7 Story Elements

[@MrWayout55]

At 67 I've started to write my first fiction novel and I would like to thank you for all the help you can give.

[@MrWayout55]

The CC killer

[@MrWayout55]

@PC Virus 4,000 words and going to 50k+

[@vowelsounds6312]

Me too! Although I actually started writing when I was 65. Jerry has helped.

[@bigorange2082]

Best wishes and good luck!!!

[@johnlakey4983]

Thanks. My childhood was FILLED WITH Drama, Conflict, intriques and tension. I was always resentful of how I was raised...until now.

[@thomasallison4858]

What a brilliant way to turn something unfortunate into something positive. Good on you :)

[@cosmicprison9819]

Conflict being the engine of stories is one of the most misunderstood elements nowadays: Rather than characters having fundamental disagreements in a respectful manner, a lot of TV shows do the opposite: They have characters fighting with each other in childish manners over petty trivial things. It’s as meaningless as showing characters having the amicable chat you described (small talk), but also without the warm fuzzy feelings those scenes offer as a redeeming quality. Hollywood writers mindlessly follow the mantra “the more conflict, the better”, but it’s conflict without substance.

[@amostake]

Good point. I can see that now. One of those things that is only obvious after someone points it out.

[@WanjiruWaithaka]

You don't post often but when you do...Bam! Gold right there. Definitely sharing this.

[@maxleroux]

You're not wrong about head hopping, Jerry. I tried getting into Jean M. Auel's Earth's Children novel series a while ago and it was just impossible for me to stay invested after The Clan of the Cave Bear. It was like I could read the minds of every main character in each chapter all at once. The way it goes back and forth like that was not easy to follow along with. 🐻

[@josephcusumano2885]

I LOVED the Earths Children's novels.

[@historywatch-4U]

That's actually how older writers used to write. I think there's a knack to it though.

[@StatmanRN]

The rule I follow is to tell the story from the most appropriate characters POV, usually confined to one per scene. However, there ARE times the story is more effective shifting POV to more than one, perhaps several, within a scene, The frick is to utilize a line break and establish whose POV you are now in preferably in the first sentence or at least paragraph. You have to establish distinct characters and it requires some skill to pull it off. Use judicially.

[@opalfenwick3953]

Thanks Jerry, for helping me to realize why my stories keep dying before resolution--not enough conflict. Seeing it from a distance like this, I now can pull my scenes in tighter and my characters closer to better advance my plot without getting confused, losing momentum, or plotting the life out of it (fellow pantser here). Thanks for helping me plan for and preserve the motion c: You've helped me out of so many ruts. (I have loved your work ever since I read the Timberline Mysteries as a kiddo. Now I'm back as a writer to learn from the best.💜)

[@jethalaalchampaklaalgada7927]

We are glad that you are there for us inexperienced aspiring writers, I would request you to make a paid course were we can also get personal mentorship❤

[@kaylamorgan5175]

100%

[@AnnaMaledonPictureBookAuthor]

Jerry has courses, just check his website.

[@karencrider4894]

When it comes to good advice, writing is writing, no matter if it's for short stories, novels, or screenplays. It's all applicable... Thanks, Jerry

[@clintoreilly]

Thanks to Jerry Jenkins, my writing has improved to a confidence within my story.

[@christopherbriscoe8665]

As always, stella advice from the quintessential writing coach - Jerry Jenkins. God bless you, dear Brother.

[@ChronicleCrawler]

Concise, direct, and easy to understand. I needed this. Thank you so much Mr. Jenkins.

[@MrZkoki]

Thank you for the practical advice you are offering, which anyone smart enough can tell, that it comes from years of experience. No nonsense, just tried and true practices. Invaluable in my opinion.

[@victory4926]

THANK YOU JERRY JENKINS! AUGUSTA NIEDERAUER SOARES, Ph.D.

[@markg.3171]

I’m going to write a book using these guides to give to my psychologist so he can understand the history, see the symptoms, and then we can conclude the treatment with his input. My timeframe is March 2023 because is my date from the social security healthcare. My first line and cliffhanger: Let me tell you the time I escaped the psychiatric hospital. And how I got there. Based on a true story. The story of my life. I call it, the M theory.

[@jennykhanna7225]

Your first line seems interesting...

[@e_zee5902]

that first line has got me wanting more. I think you've got potential with this.

[@DC-sk8jr]

Thank you. Another brick in building that foundation made possible by this video.

[@dgduran8465]

Thank you Sir! Submitting my first story to a writer's group at the end of December.

[@rebeccagarba8413]

You're such a genius! I've learned so much from you. Thank you!

[@RC-fg7cd]

This video series is better than every writers "Masterclass"

[@siegeteamcweir6859]

Thanks Jerry, All important structural stuff. I know there’s a deep dive you do on POV, but the way that drives the story is almost more powerful that plot, IMHO. As examples, I’m thinking of two Orson Scott Card books; Ender’s Game and Ender’s Shadow. Card tells the same events in two separate novels. Just different points of view. (Ender and Bean). One would think the second story would be boring, because ‘we’ve heard it all before’. We know what happens, after all. But I’d say the second book is enormously more interesting than the first. POV makes all the difference. Knowing the plot already someone makes Bean’s version of it more fascinating. More poignant.

[@bookaholic1431]

Thank you for the guidance!

[@johnsullivan4413]

Thanks so, so much, Jerry. I am learning so much from you as I write my middle grade novel.

[@CarrynWKerr]

Thank you, Jerry! I thoroughly enjoyed watching this tutorial. You covered a lot of really useful information.

[@jerry4862]

Jerry - Thank you for this great tutorial about STORY. One of your students.

[@RakhimaImanaliyeva]

I started writing stories at 67. Thank you very much! Informative and helpful video!

[@christine6014]

Useful, efficient and to the point, as always! Thanks for sharing.

[@nazxa]

Thank you Jenkins

[@M3rtyville]

setting or area description are parts I struggle with. In a story where characters use the terrain to hunt, fight or hide, I feel there needs to be a certain level of understanding of the environment I feel

[@maggiekerr3319]

When I'm writing action or a scene where the character needs to fight or hide I focus on what the character is feeling, doing, and experiencing. The environment is described when the character looks for a place to hide or is attacked, remember to keep the environment as generic as possible so it doesn't take away from the character's experience. Its not an easy balance remember everyone's voice is different and unique just keep practicing.

[@M3rtyville]

@@maggiekerr3319 I just worry that it will feel like something came at a convinient time or out of "nowhere".

[@gaiusfulmen]

@@M3rtyville A little bit late, but maybe mentioning said elements beforehand very briefly could help with that. e.g., "[character] pushed forward through the bushes, stomach dropping out as one foot found the ledge they had been hiding. [He/She/They] hovered on the edge, wobbling and teetering before regaining [their] balance. Crawling down the slope flanking its side, [they] saw that the overhang was the roof of a small cave. [character] backed away before whatever snake or animal who might be hidden there could wake up." Then, later on when said character needs to make use of that spot, it would feel like they were being resourceful instead of making use of their plot armor. You might even have them remember it directly: "The fifty or so yards between them were quickly shrinking, even as [character] ran as fast as [they] ever had, legs ripping through the bush. [...] Off to [their] right loomed a stand of trees. Did they look familiar? In a flash, [character] remembered the cave they had nearly fallen into. Changing course, [they] made a beeline for the dense tangle of bushes, hoping they could lose [their] pursuers long enough to dive into the dark cave." Those are just examples (obviously you'd want to make sure the specifics fit your story, characters, style, etc) and full of clichés I don't have time to fix, but the general idea might be helpful. Anyway, good luck!

[@myrtlemaesimmons]

Mr. Jenkins, Thank you so much for these valuable helps! They are changing my writing for the better.

[@sarahlewis9052]

Thank you for sharing all of your insight and expertise with us.

[@taxiforanactress.thebook6082]

Thank you for everything I watch all the time 👍🙏

[@rebeccapayne7714]

Thank you so much for our videos, they are so helpful. I am learning so much from you. I am going to share this and all your videos with my writing group. I also enjoy your books so much. The Left Behind series is a great read I couldn't put the books down.

[@roseleesmith]

I am delighted to have found your KZbin channel. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. I've been looking for months for the very basics of book writing which you do simply and brilliantly. And your writer's guides are invaluable. You're definitely getting a mention in my foreword! :)

[@jelizabethpetrie6656]

Thank you for the centering of story’s goal.🎯

[@maggiekerr3319]

Always good to get back to the basics. Thank you for your video it helps me to figure out what or who or why things aren't working and your practical tips really help.

[@waltzingbird7934]

omg i was waiting for you to post on yt again!

[@dominicfarrell6346]

What a wonderful channel! Very informative video.

[@user-zu4jw3nj9c]

Well older experience is most important to me, getting realistic feeling that is the that people also feel the same.

[@mohammadmahdi4915]

Good to see you back; i genuinely missed you 👌

[@lauraroberts2250]

Always good advice. Thanks again.

[@khalliburtonross6301]

This You Tube series is not only affirming, but useful for this newcomer. It was good to learn I am on the right track! God bless-

[@landonpraught9170]

This was a great help thnak you so much .

[@vntblck6997]

Your videos help me a lot. Thank you!

[@elmoadorjr]

Hi! Jerry. I follow your videos everyday. I am writing a book. And i wish to ask if you can take a look at it and see how I can improve. That would really be a big help. Much love to you and your channel.

[@cashpat2000]

His guild member get this opportunity

[@miblartbookcoverdesign6193]

Stellar video, thank you for creating such useful content, Jerry Jenkins!

[@delusionaldreamer8332]

"Boring your reader is a cardinal sin." This. This should be what people preach.

[@jalalhama]

YOU ARE A GREAT MAN THANKS FOR ALL INFORMATION.

[@MediaAttorney]

Thanks Jerry! Great advice, as always!

[@leainlincoln759]

Thanks, Jerry! I learned a lot.

[@watertribeskye]

So helpful and concise!

[@ufomechanic11]

Thank you, Jerry 🤍

[@gabrielborda4449]

I’m loving your videos. Insightful and objective. Thank you for sharing.

[@cigar70665]

Always on point, and thank you for all your advice.

[@witness2018]

Thank you.

[@elleonorfrias3901]

Thank you, Jerry. You are indeed brilliant and I love every inch of this video content. Very helpful. Your new follower here. God bless and more power.

[@rhondaweaver4486]

Hey Jerry! So glad I found you. I'm working on my first novel and you've helped me so much. In my book, the town has many Hispanics. The police officer is very bigoted. I'm wondering if he uses racial slurs in his head, or under his breath, will I offend agents and readers? I need to express how bigoted he is for the story to work, as the woman he loves married a Hispanic and that man goes missing, leaving the officer a suspect. In this age of political correctness, how do you feel about using his slurs for me to prove to the reader that he's terribly bigoted?

[@bigsmoky3985]

I know I'm not Jerry but I think you shouldn't be too worried about having a character being offensive in your novel since it servers a purpose and it's part of his character. I think it would only be bad if you portray being racist as a positive or okay thing.

[@rhondaweaver4486]

@@bigsmoky3985 thank you!

[@bigsmoky3985]

@@rhondaweaver4486 you're welcome! If you ever publish it, I'd like to check it actually. The details you gave seem interesting

[@terrydaniels9126]

Good advice Jerry thanks

[@babyboomersdownunder]

Jerry, as always so informative. You are an inspiration to us all. Do you have any videos on how to find a good editor?

[@theothercomicguy]

Love your vids! Thank you.

[@juliet298]

Thank you Jerry.

[@shereegalek1030]

Thank you so much for your content! This channel is probably the best writing resource I’ve come across!! It’s super helpful!! 👏🏽🙌🏽 Also, I once got in trouble as a teen and my punishment was to read the first left behind book and write a book report on it lol I was grounded until it was done 😂 …. So, thanks. lol

[@emelaokwumary2600]

Thank you so much for giving so much for free.

[@lexier3014]

Thank you for making these videos. I just found your channel and I am so happy that I have!!

[@kamilla1960]

Thank you Jerry!

[@bizboomer]

Thank you!

[@lambofgod7772]

I just Awaken I need Ur Light. I have A Story 2 Full-fill.

[@rofernk4837]

If you watch this video 2x, you'll get something, I promise!

[@lynntoytrainmuseum8973]

7. Got it. Thanks! ✍️📕😇

[@Priscilla_Bettis]

Keeping setting description as a layered element rather than info dumping the description is tough for me. It sounds choppy when I try too hard to layer or inter-leaf.

[@AbbieMcfarlane]

this video was really helpful. is there any chance you'd be able to make a video on how to intertwine plots and characters to make the story more interesting and have more depth?

[@stillmindster]

Just subscribed! Thank you so much for posting this wonderful guide. So many useful lessons. A real gem!

[@pankhurikhanna-tl9zl]

Thank you sir 🙏🏻

[@karenbrown1449]

Thank you! I'm a sponge for your videos!! Is it OK if the antagonist is something other than a person? For example, a disease?

[@dorvrith]

Certainly! You could even personify the disease or plague itself

[@Nbrolfiwriting]

Thank you Jerry and hope your doing well!

[@TheShapingSickness]

Love this channel!!!

[@TrueGritProductions]

That was nutrient-dense!

[@create122]

How can we create a good beginning of the story?

[@clintcarpentier2424]

Anything that sets up the MC, the pace and the theme. Don't insult your readers' intelligence. If your first high octane scene is 14 chapters away, don't start your story in the middle of it. ["In the beginning there was WAAAAHHHRRRRR!!!", followed by 200 pages of brushing teeth and teatime, punctuated by how pretty the MC is, but she doesn't know it...] You're lying about the pace, they'll distrust your next book. Don't exposit, unless the scene itself demands it. There are plenty of places to exposit, the beginning isn't the place.

[@larryoxentine8310]

@@clintcarpentier2424 Good advice

[@chriscain8888]

I got an idea for a love story based on a memory...how do I write that

[@MeganCawley-Obeng]

Ive started writing "The Book of Lyfe" , am scared... my name was Lyfe... I think my storie can help people... this makes so much sence.. I was very young... I have many levels ... for other potential memoirs... need some stucture of where ro start.....

[@redronn1031]

Omg ! Just one hour late this time. 😁😁😁

[@terrydaniels9126]

Like Jerry is so true terry d

[@lorraineokie2054]

Saw your Book “ Left Behind” in Movie and it was very compelling for 2022 . I have be studying John Revelation 4 years with 4 different Scripture Teachers Jewish Rabbi Catholic Professor Assyrian Bishop . Your Book_Film provided visual feedback.

[@StudentTransformentor]

Jerry...i am writing a book which is both fictional and non fiction...i am benefitted by your videos...any advice for me

[@mr.diluaa8941]

Wow

[@nomnomnommy2955]

Does an antagonist have to be a person or could it be a situation or system?

[@ochanyaunogwu4101]

Please I'm looking for a book club to join, any suggestions?

[@thesigmafact402]

I didn't get a copy

[@docstockandbarrel]

👍🏻

[@lambofgod7772]

Knock knock ✊🏻

[@isawaninterestingthing...7597]

Who's there?

[@lambofgod7772]

God.

[@OfficeDuck-]

God who?

[@vitobergeman]

When you wrote the Left Behind series, you should have stopped people from thinking it is fact. You have led many people astray when it comes to knowing Jesus, because you let them think the book was factual. You should have discouraged people from treating the series as such instead of allowing that to perpetuate.

[@vermontmike9800]

Have you seen the movie “End of Days” or “Stigmata”? If so, did you think those were real? I think the reader takes most of the responsibility of figuring out fact from fiction.

[@sunnystiver2897]

🤘💕💋💋

[@chessenn491]

Selfless man.

[@karentogel1553]

Thank you!