The 10 Biggest Storytelling Problems (and How to Solve Them)

[@Snapslol]

Just for myself, don't mind me 1. We're not invested in characters, and we don't care what happens to them. 0:34 2. The story isn't built upon an interesting enough premise. 2:24 3. There's not enough conflict. The stakes are too low. 4:28 4. The dialogue is clunky. The characters don't speak in distinctive ways. 6:01 5. The story doesn't build properly. It "peaks" too early. 7:25 6. There aren't enough surprises. The story needs more twists and turns. 9:12 7. Things haven't been set up or paid off properly. 10:59 8. The ending is unsatisfying. 13:36 9. You've broken the rules that you set up earlier in the story. 16:02 10. There's no emotional heart to the story. 17:34

[@michaelbrittain7445]

Thank you for taking the trouble to list these! How considerate of you! It's a real boon. Now all i've got to do is APPLY them......eh? What a helpful fellah Mark Crilley is! (and you too!)

[@dungeon-wn4gw]

"The thing about America is that we could tell a good story. As far as I'm concerned, we suck at it now. We don't tell stories, we tell situations, most of the Hollywood movies we see nowadays. A good majority of movies, you know all of what's going to happen by the first 10 minutes. That's not a story. A story is something that constantly unfolds." ~ Quentin Tarantino Although he's a movie director, he's also a writer at heart, and no matter what breed I think we can all learn from that statement as writers.

[@spaghetto9836]

Robin Hood and redistribution of wealth, the new Terminator and illegal immigration, Mortal Engines & 'Europeans are bad'. ...😐

[@digitalsketchbook4364]

This is why I want to produce, direct, and self distribute my own animated series. If you take your idea to a big company in Hollywood they'll probably take away creative freedom from the creator which is sad. As picky as they are with what types of movies and shows they want it seems like most of them are the same. At this point it seems like they are running out of ideas

[@CrimePaint]

#9 is underrated. How many times have we seen the hero beat the god-level villain because of "power of friendship" or "plot armor."

[@digitalsketchbook4364]

COUGHS* My Little Pony

[@ryanlong9800]

Literally fairy tale summed up in a sentence

[@JustinMsp-qm8oc]

i absolutely love that i watched you for inspiration almost eight years ago and that i can come back for the memories and you’re still active

[@dungeon-wn4gw]

There's this character in Pulp Fiction played by Harvey Keitel. His character has a line in the movie that has always sstuck with me for reasons that the director of the movie or actors involved proabably didn't see themselves. The Wolf says to a girl, "just because you are a characer, doesn't mean you HAVE character." I feel like Tarantino was saying something with that line, or atleast I'm interpreting it, as a commentary on character writing. The idea that if you create a character and slap a bunch of quirky traits onto that character, then somehow that character will necessarily be full or meaningful, or 3 dimensional, is I think very mistaken. At a certain point, characters can feel too overly crafted when we try so hard to create memorable and complex characters. Anyways. That's a thought.

[@dungeon-wn4gw]

@Trin Silvers Well said.

[@PudgeySeal]

Clichés that need to die: Character in a sports story gets injured and is told not to play, but plays anyways risking permanent damage for one time glory. Overdone cliché: Person A helps person B get with person C, only for person A and person B to ultimately fall in love with each other (Toradora did it best, and no one can top that so it just needs to stop)

[@LeyahCheney]

I think the sports one, if done right, could be pretty good.

[@PudgeySeal]

@@LeyahCheney I disagree, it's just stupid. It shows how shortsighted the character is, and it makes me hate them on the spot. It doesb't make sense to risk your entire career on one highschool match for an injury that can heal quickly if you just let it be

[@LeyahCheney]

@@PudgeySeal I think that risk, if the character is built enough correctly can be very good. Are the stakes for that moment high enough to risk your career? If it is, and they make the decision I think it could be worth it. Depending on how the author builds it. Is it the last time this character is able to play with this team? How much does the team mean for them? Maybe risking their entire career just to win that one tournament is enough to satisfy them. Depends on how its written. I think it could show the character's love for their team and drive to win with said team. But there are some instances where it doesnt fit the character at all, and thats where I have a problem with it

[@ShaquanVirse]

Love Toradora

[@100lovenana]

The only time the sports cliche made sense in context was in the anime Free! Eternal Summer. It's the second season of Free so even mentioning which character goes through it could be spoiler, but it was technically his last chance to play that sport alongside the friends he loved. It was more of a "now or never" situation, so it was ok.

[@viizualares6890]

Haven’t watched a Mark Crilley video in forever, but my God do I love this channel.

[@scepx81]

damn i havent visited your channel in 7 years and you still going strong

[@LuckySketches]

Speaking of the show "Living with Yourself", consider checking out the webtoon "Live with Yourself" by Shen. Not only is the title similar, but it also involves the main character living with other versions of himself. However, in this case it isn't a single clone but himself from three other points in time: the near future (a couple of days), the distant future (him as an old man), and the past (him as a baby). Each version has a unique personality and unique time-altering properties. And of course because it's written by Shen it's a masterwork of intricate plot woven under fun episodes.

[@QuincyKane]

As much as I love Old Man Time Lapse, he was not the "only" good thing about this video (but don't tell him I said that!)

[@daricart1174]

Hi markcrilley, I've found your videos 8-9 years ago, and you've been one of my greatest inspirations in drawing and storymaking. You got me started with art and inspired me to make my own stories after I found out about Brody's Ghost. I'm so glad this channel is still alive after all this time. Thank you so much. I hope you are doing well recently!

[@robertmungin6222]

This is the problem with a lot of movies today

[@gensischosen251]

Robert Mungin also Anime too like Sao main character that we don’t care the characters

[@brandonkeisler86]

Videos like this are dangerous. If you have too many questions about your own story, maybe you need to ask yourself if you actually have a story to tell. People who don't, end up telling stories about other stories that mean nothing. Tell your own story your own way. That's the only way your voice will rise from the surface of mediocrity. That being said, it's all great advice.

[@DoomguyIsGrinningAtYou.]

I suppose I have to take your advice since you are BATMAN after all.

[@justsomeonewhoalwayspassin6066]

@@DoomguyIsGrinningAtYou. 😂😂😂

[@blackwood9782]

not sure if I necessarily agree but you make a point.

[@debarjo]

Well, Batman, I've always felt, if you don't have questions, you don't have a story...

[@serenitysadventure6508]

I love your art so much Crilley! It’s very hypnotizing and relaxing to watch you draw!

[@LifeWithKevinB]

Mark, I have watched most of your videos. I rarely comment, I always enjoy your commentary. I finally now am one of your supporters as well as an avid fan! I bought your book Mastering Manga while buying my next sketchbook! Please keep up the great work.

[@Sognametall]

Finally found you. You're still alive after 4 years.

[@equesdeventusoccasus]

Will you ever sell prints of your works, or better yet, sell a coffee table book of the best of your sketch books? A pictorial biography, so to speak.

[@mangamaniac7848]

I've been subscribed for a while and I must say that your videos helped me so much. They get all the cobwebs out of my gears and really start to think about my stories. Thanks Mark!

[@michaeletheridge3817]

I just got my mastering manga book in the mail today. After following along with you on youtube for about 7 years, it feels great to finally have this book and to support such a great teacher.

[@aslaug271]

I have watched/listened to about six of your storytelling videos today, lots of good stuff. Since you mention the movie Parasite in this video, which you filmed before it won all of its awards, and you say that it is a good example of making the viewer "care" about the characters. I just have to say, Koreans are masters at this as many of their dramas show this. However, the one drama (for me) that tops all of the other 200+ kdramas that I have watched is Six Flying Dragons for this very reason. What is astounding to me is how close they stick to the actual historical events and yet tell one of the best stories I have ever seen, heard or read.

[@alra1033]

Awesome job Mark! And Parasite was a fantastic movie, my friends and I watched it last Saturday and we were hooked

[@positiveproductions6699]

Would you ever consider a video on why guidelines are needed and how to draw them best? thanks

[@lthomasunity5394]

Rules are important to making your story work and pay off. Establishing the rules of your book, comic, film, or of any other storytelling medium is vital to success. Many modern stories establish these rules only to break them later in the adventure. This is different from a twist or a revelation and often has the effect of lessening the experience.

[@Sketch_Sesh]

Mark, they need you in Hollywood to help them write good stories

[@Thollis1987]

No, he's too good for them. Hollywood might toy around his Brilliant idea to something janky.

[@crystalmccoy1614]

I remember watching your videos in elementary school, and you were my biggest inspiration and helpful guide in drawing. I just saw a drawing that reminded me of your art and knew I had to come back. So glad to see that you are still making videos :)

[@ferretface]

Thanks for the great talk, Mark. One of the big problems I still have is that I don't want anything bad to happen to my characters.

[@PochotheEntity]

CANT GET ENOUGH TIPS FROM YOU MARK

[@Dinoslay]

Been working on a comic for a few years now and have found these questions relevant. It isn't an easy task to come up with a story that flows organically even when you have a mental image of how it should go. It's often a good idea to write a detailed summary of the entire storyline so you can go over it and refine it again. Think of it as a bible that helps guide your comic/animated movie.

[@emeraldqueen1994]

For an example of four characters with very different ways of speaking, look at Ignitus, Volteer, Cyril, and Terrador in the Legend of Spyro trilogy you can tell which one is talking just by listening to their voices (there are 3 characters: Spyro’s dad, one of the Guardian dragons, and the first friendly character you meet in the last world, who all have different voices but we’re all voiced by the same person)

[@TheJBpics]

Thanks, for the advice 🙂 I'm in the middle of writing an outline for a series I hope to start in the next 6 months. Gonna borrow some of that knowledge 😁

[@icecreamhero2375]

I agree with most of it except for premise it really doesn't matter the characters are most important.

[@AporiaLester]

Sees markcrilley STORYTELLING related video title, insta click + like!

[@guitarwizard85]

'The ending is unsatisfying' **cough cough**Game of Thrones**cough**

[@lucaslolz]

Stop reminding us, it hurts

[@veggsbacon1891]

*cough* diksney star wahs *cough*

[@kennaks1021]

This is honestly PERFECT timing. I REALLY want to make a comic for funzies and I have a vague idea for what I want it to be about, but I needed some guidance.

[@Antank8]

wow this helps a lot with essays i have to write for school thank you so much!!! pls dont ever take this down, lie

[@kedlubnabrambor2641]

You inspire me, to start creating on my own manga... Why i'm here to say my thanks to you.

[@DARKGORZ]

Talking about dialogue: Anyone looking to write a "slice of life" story with little to no action, watch Lucky Star, and Azumangah Daioh. Great starting points to pick up on comedy and personality in such characters

[@Bighugehorse]

Thinking of making a short comic myself after becoming extremely inspired by webcomics ; this video is very useful for me! I only have concepts right now, so plenty of time to flesh it out..I'm very excited to get started!

[@Renny_7777]

Hello there! I've been lurking on your channel for a few months now and I love every bit of the advice you give on art and storytelling. I've had a question though. When making a comic or graphic novel like Brody's Ghost, do you start by writing the whole story, then go in later and illustrate it? Or do you do it piece by piece; drawing while writing at the same time? Maybe you or this lovely community could share some knowledge on this? Thank you for all the help!

[@LeyahCheney]

From personal experience, if you dont have atleast 10-15 chapters done before drawing, you can run into some problems, like if you want to add a detail to better the story, or maybe fill in holes later on, you cant. It also becomes a big mess if you dont plan out your chapters before hand. I have a webcomic, and my first round of uploading, I wasnt careful enough with planning and the story didnt flow well. When you plan to write as you draw, have the beginning and end done, the middle doesnt have to be completely done, but make sure you have enough planned before drawing. Maybe have a list of major things then fill in between them a messy one or two sentence ideas, then polish a good amount of chapters where you think the idea is solid, it should be a little easier later down the line.

[@Renny_7777]

@@LeyahCheney that's super helpful! Thank you so much :) I was wondering if anyone would respond. I've been toying with the idea of some kind of comic, but wasn't sure where to start. Thanks again!

[@LeyahCheney]

@@Renny_7777 of course! When I write stories, i usually have a hard time putting everything together, so I understand^^ its okay to take your time with it, it'll be very difficult if you rush it! Good luck!!!

[@michaelbrittain7445]

Mark actually ANSWERS you question directly in "6 Things I've Learned from 25 Years in Comics" video. He basically says BOTH! You will have to watch the WHOLE video to see what he means! 🙂

[@Grant_S_M]

Hi, Mark. I'm just a random old guy. I know that hundreds of thousands of young people (and old) watch your videos, and more importantly, listen to your words. This gives me a lot of hope for the future. The world benefits in a lot of ways because of great teachers who are also good people, like you. Thanks for doing what you do. :)

[@starkillhazard9478]

I think you should make a livestream or a series of videos in wihch you make a comic,manga from scratch. I've watched the videos you made and thaught that if you make a video in which you make a short story or smh and draw that it can be like a finishing thing where you use the things you told us to use. It would definitly help to see it in action. (sorry for bad english)

[@Vivivofi]

A great idea; I’d love to see this too.

[@bigtimbolim]

#5 is Naruto. The best arc was the FIRST ONE!! and somehow they duped us for hundreds more episodes, and a sequel. lol!

[@Naomi-rf1bl]

still a great art channel...

[@nikoandmakikapoios4411]

I believe that in alot of stories if you put the stakes too high the heroes can't afford to fail and the audience knows that they will succeed. There are stories though that subvert this and the heroes fail like avengers: infinity war.

[@MrPokemon248]

Thank you for Miki Falls it's a great book series.

[@RJohannNewton1]

Great tips! Thanks.

[@wheelsrolling369]

When you talked about making characters sound and speak more distinctive my probelm is alot of my characters at the start of my story are all military so they have the same kinda way of being because they are all in the work so it's hard to make them sound different thsts my issue

[@jemskid7]

Kyle Jacobs Personality quirks, things that set the characters apart from each other, can help with that. For example, say one of the soldiers grew up in Texas and another in New York. People who would have lived in those states probably have different accents, different common phrases, and different beliefs. You can write those things to support or contradict whatever situation that comes across those soldiers.

[@wheelsrolling369]

@@jemskid7 thank you

[@jemskid7]

@@wheelsrolling369 No prob 👌🏼

[@icecreamhero2375]

Characers sounding differnet isn't litteral. Its one chaacter would act very differently to the same situation. Squidward hates working at the Krusty Krab but Spongebob loves it.

[@Lee-nd2jb]

Hey Mark ur the best! Thank you for being like u are!

[@calebxcuyugan]

Good video! Me and my friend are planning to start a comic company, and we’re both extremely excited to start. I find your videos very helpful, and I look forward to using this advice to possibly get somewhere with this whole thing. Someone reply if you’re from 15 ish years from the future that you’ve at least HEARD of us please! Oh, and one more thing. What would you prefer, 8 graphic novels, 24 double lengthened issues, or 48 regular issues? I frickin love superheroes, ESPECIALLY Spider-Man, so even getting the type of book right is important to me. Also, can you make a video about Superheroes?

[@lenjennings3096]

The first one happened to me regarding ALL the Harry Potter movies. I didn't read the books. After watching all 8 movies, I don't know why I would. I never cared about Harry Potter or his friends. I don't know why. Was it poor acting? Poor direction? Just plain poor storytelling? No offense to JK Rowling. Screen plays are NOT the same as the books. I do get that. It's amazing all these films got made. I suppose, in spite of all their flaws, they made a lot of money so people kept making them anyway. Just goes to show... money doesn't solve all problems!

[@MrsKirk2203]

At 6,7 and 8 I was constantly thinking of Game of Thrones

[@AleAle-jd4gr]

Que buenos trazos muy bonito el dibujo..

[@animegravy8024]

Woah, I am early and I needed this video!

[@ericduchesnes7340]

Very interesting !.. Thank you Mark !..👍 💖 🕊

[@MrPokemon248]

Frodo and Sam just walk into Mordor.

[@ne8116]

Hey can you please draw more animals? You are great at drawing😀

[@mishaelcalhoun1165]

I agree with each point, nice video. I feel like we dont see good stories from the west anymore, it's like everyone is too afraid to tell them... I liked brody's ghost though, From mark. It's just getting rare.

[@elinelaroy2288]

Hey! I love your videos, especially those on animal drawings Would it be possible for you to draw a wolf of the same style as the roaring tiger and the leopard? I know you've already made a video about a wolf but I especially like the style of the tiger that roars and the leopard

[@TheToneBender]

Can you draw JoJo?

[@Tlacoyo59a]

Is that a sepia marker ?

[@DevTheRay]

I just bought mastering manga today!

[@zaidkhaleel4991]

Nice art

[@rightoffthepage4942]

Do you have any advise on writing a story with a collaborative partner? I'm currently trying to write a story with a partner and we can't seem to agree on certain decisions, like what genre and time period the story should take place in. We have the characters, it's just the premise of the story we cannot agree on. If anybody else has any experience in this I'd be grateful to hear your responses.

[@dungeon-wn4gw]

Ugh that's a nightmare atleast for me it was. All I know is, a ship can't move forward without a captain, and a chess game can't be won without someone being above the other. This sounds cruel but it's my honest truth, you two need to figure out who is going to lead the collaboration and make the most crucial decisions. If that can't be decided, then I'd suggest putting the characters on a backburner untill just the right premise and story does those characters justice. I'd rather take my time and deal with things sparatically and come out with the best possible story than make a bunch of concessions so the process moves along. In the mean time, you two could be focusing on other hobbies or writing your own stories, and maybe at some point those ideas you had on the backburner will all fit and make sense. Hope this helps

[@rightoffthepage4942]

@@dungeon-wn4gw Thank you for your reply. I agree that we should put character building on hold till we can fix the premise. The problem with choosing who makes certain decisions is that I feel my partner falls on more of the creative side, while I'm more organizational. If either of us are left unchecked, the story becomes either too confusing or too bland. I'm sure we'll figure it out, but it's gonna take a while. Thanks for the advise.

[@tikibaybee1]

I think both of you should write out your stories separately and come together and prepare from there. There may be more room to compromise when you have more to work with.

[@rightoffthepage4942]

@@tikibaybee1 You know, we've been thinking about doing that very thing and with the responses I'm getting I think that might be the best route. Thanks for the input!

[@tikibaybee1]

@@rightoffthepage4942 no problem. Hope it turns out great

[@ShimmeryVain4u]

Im happy to see a vid from u again :) By the way, while watching this a question came to me. Im pretty much guilty of doing this, but when writing, proof reading and editing a story, ur happy with it and then publish or post it, but then after a few years, u read it again and more ideas come up, would u go back and edit it even after its first published?

[@mariostudio7]

This is really helpful!

[@Dumpspace]

Do you think you could write a comic book on how to write stories?

[@LifeWithKevinB]

Do you have a video regarding the new terms of service for creators?

[@riverthecrybaby9448]

Can you make a video about making anime drawings look more 3d rather than flat?

[@ymc_exclusive1]

Another hit

[@woohaa27]

I cooked some steaks once and added weed to it is that high enough steaks?

[@charlesrodriguez7984]

Oh my g...... XDDD 🤣🤣🤣

[@Chazzvc]

What's Mark Crilley going to do with his channel in 2020 involving the Coppa thing? I guess label everything as "for kids". I guess being demonetized wouldn't kill his career, He still has loads of books and a 3m following to advertise them to. Labeling content as "for kids" means no more comment section which is kind of a staple of many videos on his channel. There is a petition here www.change.org/p/youtubers-and-viewers-unite-against-ftc-regulation?signed=true which may or may not prevent the great cataclysm of youtube 2020.

[@BlackHei711]

A lot of this points at Star Wars lately. To be fair Star Wars has a massive lore and there's bound to be a few inconsistencies here and there. But when you realize Kylo Ren could have just forced choked Fin in the end of Movie 7, kinda brakes the immersion of it.

[@anishdhamankar635]

Please make video of how to make clothes of different countries

[@ramizshould]

Lovely

[@Charlie-uu2rl]

Nice

[@RenegadeStriker7]

The stakes in DC and marvel comics now are WAY too high man

[@DevTheRay]

Pshh half the universe dying isn't thaaaaaaaat bad...

[@RenegadeStriker7]

@@DevTheRay multiverse*

[@emmafrodl781]

Number 9 "example" Halloween town

[@jackmawbs]

Cool

[@pkphantom]

Look out for the FTC's newest bullcrap going into 2020 man

[@theomegadestructor4974]

I dont want him to go,this law is so unfair,he taught me everything!

[@annenesteban]

Over The Moon did that #9 mistake.

[@mariostudio7]

I have the basic structure of a story but can't decide about its beginning. And I'm stuck there for years. ☹️😔

[@Spooky799kil]

Have you tried beta readers or some assistance? People are willing to help of you reach out to them

[@tikibaybee1]

I had troubles when writing my opening. You can do flashback opening, pull an interesting section from part of the book as a hook in. You can also just start the story by starting your character day. Then brainstorm from there. Almost in my 4 year of writing and finally thought of it lol. Hope it helps

[@mariostudio7]

@@Spooky799kil I tried a beta reader once for a one-shot "testing version" of the main story (it was actually the backstory of some characters of the main story). I must say the review was helpful for the story but the opening gap is still there.

[@mariostudio7]

@@tikibaybee1 Since this particular story is not linear, it can be a little tricky to open with a flashback. I thought of using the 'in media res' technique and skip entirely the opening part but I'm afraid it will be a bit confusing for the reader who needs to get used to the characters first and less engaging.

[@Spooky799kil]

What's the most trouble you're having with the opening? Is it not grabbing readers attention? Is it too distant from the plot?

[@DoorHungry]

Hi mark chrilly i am faiyaz from robert granicb class please make brody season2 like the cyborg

[@scottyyay]

h

[@kanishkridla6975]

Please please make more videos of animals

[@nebulonicc]

*very politely sends this to Chibnall a thousand times*

[@GR3GORY90]

I was here when it has 1 view. These are pretty useful tips.

[@olianims]

JoJo seems to violate rule #9 repeatedly

[@ParasolMushroomStudios]

Well shoot now I feel like I need to rewrite my timeline

[@AgMak]

EARLY!!!

[@DoomguyIsGrinningAtYou.]

Disney Star Wars anyone?

[@ladyequinox]

When you mentioned the ending not being satisfying, I immediately thought about Avengers Endgame. I was NOT happy about that ending at all. So disappointing that they killed Black Widow and Tony.

[@Zenith1987]

Tony's was a great bookend to his origin story and Avengers 1, but Black Widow's death and send-off were very unsatisfying.

[@quiettornado1970]

Painting yourself to a corner

[@Lil_Bazyl]

This film is a evidence that Star wars 9 was not a good film

[@prpu3303]

Nice