" in every tittle of your video, it is the most trending topic between YT creators. I am so lucky to find your channel in the beginning of my journey, I wish you a lot of success and I am grateful that you share this information with us!
Thank you - that's really interesting and good advice. I will think about how to put it to use!! I have been uneasy about making claims bigger than I can deliver on...but I think you make a fair point that these ideas really do apply to more than just screenwriting. Thanks!!
Reading Daniel Pink's "A whole new mind". and the importance of story telling. I looked up story telling which led to Ted talks about story telling and the use of plain language and eventually led to the six questions on another channel which brought me to your channel.
@@mikehess4494 Everyone's journey is different - that's why we never run out of stories!
Also I saw you hadn't dropped a new vid in 5 months. I hope you pick this up again because you have a great teaching ability.
Thank you so much! I have 2 or 3 left in editing but mostly I'm done with the short "Lesson" videos - it's over 50 and they truly do say what I wanted to say...(I talk about that a bit here: LIVE Screenwriting Class: “Farewell 2023 - Some Thoughts, Some Advice” - ruclips.net/user/livelNKtAF3AP-I).
I'll now be doing weekly Livestreams where I talk about whatever's on my mind that week, and when I finish my novel I will try to cut those up into smaller "topics covered" and work on making them all more find-able somehow...so many things I want to do!
I was looking for tips to start writing my comic and found this, my mind was blown when I saw the amount of 2hs long videos on this channel! This sort of content is so helpful to anyone trying to dig deeper into a subject.
Thank you sir for posting SO MUCH free information, and making yourself available for questions. I'm always thankful for those with a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge.
Looking forward to watching your old live sessions, you're the best!
Thank you so much for watching and for this wonderful comment!! Keep exploring, keep writing!
same i’m also trying to make comics
@@wild.berryz I wish I was younger - I would definitely try to learn to create my own comics and games! Best of luck, keep exploring and creating.
@@wild.berryz & @buira9482
This video might be helpful for you: 'How To Write Short Comics' ruclips.net/video/rJQ7tTrEHWs/видео.html
Jake Parker explains how to get started writing comics, and why it's a good idea to start with short ones.
I found your channel from film courage video that was recommended and I’m liking it!
I’ve been thinking alot of my own writing style as comics artist and trying to find better tools to get stuff out of my head to paper and this seems really great, clean, almost too easy sounding method of putting things in order.
Like drawing you should always remember the basic fundamentals what ever you do.
thank you, I'm so glad you find it helpful! I do think process ideas often cross over between different creative pursuits. Don't worry about it being too easy - it always gets harder and more complicated within the simplicity :)
I was stuck for a while trying to come up with a meaningful and logical plot and I was ready to give up. Then I found this video and answered the 6 questions and after a few minutes I was able to plan out an entire plot that both makes logical sense and also follows an interesting story with plenty of conflicts and a few twists. Now I just have to write it :). Thanks, Glenn.
So glad to hear this!! You can write it! Small steps, over time, enjoy taking the steps and making the little bits.
The best writing advice I’ve ever seen. Thank you sir!! How is it that u don’t have more views and subs!?
Thank you so much! I don't know...I'm growing slowly, so maybe one day I'll get there. In the meanwhile I am just happy to know that my work is helping people.
Thanks, this is very good. Easy to understand and I can see this playing out in so many movies that just pop into my head while thinking about the six. I get stuck on five. My obstacles aren't very strong, or even worse, someone else in the story solves the obstacles for the main character.
Great! Remember these are just tools to help you work though your story - not a "right or wrong checklist." Every writer with every project will come up with different answers - and they might even change during the process. All that matters is if it helps you think of scenes and characters and get something written!
Your video on Film Courage sent me here and, my god, I love your channel! I'm happy I was able to answer the 6 questions!
Thank you so much! I hope the questions stay useful - remember that's the point: to be useful tools to help you to make choices and to think of actions and lines and scenes. If they help, great. If they don't - toss 'em aside! Best of luck on your work :)
I was just thinking about the Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer that dropped today and how much the trailer follows 5 of the six questions in order.... the only thing they don't have is the end! But it makes you want to see the movie. The narrative is there--who PP is at the beginning and what his situation is, what he wants, what he asks for Doc Strange to do, and then how it goes awry, and then all the flashes of things he does about it.... thanks for this video.
So far, Marvel has managed the early-Pixar miracle of astonishingly-good storytelling and still being kickass movie-movies. I was a little worried after ENDGAME that they wouldn't be able to keep it up in this new "phase" - but they're doing it :)
Thank you, trying to start my own youtube channel, but struggling to write great stories. Now I know how to start!! Thank you!!
Yay!! Keep going, small steps :)
Excellent, this process is enlightning ☀️! Thank You
You're very welcome!
The fact that three years after this video people are still watching this is very cool
THANK YOU! Thats really my whole goal here: not to spew out disposable "content" but to create a library people can find over time and return to when they need it. Really appreciate your comment!
I can not thank you enough for this breakdown, Glenn! It has simplified the writing process for me because this all seemed overwhelming in the beginning but not anymore. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!
Love to hear it's helpful! Thank you!
Really fantastic vid! Thanks for posting! I have an illogical fear that learning too much about the process of writing will make my writing sound like everyone else's. But all I've been achieving with that mentality is making things unnecessarily difficult for myself 😅 Really appreciate you!
That's really common and understandable: creative work comes from a place we can't really understand - so it feels like knowing-too-much about it might wreck it. But I try to think about things like playing a musical instrument: the more you own it, the more you know about how it works, the more you can use it well. And the PROCESS of writing is (as far as I can tell) always kind of the same and kind of indestructible...all we can do is learn to how make it comfortable for us, and how to fit it into our lives. So glad if this was helpful!
This is a very helpful video. One that actually managed to cut through my bullheaded stubbornness about not properly determining the overall course of my story, rather than simply meandering from scene to scene based on what immediately preceded it. :)
I do find it interesting how I am fairly certain this method could work very well in a nested format. As in, answer the six questions for the overall story, then do it again for each of your planned story arcs, then again for each scene in each arc, etc. Or do the reverse and scale it upwards for each story in a series of connected stories. Then repeat that process for every character you plan on developing beyond a background pawn.
Might get a little bit messy though if you don't properly organize your planning docs. ;p
That's very much how I use it - but not for EVERY scene. Some you just "get" and there's no need to add to your pile of "paperwork." It's just a good tool to apply when you can't figure something out - a scene, an arc, a line.
working on a video game, and this is actually very good advice for that medium as well. It's a bit trickier since some of these things could be defined by the player himself, about who they want to be and how they want to play the story. I think that these rules are especially interesting for video game "factions" to make sure to make them believable and grounded into the world. I would also argue that for the "what do they want" part, if it's power, it's much more interesting to focus on what they want, to achieve power, rather than just "power" as an abstract concept.
Thanks, yes! I think you do have to adapt my ideas for the new art form of video games - but I think the basic nature of character and narrative still holds true.
And the point is: these are just questions, just ways to look at stories, to help you find the way you want it to be. They aren't answers. They're just tools to apply, however that works for you.
WOW thank you so much what a lightbulb moment, I'm very excited and mi creative mind has just exploded
Love this comment, thank you! Exploding creative minds is my whole ideal job description!!
That was very generous of you and much appreciated!
Thank you!
Hola amigo Gleen. Thanks a lot for the guidance with this six questions for structure a history, I find it very useful. It is like the conceptual design of an entire fiction world.
Thank you so much! The most important thing is - use it when it it helps, forget it when it doesn't!!
There are clear and concise descriptions of the first three questions, even memorable ideas, but the "What do they do about that?" and "Why doesn't that work?" questions did not get as much attention. Few specifics about those two.
Fair enough. I might've been getting tired! Or worried about tiring-out the audience. It happens :)
Thank you so much. Lots of love from INDIA 🇮🇳. I learn a lot from you. Even core of storytelling.
Please keep making videos. You are the hope for those who can't take admission in film making colleges. Thank you 🙏❤
That is very kind of you to say! I am glad that my work is useful.
I saw one of your interviews on Film Courage and I immediately knew that I should subscribe to your channel. I just want to thank you for the valuable information that you so generously give out in your videos. I am incredibly grateful for all the knowledge and experience that you choose to share and for how encouraging and motivational your videos are. These are just what I need to push through and overcome my fears of failure. I know now that I am on the right path. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
You're welcome! Thank YOU so much for sharing this with me.
Thank you Mr Gers ...BEST CONCISE information in a nutshell that is articulated well, with fun examples ...but the outtakes are the best ^^))
So glad it's fun and useful!
I don't write for screen. I write novels. But I seek out advice from screen 'thinking' because screen folks have a lot of great POVs about story and the story process (and they can put it into words and are willing to share knowledge). I think all said here applies to literature, as well. And I think it applies not only to the full story arc, but to self-contained scenes and to sequences of scenes that work together to tell mini-stories inside the larger story. So I will apply this thinking to my work. These questions can be a good checklist for analyzing a scene one writes, too.
I agree - so much of storytelling is shared between all sorts of different mediums. Glad if my lessons are useful!!
This is really good! Thankyou for sharing
Thank YOU for watching - and letting me know it works for you!
Thanks for this! Helped clarify and distil the narrative drive of a short story I was writing. Very much appreciate you putting this video out. :)
That's great, I'm so glad it's useful!
Hello, I came from Film Courage, just with this video you taught me a lot already! Thank you
Glad you came to check it out! Thank you, so much!
I appreciate this advice and video, while seemly simple and obvious, after watching this I have a greater sense of being able to finish my second book.
So glad it helps - and also: SECOND book, that's already a great accomplishment! Congratulations.
@@writingforscreens Thank you, it'll drop sometime this summer.
Wow this was so helpful! Going to apply this moving forward. Thank you for sharing. It left me inspired to write :)
I'm so glad to hear it's useful and inspiring for you! Thank you for telling me!
This was very eye-opening. Thank you so much.
Thank YOU, I am very glad to know you watched it and it was helpful!
Caught you off Film Courage, RUclips is always recommending me great videos. Keep up the great work.
Thanks!
Thank you. Excellent help, so I've subscribed. Why am I here: a story I began almost 60 years ago, now with multiple revisions and rewrites, is bugging me. So I'm now almost ready for this sound advice. Almost because I must now see my story though a new lens, refocus, rethink.
Thank you so much! I hope that my videos help you with this process. Small steps, keep trying and exploring - and enjoy it!