Story Movement

Movement and variety inject vitality into stories, making them more compelling and memorable.

Source: Chapter 3 - The Art and Craft of Feature Writing [[202408212021]]

TIME

Interviewing tip

  • Ask actors to imagine what will happen in the near future. This projects the story into the “realm of possibility.”
  • Ask the “in the trenches” actors what they think the future holds.
  • This can be used in a “looking ahead” ending.

VARIETY

  • Provide different source types
  • Repeat from a different angle.
  • For reasons I don’t understand, the number three has a mystical, number.

MOVEMENT

  • Describe physical movement by the actors in the story, bring interest. Have them do something, anything.

    In the clubhouse, metal cleats are clicking on the floor. On the bus, players are singing, plucking guitars, playing cards. Small things, yes. But they make a difference in a story without much action in the idea. I think, is that too many reporters don’t see themselves as storytellers but as something else

References

  • Blundell, William E. The art and craft of feature writing: based on the Wall Street Journal guide. 1988.