This week one of mystery writing’s deadly sins makes a guest appearance. Valerie and I discuss if the appearance is welcome or not. A Simple Favour has good examples of how Narrative Drive works - great for my topic. However, it wasn’t so good for Valerie’s study of Conflict Triangles, so we see how superficial a story can be when the conflict isn’t complex. -M.

"After studying this movie, I understand that multiple narrative drive devices can be used simultaneously." Melanie Hill

Related Story Nerd Episodes

Knives Out (Season 1, Episode 107)

The Gentlemen (Season 8, Episode 806)

The Good Liar (Season 9, Episode 906)

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To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

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In BELFAST, Kenneth Branagh does something that most, if not all, new writers do. In a movie, it's kind of hard to spot because filmmakers have access to tools (like costume design, cinematography, and a musical score) that obscure it. In a novel, it's obvious —stark even — because all we have is black text on a white page. It's laid bare for all readers to see, and readers don't like it. Here it is ... in BELFAST the protagonist is passive. He's observing the action but not part of the action (and he's not a narrator either). So what can we do about it? Tune in to this week's episode to find out. - V.

"I felt like I should have liked it. I felt like that there was like, if I didn't like it, then there was something wrong with me." - Melanie Hill

For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.

To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis

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Sometimes we learn more from our mistakes than our successes - that’s my story and I’m sticking to it this week! Narrative drive is an important storytelling principle to learn and this week’s movie is an example of poor story structure resulting in terrible narrative drive. A mystery writer should have control of the information. Valerie’s study of conflict triangles was more fruitful than my area of study this week. The conflict triangle is present and clear to see. -M

"Narrative drive is all about information and the emotions it creates in the readers. It’s also about understanding your role as the writer to control that information." - Melanie Hill

Related Story Nerd Episodes

Late Night (Season 1, Episode 101)

Doubt (Season 11, Episode 1101)

For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.

To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

Follow Valerie on X, Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis

Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor