Could the Inciting Incident Be Placed In a Flashback?
Robert McKee teaches the benefits and pitfalls of delaying your Inciting Incident, with reference to KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN and THE SIXTH SENSE.
Is it Necessary to Plan Your Story?
McKee discusses the benefits of planning your story and the dangers of “the Vesuvius school of writing”.
How Do I Write Natural Dialogue?
Robert McKee explains how poorly handled exposition can lead to ineffective dialogue.
Should an “Aspiring Writer” Ever Give Up?
Robert McKee discusses the time involved in mastering the craft, and how a writer should be pragmatic when assessing their career trajectory.
What Are You Willing To Risk?
How do you picture success as a writer? Whether you’re already writing an acceptance speech, or simply dreaming of seeing your work produced or published, new writers rarely consider the realities of achieving success.
What Is the Difference Between Mood and Emotion?
Robert McKee teaches the difference between mood and emotion, and which is more important in the telling of a story.
What Is the Negation of the Negation?
Robert McKee teaches how to work out the Negation of the Negation from your story’s core value.
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.
Should Risk Escalate as You Progress through a Scene?
Robert McKee explains risk and value in relation to building a scene beat by beat.
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.
Is 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.
Must 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.