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The Five Core Elements of Storytelling

Plot

Plot is the sequence of events that surround a conflict. There’s the beginning, the middle, and the end. There’s also the moment when the character’s life changes forever, which ultimately propels the story to start in earnest. The character must grow and develop in some way as the story goes on; otherwise, things will get very dull very quickly.

Character Design

Character Design is the process of visually creating a character's physical appearance, personality, and overall aesthetic for storytelling. This is critical for any story, even if you believe that your story won’t need a visual medium. A character’s design tells everything about a person at a glance. This isn’t a green light to lean into stereotypes. This is a challenge to look at the world around you and notice the features that are core to humanity.

Transform your concept into a final draft in fourteen chapters, and learn the truth behind what it takes to become a master storyteller.

Storytellers are more than writers. They are artists, vloggers, game makers, scientists, teachers, and much, much more! If the word stirs something within you, chances are you’re a storyteller. Don’t overthink it. Embrace it. This is only the beginning of your storytelling journey. And it all starts with the fundamentals!

In this book, you will learn how to take the five core elements of storytelling and organically connect to the heart of your idea. Understand unique concepts like word vomit and creative play to enhance your storytelling strategy. Each section is designed to move your idea to the next step until it becomes a final draft. You can read this book front to back or pick at it like you’re at a buffet. The most important thing is making it to see that final draft. So, what’s your idea?

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Free Resources for Storytellers

Mastering Research: The Key to Great Storytelling

Learn the importance of research and understand the simple methods available to find accurate information for your story.

Scoop

Jun 164 min read

Storyteller Planet was at Capital City Anime Fest!

Crystal Cabrae answers the questions asked at Anime Fest and reflects on the event, the workshop, and more!

Crystal Cabrae

Jun 94 min read

Side Characters in an Ensemble Cast: Their Importance and Why

We are all the main characters of our story, but side characters in someone else's. This applies to all the characters in our stories, including "unnamed janitor number 5". Everyone has a life, and while you may not dive into every nuance of a side character's life, it helps to know a few key details. And here's why.

Narrative

Aug 19, 20253 min read

3 Solid Ways to Keep Research Organized

Research can be overwhelming. And messy. Even if you have everything digitally saved, it can get very chaotic when you can't find something. Let's take the stress out of keeping our research organized with some easy-to-remember digital organizational tips.

Scoop

Aug 17, 20253 min read

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Below is a growing collection of currated articles that explains the fundamentals of storytelling along with other niche tips.