I tried Nelson’s 9 Steps for Story Writing (and it's brilliant)

Summary

The video script offers a nine-step blueprint for crafting a short story, inspired by author Antonio Nelson's advice. It encourages writers to draw from personal experiences, shift perspectives, and incorporate ticking clocks and significant objects. The method also suggests creating transitional moments, connecting to world events, introducing binary forces, and experimenting with narrative structures. The speaker shares their positive experience applying these steps to write a chess-themed story, emphasizing the flexibility within the framework to foster creativity.

Takeaways

• ✍️ Start your short story by drawing from a real-life experience, but feel free to fictionalize and amplify details for dramatic effect.
• 🔄 Experiment with different points of view to find the most compelling perspective for your story, focusing on characters with something at stake.
• ⏳ Incorporate a 'ticking clock' element to create suspense and keep the reader engaged as they anticipate the climax.
• 🎩 Use symbolic objects or props in your story, ensuring they hold sentimental value and are integral to the plot or character development.
• 🚪 Place your characters in transitional situations, where they are moving from one stage of life to another, to add depth and tension.
• 🌍 Add a world event or cultural reference to ground your story in reality and make it relatable to readers.
• ⚖️ Introduce binary forces or opposites in your story, such as contrasting characters or conflicting ideals, to create tension and drive the plot.
• 📈 Consider using classic narrative structures like Freytag's Pyramid or the seven-point plot structure, but don't feel confined by them—adjust as needed.
• 🧪 Embrace experimentation in your writing by trying unconventional formats, unreliable narrators, or other creative techniques.
• 🎯 The overall process encourages balancing structure with creativity, allowing flexibility while providing a framework to guide your story creation.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the article in Tin House's Writer's Notebook 2?

The main topic of the article is a blueprint for constructing a short story, even for those who have never written one before, provided by author Antonio Nelson.

What are some of the author Antonio Nelson's accomplishments mentioned in the script?

Antonio Nelson has published seven short story collections and has been published in The New Yorker, among other achievements.

What was the narrator's experience after applying Antonio Nelson's short story method?

The narrator found the method effective, as they were able to write a short story in a single day and still liked it a week later, which is unusual for them.

What is the first step in writing a short story according to the provided method?

The first step is to write a story about something that has happened to you, using personal experiences as a starting point for the story.

Why is writing from a different point of view considered an essential step in the short story writing process?

Writing from a different point of view helps to find the exact right perspective to tell the story from, and it can reveal new dimensions of the story that might not be apparent from the original viewpoint.

What is the purpose of creating a 'ticking clock' in a short story?

A 'ticking clock' creates tension and suspense by giving the reader a countdown to a particular event, making them anticipate the story's outcome.

What is the significance of choosing an object in a short story?

An object in a short story often holds symbolic meaning or plays a crucial role in the plot, adding depth and significance to the narrative.

What is a transitional situation in the context of a short story?

A transitional situation is a pivotal moment in a character's life when they move from one state of existence to another, marking a significant change in the story.

Why is adding a world event to a short story beneficial for the reader?

Adding a world event helps the reader connect with the story by providing familiar reference points, making the story more relatable and believable.

What is the purpose of adding binary forces in a short story?

Binary forces create opposition or contrasts within the story, leading to conflict and tension, which drive the narrative forward.

What does the 'Frye's Pyramid' offer as a narrative structure for a short story?

Frye's Pyramid provides a structure that includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and dénouement, offering a way to shape the story's plot from beginning to end.

What is the final step in the short story writing process suggested by the method?

The final step is to experiment, which encourages the writer to try something new or unconventional, breaking away from the previous steps if necessary.