Why Should Writers Express Meaning Through Story?
Robert McKee teaches the function of a Controlling Idea, and the writer’s task of communicating meaning through the climax of your story.
read moreShould Risk Escalate as You Progress through a Scene?
Robert McKee explains risk and value in relation to building a scene beat by beat.
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What Do I Call It? Tips on Titles
When titling your work, name something that’s actually in the story, so that your audience or reader buys a ticket or a copy with an excited sense of what’s to come. You have a choice of three elements: Setting, Character, Theme/Genre.
read moreWhat To Do If Your Writing Veers Away From Your Inspiration
McKee teaches the importance of listening to your subconscious when writing, and how for talented writers the real story is already written; their job is to get out of its way.
read moreIs the Market Finally Opening Up to Original Stories?
Robert McKee on the folly of following trends, and how writers need to stay true to the story they are trying to tell.
read moreWhy Is Education Necessary for a Talented Writer?
Robert McKee discusses the difference between copying and creativity, and why writers who don't study the form risk unconscious plagiary.
read moreMust a Protagonist be in Conflict with Every Other Character?
Robert McKee discusses the potential conflicts a character may experience, and the nature of story principles versus rules.
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The Third Murder (2017)
This courtroom drama delivers a fine reworking of the Open Mystery. We know who committed the murder but not why. The storytelling builds curiosity by making us guess between at least six different whys and the possibility of innocence.
read moreIs Writing Getting Better?
Robert McKee discusses how in spite of the occasional great film (in this case IRON MAN 3) the best writing can now be found on television.
read moreHow Should Writers Handle Rejection?
McKee suggests how writers can re-inspire themselves and persevere with their craft in the face of rejection and failure.
read moreHow Do Story Principles Apply to TV Writing?
McKee discusses how storytellers should approach character arcs and levels of conflict when writing for television.
read moreFact, Fiction, and Truth in Storytelling
Robert McKee discusses the difference between ‘fact’ in documentaries and ‘truth’ in fiction, with reference to great works such as EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP and ROGER AND ME.
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