Solve Your Story Structure Problems In 11 Steps - Pat Verducci [FULL INTERVIEW]

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to help writers understand and implement effective story structure based on insights from Pat Verducci, an experienced screenwriter and writing coach. By following these 11 steps, you can enhance your storytelling skills, create compelling narratives, and solve common story structure problems.

Step 1: Understand Essential Story Elements

Great movies share three key elements:

• Character: Develop relatable and complex characters.
• Conflict: Introduce meaningful conflicts that challenge characters.
• Resolution: Ensure a satisfying conclusion that resolves the main conflict.

Step 2: Recognize Writing as a Personal Journey

Writing is a deeply personal process and cannot be taught in a conventional sense. Embrace your unique voice and experiences, and allow them to guide your writing.

Step 3: Identify the Emotional Spine of Your Story

• Emotional Spine: Find the core emotional journey of your characters.
• Ask yourself: What is the main emotional change your character undergoes?

Step 4: Place Theme at the End of the Writing Process

• Focus on character development and plot first.
• Only after completing your draft should you identify the underlying themes.

Step 5: Simplify Story Structure

• Story structure is a form to guide storytelling, not a rigid formula.
• Understand common structural frameworks (like the three-act structure) but feel free to adapt them to fit your story.

Step 6: Create Questions Instead of Providing Answers

• Develop intriguing questions for your audience.
• This keeps viewers engaged and encourages them to think critically about the story.

Step 7: Determine What Your Character Wants

• Identify the protagonist's primary goal.
• Consider:
  • What do they desire?
  • What are the obstacles they face?

Step 8: Use the 11 Steps for Story Structure

1. Define the protagonist: Who are they at the beginning of the story?
2. Establish the goal: What does the protagonist want?
3. Introduce conflict: What stands in their way?
4. Set up the stakes: What happens if they fail?
5. Create a turning point: What event changes the protagonist's course?
6. Build toward the climax: Increase tension leading to the story's peak.
7. Deliver the climax: Resolve the main conflict.
8. Show the aftermath: What changes after the climax?
9. Revisit character growth: How has the protagonist changed?
10. Wrap up subplots: Ensure all secondary storylines are resolved.
11. End with resonance: Leave the audience with a lasting impression.

Step 9: Avoid Common Pitfalls

• Don’t rush to define your theme too early.
• Avoid cliché characters and predictable plots.
• Ensure every scene serves a purpose and advances the story.

Step 10: Seek Feedback and Revise

• Share your work with trusted peers or mentors for constructive feedback.
• Be open to revising your story based on insights from others.

Step 11: Keep Learning

• Continue studying films and reading scripts to understand what works.
• Engage with writing communities for ongoing support and inspiration.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can develop a strong story structure that resonates with audiences. Remember to prioritize character development and emotional depth, while maintaining a flexible approach to structure. As you refine your skills, continue to seek feedback and learn from both successes and challenges in your writing journey.