Learn how to craft stories in the 2020’s
Join The Saturday Storyteller and every Saturday morning, you’ll get timeless tips and AI-powered prompts to breathe life into your story.
BONUS: Get the FREE 7,000-word Ultimate Guide to Creating Characters with ChatGPT
Previous Issues Of The Saturday Storyteller
Setting the Stage for a Perfect Act 1
Read Time: 5 minutesWelcome to the starting line of your story: Act 1 Your first act is where the magic begins. It's where you introduce everyone to the world you've dreamed up and the characters who live in it. This is your moment to hook your audience and send them...
How to Develop a Magnetic Hero that Captivates Audiences
Craft magnetic heroes with clear goals, motivations, and flaws to captivate audiences with compelling narratives.
The Narrative Power of the Story Spine
Read Time: 4 minutesEvery great story, from ancient myths to modern blockbusters, captivates its audience with a compelling narrative. At the heart of these unforgettable tales lies a timeless principle: the Story Spine. Developed by playwright Kenn Adams, the Story...
10 Storytelling Secrets Decoded by ChatGPT
Read Time: 2 minutesI asked GPT-4 to share the 10 most interesting facts it knows about the art and craft of storytelling. I must admit, it told me some things I didn't know: 1. When we hear stories, our brains release oxytocin, a hormone associated with empathy....
8 Essential Strategies for Compelling Narratives
Read Time: 3 minutesWant to create stories that keep audiences up at night? Well, you'll need every trick you can muster. Get ahead of the pack by applying these bite-sized tips when developing your work-in-progress: 1. Adore Your Story Either love your plot and...
7 Pillars for Creating Characters that Captivate
Read Time: 3 minutesDynamic characters breathe life into every gripping narrative. If they’re cardboard cutouts, your story is DOA. Today we’re assembling seven vital pillars for character building. Then you’ll get a ChatGPT prompt to develop your story’s cast. Let’s...
The 12 Most Influential Storytelling Elements Used in Blockbuster Movies
Read Time: 4 minutes Seeking the blueprint for cinematic success? With ChatGPT's help, I've analyzed the 200 highest-earning films according to Box Office Mojo. And I’ve crafted a plug-and-play prompt to enhance your story. But first, here are 12 impactful factors for...
Navigating the Nuances of the Three-Act Structure
Read Time: 5 minutesToday we’re peeling back the layers of plot architecture. Think of this as a crash course in the three-act structure where two proven frameworks meet at the drafting table. So whether you’re a fan of Syd Field’s classic paradigm or Larry Brooks’...
Channeling the Psychological Forces that Drive Iconic Films
Read Time: 4 minutes Many people struggle to craft narratives that captivate audiences. But understanding human psychology gives you a creative edge. Here are 10 psychological levers iconic films use to transform stories into influence. 1/ Dialogue: The audible and...
The Emotional Blueprint for Developing Magnetic Characters
Read Time: 3 minutesToday we're diving into the soul of your narrative:Characters. While the plot helps propel your story forward, it's the characters who give it depth and emotional weight. But what is the secret ingredient that keeps your audience engaged until The...
Mastering the Art of the Story Climax
Read Time: 5 minutesThe climax of your novel or film should provide audiences with both emotional and intellectual satisfaction. If it serves as a bridge in a series, it needs to make your fans beg for the next installment. Either way, your goal is delivering a...
3 Keys to Crafting a Villain Who Fans Want and Heroes Need
Read Time: 5 minutesYour villain plays the most important role in your story. Yes, even more important than your hero. That means you must go beyond the clichés when developing your villain—because platitudes like maniacal laughter, minions, and monologues are...
How to Rekindle Your Creative Spark and Find Your Muse
Read Time: 4 minutesEver feel like your imagination's gone on strike? One minute you're flowing with ideas, and the next, you're staring at a blank page. You're not alone. Every storyteller faces this challenge at some point. In fact, I’ve recently encountered this...
The Twisted Truth About Becoming the Storyteller You’re Meant to Be
Read Time: 3 minutesYou’re not fooling anyone. I know what you really look like underneath that human costume. Yep, I know what you are, and it’s not normal. In fact, you’re not even from this plane. You’re a stranger visiting a strange land. But you don’t remember,...