7 Writing Techniques so Good they should be Illegal

Summary

This video script reveals seven effective writing techniques to enhance storytelling. It advises doubling up scenes for multiple purposes, creating suspense by hinting at impending conflicts, using stories to convey important messages, delaying emotional reactions for impact, giving characters unique responses to events, strategically placing 'gold coins' or rewarding moments, and 'leaning away' from expected outcomes to surprise readers. The tips aim to make writing more engaging and characters more authentic.

Takeaways

• 📚 **Double Up Technique**: Aim for every scene to serve at least two purposes, such as advancing the plot and developing characters.
• 🔍 **Create Suspense**: Share information with the reader that makes them anticipate an upcoming conflict, enhancing the suspense.
• 📉 **No Half Measures**: Use storytelling to convey important lessons or messages, making them more impactful than direct statements.
• 😢 **Delayed Emotions**: Postpone a character's strong emotional reaction to a significant event, making it more realistic and relatable when it eventually occurs.
• 🤔 **Funky Emotions**: Give characters unusual reactions to events to make them more authentic and memorable.
• 🏅 **Gold Coin Technique**: Place 'gold coins'—plot twists, surprises, or character reveals—throughout the story to keep readers engaged.
• 🎬 **Lean Away**: Craft the narrative so that the outcome seems unlikely, making the eventual resolution more satisfying for the reader.
• 🎭 **Show, Don't Tell**: Use indirect methods, like backstory or indirect dialogue, to convey information instead of straightforward exposition.
• 🎨 **Character Development**: Develop characters with depth by showing their reactions to various situations, which can be delayed or unconventional.
• 📈 **Reader Engagement**: Keep readers hooked by strategically placing engaging elements throughout the narrative to maintain interest.
• 📉 **Conflict Anticipation**: Build tension by informing the reader of an impending conflict, making mundane scenes suspenseful.

Q & A

What is the 'double up technique' mentioned in the script?

The 'double up technique' is a writing strategy where every scene in a story is designed to serve at least two purposes simultaneously, such as advancing the plot and providing character development, to make the narrative more efficient and engaging.

Can you give an example of how the 'double up technique' is applied in the script?

An example given is from the James Bond series, where Bond gets information from an informant while also engaging in a romantic scene, and later discusses matters with Moneypenny during a car chase, combining action with plot development.

What is the purpose of creating suspense in writing?

Creating suspense in writing is meant to make readers feel nervous or anxious about the outcome of events in the story, keeping them engaged and eager to find out what happens next.

How does the script suggest creating suspense in a scene?

The script suggests creating suspense by providing information to the reader that makes them anticipate a conflict or event, such as the example of Mr. Fox crawling out of his hole knowing that farmers are waiting to ambush him.

What is the 'no half measures' lesson from 'Breaking Bad'?

The 'no half measures' lesson is about the impact of delivering a message or taking an action fully, rather than partially. In 'Breaking Bad', Mike tells a story to illustrate this point, emphasizing the importance of taking decisive action rather than choosing a half measure.

Why is the 'delayed emotions' technique recommended in writing?

The 'delayed emotions' technique is recommended because it makes characters feel more real and relatable. It reflects how people often react to major events not immediately but later, triggered by seemingly unrelated, minor incidents.

Can you provide an example of 'delayed emotions' from the script?

An example from 'Manchester by the Sea' is given, where a character does not react to the news of his father's death but later breaks down due to the stress of putting frozen chicken back into a freezer, revealing his bottled-up emotions.

What does the script suggest to make a character's reactions seem real?

The script suggests giving characters 'funky emotions' or unorthodox reactions to events, which can make them seem more authentic and distinct from other characters who might react in predictable ways.

Why is it important to give characters unique reactions to events?

Unique reactions help to individualize characters and make them stand out, showing their true personality and making them more memorable to readers.

What is the 'gold coin' writing technique and how does it benefit the reader?

The 'gold coin' writing technique involves placing rewarding elements, or 'gold coins', throughout the story at regular intervals. These can be plot twists, introductions of interesting characters, or cliffhangers. The technique keeps the reader engaged and motivated to continue reading.

What is the purpose of 'leaning away' from the expected ending in writing?

Leaning away from the expected ending is a technique to make the eventual outcome more satisfying and surprising for the reader. By creating the impression that the desired outcome is unlikely, the writer can enhance the reader's emotional investment in the story.

How can a writer effectively 'lean away' from the expected outcome?

A writer can effectively 'lean away' by introducing obstacles or challenges that make the desired outcome seem impossible, thus heightening the tension and reader's anticipation for the eventual resolution.