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Achieving Story Goals that are Not Achievements - Story Structure

Jim Hull — 2012-05-07T20:11:02+00:00

Far too often, Authors take what a Protagonist wants for granted. Acknowledging that this drive provides momentum for their narrative, they simply assign a task or reward for this character to work for. True freedom finds shape in the separation of the concept of the Story Goal from the Goal itself.

Published in: Story Structure

Achieving Story Goals that are Not Achievements was written by James Hull for Story Fanatic and was originally posted on May 7, 2012. All material, except where indicated, is ©2009 James Hull and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.

Unlocking the Structural Code of the Story Goal - Story Structure

Jim Hull — 2012-04-29T21:33:57+00:00

Stories that amble along needlessly often suffer from the lack of a clearly defined Goal. Without that drive towards resolution, a work of fiction can meander from one pointless scene to the next. Determining the source of difficulties guarantees clarity of purpose for any story.

Published in: Story Structure

Unlocking the Structural Code of the Story Goal was written by James Hull for Story Fanatic and was originally posted on April 29, 2012. All material, except where indicated, is ©2009 James Hull and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.

The True Champion of Chinatown - Story Analysis

Jim Hull — 2012-04-19T20:45:31+00:00

Lurking within the darkness of 1930s Los Angeles a lone figure shifts in and out of trouble, his purpose solid and true. A heavy responsibility – that of bringing balance to an unfortunate situation – weighs firmly on his shoulders. While hidden forces others work to prevent his success, this man’s relentless pursuit of a favorable outcome continues without hesitation.

Published in: Story Analysis

The True Champion of Chinatown was written by James Hull for Story Fanatic and was originally posted on April 19, 2012. All material, except where indicated, is ©2009 James Hull and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.

Why Theory Matters - Story Theory

Jim Hull — 2012-04-15T01:28:15+00:00

Those who can’t, teach. Those who can’t teach, teach gym. And those whose authority rests in peer review and professional status find every opportunity they can to trash and diminish the honest and hard work of others.

Published in: Story Theory

Why Theory Matters was written by James Hull for Story Fanatic and was originally posted on April 15, 2012. All material, except where indicated, is ©2009 James Hull and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.

Protagonist and Antagonist: Beyond Hero and Villain - Story Structure

Jim Hull — 2012-04-08T01:53:44+00:00

Every writer knows they need them. Successful stories always seem to feature heroic good guys locked in glorious dramatic battle with villainous bad guys. Leave these key characters out and a writer rightfully risks losing his or her audience. Why they need them, however, has always been a foregone conclusion.

Published in: Story Structure

Protagonist and Antagonist: Beyond Hero and Villain was written by James Hull for Story Fanatic and was originally posted on April 8, 2012. All material, except where indicated, is ©2009 James Hull and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.

Unraveling Tangled - Story Analysis

Jim Hull — 2012-03-26T17:43:30+00:00

Without a doubt, Disney’s Tangled delivers some of the best 3D character animation, rivaling the skill and artistry of the company’s traditional 2D legacy. Yet, while following in the footsteps of their legacy brings visual success, maintaining the company’s unique brand of storytelling does not.

Published in: Story Analysis

Unraveling Tangled was written by James Hull for Story Fanatic and was originally posted on March 26, 2012. All material, except where indicated, is ©2009 James Hull and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.

The Inciting Incident of Star Wars - Story Structure

Jim Hull — 2012-03-17T18:49:13+00:00

What starts a story? Is it the moment when the Hero receives his Call to Adventure? If one believes stories are transformational journeys of legend, then the answer would be yes. Everything before can simply be thrown out.

Published in: Story Structure

The Inciting Incident of Star Wars was written by James Hull for Story Fanatic and was originally posted on March 17, 2012. All material, except where indicated, is ©2009 James Hull and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.

Distrust the Process - Writing

Jim Hull — 2012-03-08T21:24:20+00:00

You hear it all the time. “Trust the process.” “Story is hard.” And the ultimate cop-out, “No one in Hollywood knows what they’re doing.” Each one of these excuses relies upon the belief that somehow story is this magical mysterious thing that can only be acquired through months of sweat and heartache.

Published in: Writing

Distrust the Process was written by James Hull for Story Fanatic and was originally posted on March 8, 2012. All material, except where indicated, is ©2009 James Hull and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.

Conflict of a Different Nature - Story Structure

Jim Hull — 2011-12-31T22:28:13+00:00

In story, the forces of conflict arrange themselves in unique and natural patterns. When balanced properly, a story can deliver substance and meaning on a scale unheard of in lesser delivery mechanisms.

Published in: Story Structure

Conflict of a Different Nature was written by James Hull for Story Fanatic and was originally posted on December 31, 2011. All material, except where indicated, is ©2009 James Hull and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.

Drawing the Audience In - Story Structure

Jim Hull — 2011-12-28T05:34:32+00:00

Only one way to capture the attention of an audience: provide them with an intimate look at one character’s struggle with conflict. Leave this important passageway undefined and an Author risks disinterest and disdain.

Published in: Story Structure

Drawing the Audience In was written by James Hull for Story Fanatic and was originally posted on December 28, 2011. All material, except where indicated, is ©2009 James Hull and licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.