"Story Genius" by Lisa Cron

"Lisa Cron's 'Story Genius' is the GPS for writers, guiding us away from common mistakes and toward the thrilling twists our stories deserve."

"Story Genius" by Lisa Cron is like a friendly guide into the heart of storytelling. It reveals the secrets that make stories irresistible. Lisa believes that stories are more than just words on a page; they're a magic spell that captures our minds. The book teaches you to start your story in the right place — at its beating heart. Lisa shares that characters are the real heroes, and understanding their desires and growth is the key to a captivating tale. She explores the emotional connection between readers and characters, unveiling the art of storytelling as a science. Through practical advice and real-world examples, "Story Genius" transforms the mystery of storytelling into a fun and accessible adventure for writers of all levels.

Here are the main thoughts from the book:

Stories Stick in Your Brain:

Idea: Stories are like magnets for your brain. They stick because we love them so much.

Start at the Heart of Your Story:

Idea: Before you start writing, think about what really matters in your story. Find the heartbeat of your tale.

Characters Are the Big Heroes:

Idea: In your story, characters are the main heroes. What they want is super important.

Wants and Needs of Characters:

Idea: Think about what characters wish for (like a dream) and what they have to learn (like an important lesson).

Feelings Make Stories Awesome:

Idea: Stories should make you feel something. If you really care about the characters, the story becomes much more interesting.

Watch Out for Mistakes:

Idea: Be careful about common mistakes. Sometimes, writers focus too much on what's happening and forget about what characters are thinking.

Stories and Your Brain:

Idea: Our brains really, really like stories. Knowing this helps writers make stories that people enjoy.

The Big Question in Your Story:

Idea: Every story has a big question. It's like the main puzzle that keeps the story exciting.

Add Excitement and Challenges:

Idea: Stories need excitement. Characters should face challenges and fight against something. This makes the story much more interesting.

Start Your Story with a Bang:

Idea: The beginning of a story should be super exciting. It's like a fireworks show that makes you want to know more.