For writers...
Here's Donald Miller's resume:
• 6 memoirs.
• 3 business books.
• 1 self-help on the way.
Most are bestsellers.
He came up with a simple storytelling framework.
And I use it to plan out my messaging.
Here it is in the Thread. ⬇️
Here's Donald Miller's resume:
• 6 memoirs.
• 3 business books.
• 1 self-help on the way.
Most are bestsellers.
He came up with a simple storytelling framework.
And I use it to plan out my messaging.
Here it is in the Thread. ⬇️
1 - A Character:
Who is the story about?
And what do they want?
Who is the story about?
And what do they want?
2 - Has a Problem:
What's stopping them from getting what they want?
There are 3 depths to a problem…
What's stopping them from getting what they want?
There are 3 depths to a problem…
First - the external problem.
This is the obstacle.
The character wants to go from 'A' to 'B'.
But there's something stopping them.
This is the obstacle.
The character wants to go from 'A' to 'B'.
But there's something stopping them.
Second - the internal problem.
This is how the character FEELS about not being able to get what they want.
This is how the character FEELS about not being able to get what they want.
Third - the philosophical problem.
This is a declaration.
"It shouldn't have to be this way."
The implication is...
The character DESERVES what they want.
This is a declaration.
"It shouldn't have to be this way."
The implication is...
The character DESERVES what they want.
Then there's the villain.
The villain could be anything ACTIVELY holding the character back:
• A person.
• A thing.
• An element.
• A belief.
The villain could be anything ACTIVELY holding the character back:
• A person.
• A thing.
• An element.
• A belief.
3 - And Meets A Guide.
A guide is anyone who can help the character get what they want.
A good guide is empathetic.
And they're competent - having done some version of what the character is trying to do.
A guide is anyone who can help the character get what they want.
A good guide is empathetic.
And they're competent - having done some version of what the character is trying to do.
4 - Who Gives Them A Plan
The guide shows the character what to do.
MOST of a story is the plan unfolding.
The guide shows the character what to do.
MOST of a story is the plan unfolding.
5 - And Calls Them to Action
The guide compels a character to take action immediately - making it clear that there are stakes and a time window.
This is a hinge decision; no turning back.
The guide compels a character to take action immediately - making it clear that there are stakes and a time window.
This is a hinge decision; no turning back.
6 - That Ends In Success
As the character takes action…
They get an idea of what life is like when they get what they want.
As the character takes action…
They get an idea of what life is like when they get what they want.
7 - And Helps Them Avoid Failure
The character also understands what happens if they don't get what they want.
The character also understands what happens if they don't get what they want.
8 - Character Transformation
This permeates throughout the story.
Paint a clear picture of how the journey changes the character.
Before --> after.
This permeates throughout the story.
Paint a clear picture of how the journey changes the character.
Before --> after.
The Storybrand Framework:
A character
Has a problem
And meets a guide
Who gives them a plan
And calls them to action
That ends in success
And helps them avoid failure.
Character transformation.
A character
Has a problem
And meets a guide
Who gives them a plan
And calls them to action
That ends in success
And helps them avoid failure.
Character transformation.
If you need help communicating your ideas...
Use this framework by @donaldmiller
Use this framework by @donaldmiller
https://twitter.com/lamar_cx/status/1462932725157924868
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