Video Title: 8 Cheat Codes to Write Stories that Don’t Suck
Channel: Bookfox
Speakers: John Matthew Fox
Duration: 00:11:42
Introduction
This video provides eight writing techniques to enhance storytelling and prevent readers from disliking the story. The speaker, John Matthew Fox, presents these techniques as "cheat codes," offering examples from various books and movies.
Key Takeaways
Crucible Technique: Reveal characters' true natures under pressure; show both their true and false selves, and continuously increase the pressure.
Lampshading: Address implausible elements directly to preempt audience criticism; use it for improbable storylines, coincidences, and clichés.
Objective Correlative: Evoke emotion through objects and events; use objects to symbolize deeper emotions or relationships.
Worf Effect: Introduce a new, stronger opponent to defeat an established character, raising the stakes. This applies beyond action; use it verbally or through romantic tension.
High Stakes to Low Stakes Dialogue (and vice versa): Create contrast by juxtaposing high-stakes situations with trivial conversations, or vice versa, for humor or dramatic effect.
Gilligan Cut: Create a humorous effect by contrasting a character's statement with their immediate actions in the following scene.
Tell-Tale Object: Use a recurring, seemingly innocuous object to foreshadow danger or create a sense of dread.
Trojan Horse Character: Introduce a character who betrays the protagonist or hides their true identity, but ensure their motivation is clear.
