Story Genius | Lisa Cron | Cliff Note Books
“Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages That Go Nowhere)” is a book by Lisa Cron, a story coach and author. Published in 2016, the book aims to teach writers how to craft more effective, engaging stories by understanding the way the brain processes and responds to story.
Lisa Cron proposes that the key to a successful story lies in the protagonist’s inner struggle, their internal change and transformation. This, she argues, is what truly hooks an audience, not high-concept ideas or intricate plots.
Drawing on neuroscience and psychology, Cron explains that our brains are hardwired for story because stories allow us to simulate intense experiences and learn from them in a safe environment. She argues that this is why stories need to be more than a sequence of events; they need to dig deep into the emotional and cognitive journey of the characters.
The book challenges the conventional wisdom of plotting a novel by outlining the external events first. Instead, it suggests starting from the protagonist’s past experiences and internal conflict, which then drives the plot.
“Story Genius” provides a practical, step-by-step method to apply these ideas:
Start with the protagonist’s backstory: Before the plot, writers should develop the protagonist’s backstory because it defines their worldview, their misbeliefs, their desires, and what’s at stake for them.
Identify the protagonist’s misbelief: Every protagonist should have a misbelief—a flawed assumption about the world—that drives their actions and leads to conflict. This misbelief is usually rooted in a formative event in their past.
The ‘aha’ moment: The plot should force the protagonist to confront their misbelief and eventually have an ‘aha’ moment where they understand the truth.
Use ‘What if’ scenarios: Use the protagonist’s worldview and misbelief to generate a ‘what if’ situation that will challenge them, kick-start the plot, and lead to the ‘aha’ moment.
Scene cards: Before writing each scene, fill out a scene card that includes the protagonist’s goal in the scene, their motivation, the conflict, and how the scene contributes to their overall arc.
By focusing on character first, and plot second, Cron’s method aims to ensure that every part of the story is meaningful and engaging to the reader, making the story more satisfying overall.
Quotes
“Stories are about how we rather than the world around us, change. They grab us only when they allow us to experience how it feels to navigate the protagonist’s internal struggle – her escalating internal conflict – which arises from the unavoidable but unforeseen plot problem.”
“The protagonist enters the story already wanting something very much, and with one very big problem. She comes complete with a long-standing misbelief that has been tripping her up for quite a while, perhaps as long as she can remember.”
“All story is emotion based. If we’re not feeling, we’re not reading.”
“A protagonist without a clear goal has nothing to figure out and nowhere to go.”
“The seed of your story’s theme lies in your protagonist’s internal struggle, in his misbelief.”
“The protagonist’s internal struggle is the story. The plot is constructed to force the protagonist to face, deal with, and overcome her misbelief, and change.”
“The writer’s job is to know what the protagonist’s past is and how it’s affecting and distorting her worldview, so that she can believably make the mistakes that will drive the plot.”
“Stories are about change; and all change is hard, and is therefore inherently conflict-laden. That’s what gives birth to the plot.”
Biography of Lisa Cron
Lisa Cron is an American author, story consultant, and instructor known for her work on the neuroscience of storytelling. She is the author of two books, “Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence,” published in 2012, and “Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages That Go Nowhere),” published in 2016.
Cron has worked in the publishing industry in various capacities, including as a literary agent at the Angela Rinaldi Literary Agency, a producer for shows on Showtime and Court TV, and a story consultant for Warner Bros. and the William Morris Agency. In addition to her work in publishing and television, she’s been a story coach for writers, journalists, and lawyers, helping them hone their storytelling skills.
Cron also has an extensive academic background. She’s spent time as an instructor at the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, where she taught classes on story structure and story development. Moreover, she’s been a frequent speaker at writing conferences, and she’s been featured in several writing blogs and podcasts.
Cron’s work focuses on the intersection of neuroscience and the elements of a compelling story. Her books provide writers with insights on how to create more engaging narratives by understanding how the brain responds to different storytelling elements. Her approach is backed by research in cognitive science and she provides practical methods for applying these insights to writing.
As of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, Lisa Cron continues to contribute to the field of storytelling through her books, teaching, and speaking engagements.
Criticisms
While “Story Genius” by Lisa Cron has been widely praised for its innovative approach to story construction, it’s not without its criticisms. Here are a few common points of critique:
Too Focused on Characterization: Some critics argue that while the book emphasizes the importance of character-driven stories, it may undervalue the importance of plot-driven narratives. They point out that not all successful stories are centered around a protagonist’s internal change, and some genres or styles may not fit well with this approach.
Lack of Examples: Critics have mentioned that Cron could have provided more varied examples to illustrate her concepts. The book often uses the same story for demonstration, which may limit the reader’s understanding of how to apply her approach to different types of stories.
Oversimplification of Brain Science: Some readers suggest that Cron’s use of neuroscience may oversimplify complex cognitive processes. They argue that while the brain’s response to story is an interesting topic, it might not be as directly applicable to writing as the book suggests.
Prescriptive Approach: As with many writing guides, some critics argue that Cron’s method is too prescriptive. They worry that following a set formula can limit a writer’s creativity and lead to predictable or formulaic stories.
Overemphasis on Misbelief: Some readers felt that the concept of misbelief as the driving factor of every story might not be universally applicable. They argued that not every story or character is driven by a misbelief, and thus this model might be limiting.
It’s important to note that these criticisms depend largely on personal writing style and philosophy. Many readers and writers find “Story Genius” to be a helpful guide, while others prefer a different approach. As with any writing advice, it’s most effective when adapted to suit the individual writer’s needs and style.
Summary of Story Genius
“Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel” by Lisa Cron is structured in a practical, step-by-step format that walks readers through her methodology for crafting a story.
The book is divided into three main parts:
An Introduction to the Brain Science of Storytelling: The first few chapters delve into the science behind why our brains are wired for story, discussing how stories allow us to make sense of the world around us and experience emotions and scenarios in a safe, contained way.
Chapter 1: The Power of Story: In this chapter, Cron introduces the idea that stories are a fundamental part of being human. She explains that stories help us make sense of the world, simulate experiences, and learn from them. Cron highlights the importance of emotional engagement and how stories create empathy, allowing us to step into the shoes of characters and experience their struggles.
Chapter 2: Your Reader’s Brain on Story: Cron delves into the neuroscience behind storytelling. She discusses how the brain responds to stories by activating areas responsible for empathy, emotions, and mirroring experiences. Cron emphasizes the brain’s natural inclination to search for patterns and how stories provide a structured framework that satisfies this innate craving.
Chapter 3: The Storytelling Advantage: Here, Cron highlights how storytelling is a more effective communication tool than simply presenting facts or information. She explains that stories allow us to connect emotionally with the message, making it more memorable and impactful. Cron also discusses the concept of mental flight simulators, where our brains use stories to simulate experiences and learn from them.
Chapter 4: Storytelling Secrets from the Trenches: Cron draws on her experience as a story coach and consultant to share insights and anecdotes about the power of storytelling in various contexts, such as advertising, public speaking, and business presentations. She illustrates how storytelling can captivate an audience, influence decision-making, and create a lasting impression.
Section 1 lays the groundwork for understanding the significance of storytelling in our lives and how our brains are naturally wired to respond to narratives. It establishes the emotional and cognitive impact of storytelling, setting the stage for the practical application of these principles in crafting engaging and resonant stories.
The Blueprint for a Powerful Story: This section breaks down the essential elements that make a story compelling according to Cron’s perspective. This includes focusing on the protagonist’s inner change, the importance of conflict and misbelief, and how all these components interrelate to create a powerful narrative.
Chapter 5: The Power of a Good Protagonist: Cron emphasizes the importance of a strong protagonist. She discusses how readers connect with and root for characters who face internal struggles, have relatable desires, and undergo personal growth throughout the story. Cron also explores the concept of misbelief, where the protagonist holds a flawed belief that drives their actions and creates internal conflict.
Chapter 6: The Misbelief That Drives the Story: Building on the concept of misbelief, Cron delves deeper into how the protagonist’s misbelief is the core driving force of the story. She explains that the misbelief stems from a formative event in the character’s past, and it sets them on a path of flawed decision-making and internal struggle. Cron demonstrates how the misbelief creates tension and conflict that propel the story forward.
Chapter 7: Why Your Protagonist Needs a History: Cron emphasizes the importance of developing a rich backstory for the protagonist. She highlights how the character’s past experiences shape their worldview, motivations, and misbelief. Cron provides guidance on creating a detailed and impactful backstory that informs the protagonist’s actions and drives the narrative.
Chapter 8: The First Plot Point—What It Really Is: Cron examines the first plot point, a crucial turning point in the story. She explains that the first plot point should be an external event that forces the protagonist to confront their misbelief and sets them on a transformative journey. Cron shows how this plot point propels the story forward and launches the protagonist into their pursuit of their desires.
Chapter 9: Testing Your Story’s Metal: In this chapter, Cron introduces the concept of the “What if” scenario. She encourages writers to generate a compelling situation that challenges the protagonist’s misbelief and creates conflict. Cron discusses the importance of testing the story’s metal by considering the potential consequences, obstacles, and emotional stakes that the protagonist faces.
Section 2 provides in-depth insights into the key elements of a powerful story. It focuses on the protagonist’s internal struggles, the significance of misbelief, the development of a character’s backstory, and pivotal plot points that propel the narrative forward. Cron’s approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of these elements in crafting a compelling and resonant story.
Crafting Your Novel: The final part of the book is the most hands-on, providing a step-by-step process to guide readers in applying Cron’s method to their own writing. This includes creating a ‘blueprint’ for your novel before you start writing, building your protagonist’s backstory, identifying their misbelief, and designing the plot around their internal struggle. Cron provides specific exercises and templates (like scene cards) for readers to use in crafting their own stories.
Chapter 10: Blueprinting Your Novel: Cron introduces the concept of blueprinting, which involves planning the major beats and turning points of the story before diving into the actual writing. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the protagonist’s misbelief, desires, and internal journey as the foundation for creating a solid blueprint for the novel.
Chapter 11: Building Your Protagonist’s Backstory: Cron provides practical guidance on developing a rich and meaningful backstory for the protagonist. She walks readers through exercises to explore formative events, motivations, and misbeliefs that shape the character’s worldview. Cron emphasizes the significance of aligning the backstory with the protagonist’s desires, misbelief, and the overarching story arc.
Chapter 12: The Controlling Idea—What It Is and Why You Need One: Cron introduces the concept of the controlling idea, which captures the essence of the story and its underlying theme. She explains how the controlling idea acts as a compass, guiding the writer’s decisions throughout the writing process. Cron provides examples and exercises to help readers identify and refine their story’s controlling idea.
Chapter 13: Writing the Scene That Matters Most: Cron dives into the importance of crafting impactful scenes that drive the story forward and reveal crucial moments of change for the protagonist. She provides guidelines for scene construction, including identifying the scene’s purpose, understanding the protagonist’s goal and motivation, and incorporating conflict and tension. Cron emphasizes the need for scenes to contribute to the protagonist’s internal journey and advance the overall plot.
Chapter 14: The First Draft—Why It’s Supposed to Stink: Cron tackles the common challenges writers face during the first draft and encourages them to embrace imperfection. She emphasizes that the first draft is an opportunity to explore and discover the story, and that revisions will allow for refinement and improvement. Cron provides insights and tips to navigate the first draft process and encourages writers to keep pushing forward.
Section 3 provides writers with practical tools and exercises to implement the concepts discussed in the earlier sections. It guides readers through the process of blueprinting, developing character backstories, establishing a controlling idea, crafting impactful scenes, and navigating the first draft. Cron’s approach aims to help writers bring their stories to life with depth, resonance, and emotional impact.