To Tell a Story

To Tell a Story

For Writers

A Preptober process using John Truby's The Anatomy of Genres

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Nicole Wilbur's avatar
Nicole Wilbur
Sep 30, 2023
∙ Paid
  1. Read the chapters for the genres that interest you (probably 4-5 chapters).

  2. Identify the greater themes he states about each of these genres and use them as brainstorming points - free write about these topics for 5, 10 minutes each. What is interesting and meaningful to you?

    Action: Being is competing, fighting, winning and losing.” Does the hero stand & fight for what they believe in or flee and stay alive? You must always take action to defend your value and live a succesful life OR Beware of using immoral means to gain greatness

    Comedy: It’s about facades people put up, how they screw up, why certain actions don’t work. Do you lie or show your true self? We grow only be embracing ourselves as we really are and accepting the world as an imperfect and endlessly funny place.

    Gangster: Corruption. About the trap of thinking freedom = money, it’s about wanting a sense of control. How do you succeed in the city world without losing your soul? If you act as if sucess is all about money and you do anything to get it, you will destroy yourself & your family.

    Fantasy: Being is struggling to realize one’s potential. How do you live with style, spontaneity, and freedom? Freeing yourself to live with joy is the way to have a successful life.

  1. Choose 1-2 “masterworks” in each of these genres.

Action: Ocean’s 11

Comedy: Devil Wears Prada

Gangster: The King’s Speech, The West Wing

Fantasy: Mary Poppins, Chronicles of Narnia


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