I'm pretty much a "pantser" and I struggle with plotting, so I'm really trying with this book. But it isn't resonating with me. It seems like Truby makes a lot of "always" statements that don't end up being true. In Ch. 3 he says, "a character with a moral need is always hurting others in some way at the beginning of the story." But he's just given the example of Silence of the Lambs, and I can't think of any way in which Clarice is hurting other people at the beginning.
I also picked up The Art of Character and I think that will be more up my alley. But I'm trying to stick with this because I want to learn and I have enormous respect for you as a writer and podcaster (I read Daughters of the Merciful Deep for a book club and then found your podcast!). OK, thanks. Rant over.
Yes, his "always" statements are grating for me as well! It's so clear that there are no hard and fast rules in writing. I think there's always tidbits we can pick up from most writing books, but it's perfectly okay if this one isn't for you. We'll be doing The Art of Character next! And thank you!!
Thank you for sharing this! I took a screenwriting class over a decade ago and used to own Truby's book. This is the reminder I needed to pick it up again. I've always felt a little constricted with the 3-Act Structure, so Truby's approach resonates with me. I've been sitting with a story seed for a paranormal romance since 2023 (and drafting notes for it). I find it helpful but I also know that for me it can be a trap. If I stay in that space long enough, I end up not completing the story or novel. I'll keep following along with this Truby series you're doing!
I agree about sitting with something for too long. Knowing when you're ready to write and when you're just procrastinating by doing more planning is crucial. And really difficult :)
I'm pretty much a "pantser" and I struggle with plotting, so I'm really trying with this book. But it isn't resonating with me. It seems like Truby makes a lot of "always" statements that don't end up being true. In Ch. 3 he says, "a character with a moral need is always hurting others in some way at the beginning of the story." But he's just given the example of Silence of the Lambs, and I can't think of any way in which Clarice is hurting other people at the beginning.
I also picked up The Art of Character and I think that will be more up my alley. But I'm trying to stick with this because I want to learn and I have enormous respect for you as a writer and podcaster (I read Daughters of the Merciful Deep for a book club and then found your podcast!). OK, thanks. Rant over.
Yes, his "always" statements are grating for me as well! It's so clear that there are no hard and fast rules in writing. I think there's always tidbits we can pick up from most writing books, but it's perfectly okay if this one isn't for you. We'll be doing The Art of Character next! And thank you!!
I just finished Make a Scene which was excellent. Now I have another fun craft book to dive into. Cool.
Awesome! So far, I'm liking this one as well.
Thank you for sharing this! I took a screenwriting class over a decade ago and used to own Truby's book. This is the reminder I needed to pick it up again. I've always felt a little constricted with the 3-Act Structure, so Truby's approach resonates with me. I've been sitting with a story seed for a paranormal romance since 2023 (and drafting notes for it). I find it helpful but I also know that for me it can be a trap. If I stay in that space long enough, I end up not completing the story or novel. I'll keep following along with this Truby series you're doing!
I agree about sitting with something for too long. Knowing when you're ready to write and when you're just procrastinating by doing more planning is crucial. And really difficult :)
Thanks for following along!