Continuing the Writer’s Digest series on common writing mistakes, editor Moriah Richard says writers shouldn’t dismiss stories that aren’t from books. “We often talk about how reading other genres can be helpful for exploring your writing, but other kinds of storytelling are just as important,” she says. “It’s important to understand that every kind of story can help you increase your writing skills, even ones that aren’t written on a page.”
For example, in TV, film, or narrative podcasts, you can examine elements that you can replicate in your writing. Do the characters have physical or emotional quirks? What motivates each character? What are their goals? What are their flaws?
For setting, ask how the a place affects the characters’ emotions or the plot. Would the story be different if the writer(s) chose another locale? Make note of the sensual detail, including color and sound. Imagine the details that can’t be conveyed on screen, such as scent and touch.
And of course, examined the plot. What was the inciting incident? How were the conflicts established? How was the story paced? What structure was used and was it used effectively?
“When you start looking at media through a writer’s lens, you’re able to peel back the layers to see what’s working and what’s not,” Richard says. “Identifying these can help you to be more critical about your work, giving you a stronger base to build on.”
