On this blog every Tuesday and Friday I write about story techniques, structure, and/or publishing. Comments and questions are welcome. I also have a personal blog, Amy Deardon, on which I write about a variety of topics purely as they catch my fancy.

I've written one novel, A Lever Long Enough, that I'm honored to say has won two awards. In my life BC (before children) I was a scientist who did bench research.

My book, The Story Template: Conquer Writer's Block Using the Universal Structure of Story, is now available in both hard-copy and e-book formats. I also coach would-be novelists and screenwriters to develop their story. YOU CAN CONTACT ME at amydeardon at yahoo dot com.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Story Stakes










For your story, you also need to describe WHY this goal is so important to the protagonist. If it isn't important, he could just go home and eat dinner instead of knock his socks off to achieve.

Examples:
Romeo and Juliet: If Romeo and Juliet fail, Juliet will be forced to marry against her will, and she and Romeo will probably never see each other again.

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The Wizard of Oz: If Dorothy fails, she will be stuck forever in the strange landscape of Oz, never again seeing her family.

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The Hunt for Red October: If Ramius fails, he and his officers will be executed for treason.

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The Fellowship of the Ring: If Frodo fails, the entire Middle Earth will fall into chaos and horror under the dominion of Sauron.

In your story, why is the story goal so important to your protagonist? What horrible consequences will occur if your protagonist fails in his quest?
Posted by at 1:53 AM

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