Master the Art of Storytelling with Story Genius - Book Review

Master the Art of Storytelling with Story Genius - Book Review

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Why I Procrastinated Reading "Story Genius"
3. The Main Content of "Story Genius"
4. Pros of "Story Genius"
5. Cons of "Story Genius"
6. Comparing "Story Genius" to Other Craft Books
7. Conclusion

Article: Unlocking Your Story's Potential With "Story Genius" by Lisa Cron

Introduction: As a writer, I'm always looking for ways to improve my craft and enhance the storytelling experience in my work. That's why when I came across "Story Genius" by Lisa Cron, I was intrigued. This book promises to go beyond outlining and delve into the why of our stories, helping writers create more meaningful and connected narratives. In this article, I will share my thoughts on "Story Genius," its main content, pros and cons, and how it compares to other craft books.

Why I Procrastinated Reading "Story Genius": Like many writers, I have encountered my fair share of craft books that seem to overemphasize what not to do and fail to provide practical advice. Initially, I had a lackluster attitude towards "Story Genius" and procrastinated reading it for a whole month. However, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to give it a chance. Little did I know that this book had some surprising insights waiting for me.

The Main Content of "Story Genius": "Story Genius" focuses on using brain science, albeit not in the traditional sense, to create captivating narratives. Lisa Cron takes a different approach and centers her book around the emotional core of storytelling. Rather than simply discussing story structure and writing techniques, she dives deep into the why of our stories. The book's premise revolves around the importance of context, the emotion-driven through line, and making the story feel meaningful and connected.

Pros of "Story Genius":

1. Fresh Perspective: "Story Genius" provides a refreshing take on storytelling, addressing elements that are often overlooked by other craft books.
2. Concrete Methodology: The book lays out a clear and actionable process, guiding writers from generating ideas to constructing their narratives.
3. Applied Examples: Unlike traditional craft books, "Story Genius" uses an applied example, showcasing the author's friend who follows Lisa Cron's method. This approach gives readers a deeper understanding of the thought process behind crafting a story.

Cons of "Story Genius":

1. Writing Tone: At times, the writing tone in "Story Genius" feels off, with instances of shallow or inaccurate examples. These instances are relatively rare but might be a minor annoyance for some readers.
2. Sense of Incompleteness: The book could have delved further into the middle section of storytelling, leaving some readers wanting more guidance for the remaining scenes of their novels.

Comparing "Story Genius" to Other Craft Books: When compared to other craft books, "Story Genius" stands out for its character-driven and emotion-driven approach. It complements books like "The Story Grid" and "The Anatomy of Story" by focusing on the importance of a point or controlling idea. Pairing "Story Genius" with a more structurally focused craft book can result in a well-rounded understanding of storytelling.

Conclusion: Overall, "Story Genius" by Lisa Cron is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. It offers a fresh perspective on storytelling, provides a concrete methodology, and uses applied examples to enhance understanding. While it may have a few drawbacks, such as the occasional writing tone issue and the sense of incompleteness in terms of middle scenes, the benefits outweigh these minor flaws. I highly recommend "Story Genius" for writers seeking to unlock their story's potential and create more meaningful narratives.

Highlights:

• "Story Genius" delves into the emotional Core of storytelling, going beyond outlining and focusing on the why of our stories.
• The book provides a fresh perspective and a concrete methodology, guiding writers throughout the storytelling process.
• Applied examples featuring an author's friend using the method demonstrate the thought process behind crafting a story.
• The occasional writing tone issue and sense of incompleteness may be minor drawbacks, but they do not diminish the overall value of "Story Genius."

FAQ: Q: Are there any concrete writing exercises in "Story Genius"? A: Yes, "Story Genius" provides practical exercises for readers to apply the principles discussed, enhancing their storytelling skills.

Q: Would You recommend reading "Story Genius" as a standalone craft book? A: While "Story Genius" is a valuable resource, it is beneficial to pair it with a more structurally focused craft book to round out your understanding of storytelling.

Q: Does "Story Genius" provide examples from published works? A: Unlike many other craft books, "Story Genius" uses an example featuring the author's friend, showcasing the thought process behind crafting a story.