What makes your story a page turner?
What makes it so irresistible readers devour every page?
In today’s episode, we’ll break down 4 tips to writing a page turner. Techniques that go beyond and beneath common structures like the Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, and the 3-Act. So you can craft a story that keeps readers hooked scene by scene.
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Episode at a glance:
[2:19] Why Common Story Structures Aren’t Enough
The Hero’s Journey. Save the Cat. The 3-Act Structure. These are great when you’re starting out. But hitting story beats aren’t enough if you don’t know the techniques beneath the surface of those beats. Spinning those beats into surprising, original twists – that’s how you write page turner.
[5:07] The Desire Arc
Desire is the engine of plot. It’s what drives your character all the way though to the end. Learn how to create an arc of desire with which to hang every story beat on. This is the backbone of your plot.
[8:49] Where Writers Go Wrong With Character Development
Readers want to feel like there’s a real human being there. So you need to go deeper than superficial information. You need to explore at least one fatal flaw. You’ll learn how that flaw impacts your global story-line.So you can deepen your reader’s connection to your character and get them on board for the ride.
[13:53] Character Complexity
When you create characters with opposites, you complicate the reader’s reaction. And this creates an insatiable reader. Learn how to use contrasts to create rich, multi-dimensional characters readers believe in and root for.
[13:53] Opposition
The relationship between your protagonist and antagonist is the most important relationship in your story. We’ll explore how to create a complex, smart antagonist to go head to head with your protagonist.
[13:53] How to Bring It All Together in Plot
Plot is a process of bringing all these elements together, mostly under the surface. Learn the most common misconception on what plot is, and a new way to approach plot by focusing on the actions your antagonist takes to thwart your protagonist.