Story Genius
Synopsis
This comprehensive manual breaks down the psychology of effective storytelling, the delineation between internal story and external plot, and how to use your character’s “third rail” as a propelling force. Writers tend to fall into one of two categories: methodical plotters and the spur-of-the-moment ‘pantser'. This book walks you through the flaws in these methods and suggests an alternative multilayered approach. Within the framework of a theoretical novel by Cron, the author provides specific yet universal advice on blueprinting stories to avoid wasting precious time and bring each idea to its fullest potential. The book's scope is highly specific, with a systematic, scene-by-scene trajectory. Each point is paired with a “what now” exercise that offers actionable steps for the preliminary planning stages.
Review
I read this while pre-writing and beginning to draft my own novel, and it came at the perfect time. Whenever I felt stuck in my own writing, I would turn to this book and find momentum to keep brainstorming, outlining, and lay down the groundwork of my story as effectively as possible. This is the kind of book that I think should be read in bits and pieces, since it’s easier to digest. While I personally resonated with Cron’s advice, this is definitely geared towards writers who like to plot and understand where their narrative is going before they start putting actual words on the page. Out of all the craft guides I’ve read, this stands out as the most accessible. As with all books on writing techniques, these rules are not hard and fast. It’s in readers’ best interest to take away the ideas that resonate and leave behind those that don’t.