The Key to Great Storytelling

Countless elements contribute to great storytelling, but one in particular will strengthen your story’s potency on a character, plot, scene, and sentence level. In this video, I dive into my personal theory for creating memorable stories, with examples from popular novels.
Text version of this video: / the-key-to-great-story...
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Opening Animation by Vitor A. Dupont
Title and End Music: “Clockwork” by Vindsvept - • Fantasy Music - Vindsv...
Background Music by Vindsvept:
+ “Illuminate”
+ “Light the Bonfire”
+ “Never to Return”
+ “The Journey Home”
+ “Through the Fog”
Audio Engineering: Matthew E. www.fiverr.com/matthewevering...
The Key (0:00)
Character (2:52)
Plot (5:33)
Scene (7:50)
Sentence (9:41)
Writing Exercise (12:40)

[@QuotidianWriter]

Yo! Long time no see. Below is the text version of the video. Thanks for watching! :) quotidianwriter.medium.com/the-key-to-great-storytelling-8df243ac13ab

[@cjpreach]

THE KEY TO GREAT STORYTELLING - is "movement." The story must progress. "If your audience can see that you are going somewhere, they'll get on the bus," says the late Fred Craddock, known for his oral storytelling.

[@QuotidianWriter]

Haha, such a great quote! Thanks for sharing!

[@blockbusstar]

Or u mean Oral creampies

[@soccerandtrack10]

Thats why the 2nd bad transformers movie with the galvatron plane megatron was better then the 1st 1 with the truck galvatron.(i didnt even remember rachet from the 1st 3 movies died.).

[@berryXjerry216]

*When the world needed her the most, she returned* ❤❤❤ Happy new year, Diane!

[@QuotidianWriter]

Happy New Year!!! :)

[@elizabethchen2348]

Nice to have you back, Diane! I'm excited for all the new content in the new year!

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much! It's good to be back, and I'm excited as well! Keep writing. :)

[@hippolyte90]

One key I think makes great storytelling is being RELENTLESS. Not all stories need to end with everyone being friends, the villains repenting and everyone given a fairytale happy ending. It is lack of relentlessness that often give birth to deux ex machina, bad plot twists and sudden, unrealistic character-developments. If your heroine the whole story through has been adamant that she doesn't want children, then don't make her pregnant and have a five-second change of heart in the last chapter. Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' is one of the most romantic stories of all time, but more than one married couple leave the reader wondering about their future happiness, and the villains doesn't get a divine punishment (in the case of Wickham who practically gets rewarded for his awful deeds.) 'Game of Thrones' became such a hit show in large part thanks to its relentless storytelling (at least until the last season) where bad things happened to good people, good things happened to bad people and everyone was the hero in their own story. It's the relentless stories, wether they end happily or tragically, that stays with people.

[@demetresaghliani9048]

I used to think the same and mock American media for its obsession on happy endings. Once, I heard someone ask, "What's the point of a story if it doesn't end happily?" I was appalled. Most of my stories were tragedies of some sort. But after reading a string of downers, I've begun to appreciate a nice ending that doesn't leave me depressed. I suppose it's about striking a balance, as with most things.

[@ivanbrave_]

Change is the key turned, the door creaking ajar, our reader stepping inside… great metaphor! Great video, too, TY Quotidian Writer

[@ayushisharma9038]

Once again this channel is back with a wonderful video! I believe that the key to great storytelling is to be one with the story, one must let the whole story flow from the soul to the mind and then to the fingertips. One must imagine before judging. And the process of judging should be as artistic as imagination. Thus, storytelling is basically logically telling the feelings and telling the logic with feelings.

[@oraclemedia9266]

I have missed your voice! It 's nice hearing you. So now I will continue watching the rest of ur new video!

[@luukbenschop1718]

I've missed that last sentence. The quality of your work is as sublime as it has always been. Happy 2024!

[@dubadduwariwari2033]

It's great to see ur new video! I think the key to great storytelling is to first be the characters of the story, then be the storyteller and finally being the reader or the listener of that story. In this manner one can view the story from perspective of everyone associated with it. Hope everyone who reads this has a good next year

[@12thDecember]

Welcome back, Diane. What a delightful year-end surprise. Great storytelling, for me, involves complex character development, a story that stays on my mind for days after I finish it, as I think about the people in it and how they lived their lives. I'm also fond of authors who can spin a good yarn, even if character development is somewhat flimsy. Here are three examples of books I've read recently that kept me immersed in the story. First, "What the Wind Knows," by Amy Harmon, a stellar interweaving of family history with the history of Ireland in the 1920s and a unique time travel undercurrent. There is a plot twist you will not see coming. Second, "The Last List of Mabel Beaumont," by Laura Pearson, a female protagonist in her eighties who is basically forced to come out of her shell when her husband unexpectedly dies. Brilliant character development, both main and secondary. I was impressed that the author depicted Mabel as vibrant, not frail. She is prone to secondguessing herself, a trait many of us share, and grows stronger in her own personhood as the story evolves. No stereotypes in this story. Third, for sheer entertainment, "The Housemaid," by Freida McFadden. The plot has holes big enough to drive a Mack truck through, but the plot also clips along at breakneck speed, with short chapters that tempt you to read "just one more." Next thing you know, it's midnight.

[@QuotidianWriter]

Beautiful! I'm definitely adding all of these to my to-read list! Keep writing. :)

[@Zelein]

To me the key has been structure. It has elevated many of the stories I've written to new heights, and helped me identify weakpoints and parts of the story that needed change. Not many years ago I wrote without a plan. I simply wrote on pure instinct, with no greater thought. Once I started structuring what I was doing, characters could suddenly be at odds with each other, and the story became at once both more dynamic in pacing and flow, while also gaining a core structure. It's actually kind of strange, but knowing where the story is headed has helped me tremendously

[@QuotidianWriter]

That's been true in my experience as a writer as well. Knowing the ending in particular has made my stories stronger because there's a defined "point," a purpose to the narrative. Thank you for sharing your journey. Keep writing! :)

[@TheRealReem0h]

New video to cap off the year!

[@nicholaslewis862]

Welcome back! A very well considered video. I particularly appreciated that you distinguished between change and conflict. Because conflict is the driving engine behind all stories, and because characters so often undergo changes over the course of the story, I started to conflate the two. Thanks for setting me straight!

[@t-helen-price]

Oh how I’ve missed these videos!!!!

[@JLHoskins]

Ah, what a great video to end the year off! My favorite part: "Whatever you do, keep writing!" To add onto the discussion, I believe the key to storytelling is contextualizing change through conflict. For example, there are some stories where characters start off as being rather bland and hollow; literal cardboard having more depth; and yet they stay exactly the same. However, interestingly enough, the story may recontextualize them as having ALREADY changed: they faced loads of conflicts in the past which caused them to change- thus strengthening their character, and giving weight to their perspective. Some stories show us a character, or location, that will change; as an audience we're left wondering one question: "Why?" We wanna know what conflicts caused the character(s) or setting(s) to change. What conflict occurred where they had to change? I think the most interesting part about it is that a story doesn't have to change at all... but audiences must BELIEVE they've changed. Like with SpongeBob for instance: SpongeBob will never get his driver's license, Squidward will never get a new job and move away from his annoying neighbors, and Plankton will never steal the krabby patty formula; nothing ever really changes in SpongeBob... But every episode presents an ILLUSION of change: what-if scenarios that could change the story. Perhaps what I said earlier also applies here: A story doesn't need to change, but could simply reveal that change has occurred.

[@QuotidianWriter]

Our past conversations truly sparked this video! That's a super interesting point about the illusion of change, especially when there's hidden backstory that reveals change that happened in the past. I think it speaks to how the story can change the AUDIENCE and/or their perception of the character rather than the characters changing in real time. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! :)

[@LS.356]

Great video, it's always nice to see you posting!

[@mikewietecha]

The serious amount of time and effort that you put into creating free content for people interested in storytelling is much appreciated - the research, the visuals, and your fantastic voice! Always happy to see a new video from you in my feed 🙏😊

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much, Mike!!! Your encouragement and enthusiasm mean a lot to me. I admire how you put the same time and effort into your own videos! :)

[@mikewietecha]

My videos suck hahah. Yours are actually awesome. I'll get better though lol@@QuotidianWriter

[@SonnySurreal]

I love your writing and dictation. It's a joy to hear you talk about what you do. Do you have any stories of your own? I'd be curious to see your teachings in action. I checked your website link and it unfortunately did not work :(

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Yes, I have a list of short stories, poems, and essays. The link in the description works on my end, but maybe try typing it in directly? www.quotidianwriter.com/my-writing Many of my short stories are only available in print or audio anthologies. My most recent story, "The Voice of Nothing," is available here for purchase: cosmichorrormonthly.com/store/pre-order-aseptic-and-faintly-sadistic-anthology/ I have a few stories available to read for free online, including this piece of flash fiction: paperbutterflyflash.wordpress.com/2022/02/01/diane-callahan-paradise-slipping-off-her-tongue/ And a recently published poem: visitantlit.com/2021/08/17/bodies/ I appreciate you watching the video and asking about my work! Keep writing. :)

[@felixfifeauthor]

Again you have simmered the writing craft into one fundamental element: change. Thank you so much for another great video! As a minimalist, I love this approach to writing, it really helps me examine my work on the sentence level and the big character arc level. I will carry this one with me for years to come. Thank you and best wishes

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for your kind comment! I'm so happy to hear the video was useful to you. Keep writing! :)

[@user-dm8pj7wh9o]

I've never commented on a video but this time I just had to. This video is just pure perfection! Thank you very much for your effort and the knowledge you provide us with. ❤

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much for stepping out of the shadows to comment! Keep writing. :)

[@ProjectMathesar]

Like a phoenix from the ashes she has returned just in time for the end of 2023!

[@garrett6064]

I can only tell you where my story failed. I thought i had everything, action, change, magic, a heist with a twist, a forbidden love, amazing world-building. What i dont have is that inner voice saying how the character feels or is thinking. Without that, it feels like eating a stale corn chip, still salty, but flavorless and dry.

[@QuotidianWriter]

That's a great epiphany to have, though! Now you know what you need to improve upon, and you can focus on bringing out that interiority. Keep writing, dig deep, and you'll find that inner voice for your characters. :)

[@jermainerucker2027]

Reminds me of the quote from Anais Nin “We write to taste life twice, in the moment, and in retrospect.” It’s nice to see your videos again. Writing wasn’t the same without you. I’m sure we all feel that way lol Hope this is a continuation of your content.

[@ned__schneebly]

keep up the good shit diane

[@olivierdelain4442]

I love it!

[@ErictheCleric1]

Excellent advice for a new dungeon master! (Dungeons and Dragons 🐉). D&D is multifaceted enough where you can test your skills in a game. Can’t wait to create another tempered with your wisdom 💡

[@AngelRoseHeaven]

Thank you

[@noahinamerica]

What better way to wrap up the old year and ring in the new than with a fresh new Quotidian Writer video? And what appropriate timing given you're covering the topic of change as a tool in (and purpose of) storytelling. I'm an adherent to this premise; whenever I outline a story, the point of the plot of speculative element is to guide my character's toward change and personal growth. I really appreciate the addition of the section on change through the design of a sentence and construction of a paragraph. Your rewriting of the passage from White Teeth reads very much like my own style. I'll consider this some more and focus on strengthening my prose using this advice in the new year. Very helpful!

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much, Noah!!! Reading your story as we speak...

[@cannonfodder4376]

For me, fantastic stories are when a writer picks one or a few interesting topics or themes and interrogates them and the characters. Break them apart and see whats interesting. Combine it with fantastic prose and tone, and that's where good stories are. They make you think and feel all while being engaging. A nice video to end the year on. 😊

[@QuotidianWriter]

Yes, I love that! Wonderful way of phrasing it!

[@one2.0_YT]

I love your videos so much

[@writethepath8354]

Always good

[@travisstoll3582]

Really liked your example/non-example of prose maintaining momentum.

[@JonathanOWest]

Dianeee, welcome back. 😊😊 This is quite impactful, thanks a ton & happy new year 🎉💙

[@davidpearson611]

Another thought provoking video. Particularly appreciated the breakdown of a passage from ‘White Teeth’. Thank you!

[@campaaronapollo]

Another wonderful video, Diane!

[@taralouvre9376]

Youre back! i always learn so many invaluable things from your videos cant wait for more!

[@May-rh2iu]

❤

[@DavePuckett]

Another great teaching video. Thanks Diane. This is a great writing mini-course. I'm saving it to my Library to reference later...which I'm sure will be many times in the future.

[@damon5733]

I think one of the keys is being able to relate with the character. (Is relateability a word??). I want to feel like the character is my friend; someone I care about, who I want to see succeed, whether that be winning the big fight, earning the love of their one true soulmate, or even something as simple as making it through an ordeal without falling apart again. Small wins are big, too. Let me see them overcome the tiny challenges and enjoy it, relish in it because something finally worked! I can relate to that! It's why the Mary Sue character never works. I can't relate to someone with no flaws or who has zero struggle to do something new to them. Funny enough... Grammarly wants me to change that first sentence from "relate with the character" to "relate to the character". NO! That's the point! WITH is the key to making it great.

[@MrDaytrack]

I've only been on this channel for five minutes; and I love it already. Love the way you teach, Diane Best ... William (Hampshire, UK)

[@Thenoobestgirl]

I want to live in that forest in the beginning 😍

[@demetresaghliani9048]

I'm happy to see someone else call out the dominance of conflict in writing. That never gelled for me. Why conflict? What's so special about it? Some say that stories appeal because they provide a safe way to experience conflict, that it's the equivalent of play. In my opinion, it's about uncertainty-and resolving it. It's about satisfying our curiosity. Conflict is a handy way to create uncertainty, but it's not the only one. Teasing the reader with mysteries does the same. It's why stories can be so attractive at the start but fall off in the middle. The reality doesn't live up to the imagination. It's not quite as grand or interesting as it promised.

[@mrnnhnz]

Another great video. Thanks for researching and presenting so well.

[@kenward1310]

I missed this channel. What a welcome surprise.

[@Charadan]

Glad you're back. :) Happy new year!

[@mishmash3927]

I love this channel. Thanks for making videos!

[@Mormegil66]

Great video! This is the exact issue i've been struggling with lately in my own writing.

[@simont.b.2660]

Thank you for this video!

[@sketchesbyboze]

Excellent as always.

[@joesmith41789]

Long time no see indeed. Your videos always seem to arrive at perfect time to answer questions. Thanks Diane. See you next video!

[@somebody-dv8fr]

Thank you, you're a true inspiration

[@information3084]

Your videos are always amazing!

[@user-jk4qi2kq8r]

AMAZING!!!

[@Myfreetherapy]

I've missed you! Hope you're doing well babe. Thanks for all your tips. I am almost done with the second draft of my first novel and Quotidian Writer got me to finish the first draft. Glad to have you back but PLEASE feel free to take a month or longer off. You have a treasure trove of information on writing all BEAUTIFULLY presented. A well earned break was needed no doubt.

[@baroshalizi2758]

It's good to see more current blogs from you

[@lizreed1285]

Love your KZbins. happy new year and all the best to you.

[@niaismyname2076]

Another banger, Diane!

[@JoeWebb-TheStoryteller]

Hey! Good to see another great video, hoping you’re doing well! 🤩

[@QuotidianWriter]

Nice to see you, Joe!!! I rewatched one of our challenge videos the other day and some of your new videos! Always a delight. Hope to do more writing challenges with you sometime! :)

[@santiagosatori]

This channel is a consistent inspiration.

[@gomaregiwewhegbe3388]

She is back!

[@nocturnus009]

I’m processing a point John Truby Makes in Anatomy of Genre: The Achilles vs Odysseus character arcs (not exactly, y’all will need to read the Myth chapter to understand). The Grand Hyperbolic arc that takes one to Troy (and doesn’t go so well for Patroclus?) compared to the elliptical arc of Ithaca to Troy & Back to Ithaca. The Kindling of the single arrow vs the cycle of the Phoenix.

[@Chandragauda01]

Welcome back and wishing you a happy new year

[@QuotidianWriter]

Happy New Year!!! :)

[@TheMagnificentTrio]

Storytelling: Making people up and making them do things. Good Storytelling: Showcasing the realities of the human experience in a way that's creative and honest.

[@robertkleemann1519]

Sometimes I read good prose and it feels right but if someone asked my why it was good I would have no idea. Your example of rewriting good prose with poor sentence construction was enlightening.

[@marinamayer6920]

Long time, no see.

[@alexandreeffective]

¡Gracias!

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you for your support! Keep writing! :)

[@damariuswingfield2144]

Ah, yes. New videos...

[@jermainerucker2027]

Change is a conduit

[@soccerandtrack10]

8:22 i learned that from a random youtube video=now im makeing the house like in the past=sociall/adventure, instead of just anti sociall/passive aggresive attacks all the time.

[@jermainerucker2027]

I feel the key to great story telling is “Wonder” Whether its a young woman from Kansas being swept up by a tornado and cast down in a world not her own Or a young girl painting the roses red because she just had to know why a curious white rabbit was in such a big hurry No matter what element of a story is present To me… It’s the wonder that keeps me there. “All the places you’ll go, where imagination sings. Never forget the true wonder of things.” Sorry I’m rambling in your comments section lol I’m going now lol

[@emmanuellaeledu]

❤❤❤

[@AbdulHafeez-my3pd]

Very nice madam ❤️

[@soccerandtrack10]

14:23 the end of the character part =so i should try to show people new stuff. because my life is litterlly like a movie or tv show. Except now its boreing/me changeing though. My familly did the negitive character arc,or died because they DIDNT do the positive character arc like i did=2 seprete times=1 when was a kid. The other is when ac unity and watch dogs came out on the ps4, and the 2nd 1 was waaaaay bigger then the 1st/still happening.

[@Stifler-ov5qy]

Hi guys... found this channel and i must say i love it a lot. I am a fictional writer, too. Im from Eswatini and i would say im a beginner. My laptop that i was using which was old just died on me. Please, can anyone help. I can write you a short story if you would love me too.

[@TheMusicscotty]

Pinch me. A new Quotidian!

[@jockastafernandesabbade]

😊😊😊

[@lakeshagadson357]

i would like to meet this writer who i look up tv

[@steveb4147]

The key to great storytelling is ummmm, being able to ummmm, its having a clear ummmm... I'll have to get back to you on this one.

[@jeffj4440]

wonderful video. excellent insights.

[@soccerandtrack10]

1:21 religion or urban legend story=a kid isnt scared of anything. Then he finds out hes a prinrce=now hes scared.

[@BBWahoo]

Nooo!!!!! I don't want to be a great storyteller! I WANT TO BE A PRETENTIOUS HACK!

[@raginald7mars408]

when you need this you never achieve anything anywhere anytime keep it for yourself

[@milkflavored]

What?

[@raginald7mars408]

@@milkflavored that