Remember those “explain it to me like I’m five” moments from school? While I’ve never had to explain fiction plotting to a kindergartener (thank goodness), I often find myself in dinner-table debates over the plots of various favorite books or movies. Spoiler alert: Those dinner conversations have taught me more about how readers do and don’t follow stories than a dozen writing workshops.
And this is where the Feynman Learning Technique comes in. Named after a physicist who could explain atomic theory to sixth graders without breaking a sweat, it’s like a secret weapon for writers: If you can explain a plot to someone who thinks “rising action” means their sourdough bread is finally doing its thing, you’re probably onto something good.
In this issue of The Writes of Fiction:
- How teaching your story makes you a better plotting
- Related, how creating your book’s pitch can strengthen your story
- Does your story’s climax create ironic contrast with the opening?
- A refresher on hyphens and dashes
Read it now:
Understanding how stories work changes everything. I’ll show you how to back up your creative instincts so your ideas hit home. Ready to get serious about your book? Apply to work with me.