22 Pixar Storytelling Secrets Every Writer Needs to Steal

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What makes Pixar’s storytelling so exceptional, resonating with audiences of all ages? Their mastery of crafting emotional, engaging narratives is something all writers can learn from, and former Pixar story artist Emma Coats has revealed 22 storytelling principles that any author can apply to their work. Today, I’m breaking down all 22 rules and explaining how each one can elevate your novel.
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PIXAR’S STORYTELLING RULES:
00:46 - 1. You admire a character for trying more than for their successes.
01:42 - 2. You have to keep in mind what’s interesting to you as an audience, not what’s fun to do as a writer. They can be very different.
02:33 - 3. Trying for theme is important, but you won’t see what the story is actually about until you’re at the end of it. Now rewrite.
03:28 - 4. Once upon a time there was __. Every day, __. One day __. Because of that, __. Because of that, __. Until finally __.
04:52 - 5. Simplify. Focus. Combine characters. Hop over detours. You’ll feel like you’re losing valuable stuff but it sets you free.
05:40 - 6. What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the opposite at them. Challenge them. Make them respond.
06:20 - 7. Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.
07:06 -8. Finish your story, even if it’s not perfect. In an ideal world you have both, but move on and do better next time.
07:51 - 9. When you’re stuck, make a list of what wouldn’t happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.
08:24 - 10. Pull apart the stories you like. What you like in them is a part of you. You’ve got to recognize it before you can use it.
09:28 - 11. Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, just an idea, you’ll never share it with anyone.
08:24 - 12. Discount the first thing that comes to mind. And the second, third, fourth…Get the obvious ones out of the way. Then surprise yourself.
10:59 - 13. Give your characters opinions. Passive/malleable might seem likable as you write, but it’s poison to an audience.
11:55 - 14. Why must you tell this story? What’s the belief burning within you that your story feeds off of? That’s the heart of it.
12:39 - 15. If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.
13:17 - 16. What are the stakes? Give us a reason to root for the character. What happens if they don’t succeed? Stack the odds against them.
14:11 - 17. No work is wasted. If it’s not working, let go and move on - it’ll come back around to be useful later.
14:41 - 18. You have to know yourself: the difference between doing your best and fussing. Story is testing, not refining.
15:24 -19 .Coincidences to get characters into trouble are great. Coincidences to get them out of it are cheating.
16:24 - 20. Take the building blocks of a movie you dislike. How do you rearrange them into what you do like?
16:48 - 21. You gotta identify with your situation and characters, can’t just write “cool.” What would make you act that way?
17:38 - 22. What’s the essence of your story? The most economical telling of it? If you know that, you can build out from there.
ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with nearly a decade of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey-whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
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[@bluenetmarketing]

Alyssa - You have some of the best writing information on yt. Thanks.

[@fräuleinniemand1871]

Once upon a time, there was a german soilder Heinrich Fromme. Everyday within four years he lived, fought, bled, cried, struggled and laughed in the Trenches of world war one. One day, the armistice was official and the war ended, leaving him and his comrades suddenly without a purpose anymore. Because of that, he feels unecessary for himself and the word. His family and his former life are dead. He has nothing, but a difficult promise given to a fallen friend. Because of that, he joins his comrades going to a foreign city in germany. He evolves the goal, wanting to live a normal life, but the war has damaged his soul. During the first days back in germany his PTSD evolves and throws him away from his goal. He more and more feels, Like he has forgotten how to live. meets a woman, they get married, become parents and have to manage life during the great depression in germany and Heinrichs battle againat his PTSD. Until finally they manage to life a normal life as a family. Heinrich could not get rid of his PTSD, but he accepts, that it's a part of him and he tries to life, without his trauma standing in his way. He realises, that he definitely did not forgot how to live.

[@IchNachtLiebe]

A huge challenge in writing and storytelling: We all want to be unique and stand out, but that doesn't always have good results. Some formulas help make things work. We don't have to use a formula verbatim, but it's a good idea to use the formulas as a foundation and just put a drop or two of uniqueness on top. At least, if the goal is marketablity. My first draft was very unique in a bad way. It stood out, and after watching many hours of channels like this and interviews with published authors, I had to accept that the "flair" I was trying to put in was going to make my story sizzle into the obscurity of the saturated market. Humility is a big key on the keyring of making successful works. My ideas aren't as special as I'd like to convince myself of. I'll try to follow not perfectly in the footsteps of successful predecessors but parallel to them until I've developed enough skills to branch out and take bigger storytelling risks while still hitting the mark.

[@tearstoneactual9773]

"Why must you tell this story?" - I hate that. Most of the stories that come to mind for me, aren't based on any "emotional truth" or any such bullshit. (Though they might develop that in the end, but that's incidentally.) For me, I dunno. It just seemed like a cool idea. Cool/good characters, in an interesting/unique situation, trying to get something done. I don't have something I "want to shout from the rooftops" as Abbie Emmons might say. This is just a story I might want to read. The rest just kind of gets layered in afterward or subconsciously. Why do "you" (generic second person) feel the need to place a value judgement on something so extremely subjective?

[@ericericson4]

I agree, The story starts as a concept or an idea. If it is interesting, I may craft it into a story. I don't start off with a story I want to tell.

[@fluffyspunsugar]

I have a serious question about revisions, and I feel kinda dumb asking. What is considered a revision, exactly? After your first draft, and you go to revise, are you opening a blank document and rewriting the whole thing with the first draft as a guide? I will go in to the original draft and edit, remove, and add, but if I open a blank document with the intent on revising the draft, I sometimes end up writing a completely different story. So I guess I'm confused about that process. Thanks for any insight.

[@susischaeferart8474]

So good, thank you! Downloaded and saved 😀👍

[@pixel325]

12. That's exactly what I am doing right now. I've written a fantasy novel at around 99800 words, third draft. And I'm planning and developing the second book as I'm also writing the query letter to send out, thinking it's a good idea to be able to say novel number two is in development should anyone want to pick up the first novel. At least that is my thought process. Thanks for the video, some really good advice in here. :)

[@larssjostrom6565]

2. You have to keep in mind what’s interesting to you as an audience, not what’s fun to do as a writer. They can be very different. This is exactly what I right now am doing while editing my WIP. I am doing it much earlier for my upcoming project so it won't need to get fixed afterwards.

[@xcherry92x]

I think this is my favourite video that you’ve ever done! I loved it. So helpful. Thank you!!! 🥰 Also girl, you are glowing here! 🤩 That foundation is amazing on you!! 😍

[@InvestigatingDavidCrowley]

Oh my goodness! Where do I begin???? Due to the critique/advice from the Editorial Assessment of my novel, I have seen where getting rid of some of the things that I thought were necessary actually developed the story on a deeper level. Taking out huge chunks of the novel and replacing it with character development for the MMC, the story is much stronger and the plot is starting to make sense. It's a far cry from how the story originated; however, it will be better when the story is complete. There's so much more I want to say, but it would take the entire comments section to relay it all. Suffice it to say, I want to thank you, again, for your insight and your help in guiding the writers of the world to create amazing and memorable stories.

[@joevaldez6457]

I'm prewriting my second novel and most of these tips are a great way to get the pen moving, Alyssa. I'm sure that as my developmental editor, you knew that, and put out this video. Thank you!

[@rowan7929]

I always start of by creating the characters with their flaws and strengths. Then the story. After consulting with you, I know I should have less characters at the beginning and show more emotions. This will help with future writes.

[@itsbrimeeks]

One upon a time there was a journalism student named Djuna. Every day, she hyperfocused on graduating from college and beginning her career. One day, she learns about a fascinating historical family who made an impact throughout the decades. Because of that, she meets Mina. Because of that, she uncovers an incredible secret. Until finally, she realizes that sometimes simply knowing something is worth more than the money or glory that could come from trying to monetize it.

[@TheEccentricRaven]

A lot of these Pixar tips are good advice I've heard given to writers that I like to reiterate ❤

[@UrbanSwagger]

A blueprint for success. Thanks!

[@brandonhughes179]

Alyssa, I'm trying to get the Self Assessment, but I don't see where on the web page to put my email address. Think maybe the site hid it somehow? How to get? Or maybe it shows up better on a desktop than on a phone?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Try signing up at this link and if you don't get it, send me an email at [e-mail]! www.chapter-break.com/

[@thehouseofVEGA]

Love the video and love your too with the pearls

[@samfowler2073]

2:25 - James Joyce: bet?

[@webbsamples]

Number nine.