5 Storytelling Sins: A Humorous Guide to What Audiences Hate
Storytelling is an art, a delicate dance of words and ideas that can transport readers into a world of our creation. But like any dance, it has its steps and missteps. In this article, we delve into a video by Brandon McNulty, a renowned author known for his horror/thriller novel "Bad Parts." In the video, McNulty discusses the five things audiences hate in storytelling. These cardinal sins, as we'll call them, can turn an otherwise captivating story into a frustrating experience for the reader. So, let's dive in and explore these storytelling sins, and how to avoid them.
The Genre Jumble: A Sci-Fi Romance Thriller?
Imagine this: you're engrossed in a heartwarming romance novel, the kind that makes you believe in love again. Suddenly, out of nowhere, an alien spaceship lands, and our lovebirds are abducted. Wait, what? That's right, folks. The first thing audiences absolutely despise is the unexpected and unprepared genre switcheroo. It's like ordering a pizza and finding a sushi roll in the box. Sure, both are delicious, but not when you're craving mozzarella and get a mouthful of wasabi instead.
Genre is the backbone of your story. It sets the expectations for your readers, giving them a roadmap of what to expect. When you switch genres midway, it's like changing the rules of the game without telling the players. It's confusing, disorienting, and downright annoying. So, dear writers, establish your genres early on. Don't promise a Hallmark movie and deliver a Tarantino flick. Consistency is key, and your readers will thank you for it.
The Pace Race: Slow and Steady Wins the...Wait, Hurry Up!
Next up on our list of storytelling sins is inconsistent pacing. Picture this: you're on a roller coaster. It starts with a thrilling, heart-pounding climb, but just as you're bracing for the exhilarating drop... it slows down to a crawl. Talk about a letdown! In storytelling, as in roller coasters, pacing is key. Start slow, build up the tension, and then let it rip! Remember, a story that starts like a Ferrari and ends like a snail is going to leave your readers feeling car sick.
Pacing is the rhythm of your story. It's the heartbeat that keeps your readers engaged. Too fast, and your readers will feel rushed and overwhelmed. Too slow, and they'll get bored and lose interest. The key is to find a balance. Use action scenes to speed up the pace and introspective scenes to slow it down. Keep your readers on their toes, but give them time to catch their breath. After all, even the most exciting roller coaster has its ups and downs.
The Recap Trap: Deja Vu or Deja Don't?
Third on our list is the unnecessary recap. You know what I'm talking about. That moment when you're reading a book, and you think, "Wait, didn't I read this before?" Yes, you did. It's the author giving you a play-by-play of an event you've already witnessed. It's like watching a sports game where the commentator insists on describing every goal... from last week's match. So, unless your readers have the memory of a goldfish, trust them to remember the important events. If you're trying to fill space, fill it with something new and exciting, not a rerun of past events.
Recaps can be useful, especially in long series where readers might forget important details. But like any tool, they should be used sparingly and effectively. Don't use recaps as a crutch to fill up space or to avoid developing your plot. Instead, use them to highlight important events or to remind readers of forgotten details. And always, always make sure to add something new. A different perspective, a new insight, a hidden detail. Make your recaps worth reading, and your readers will thank you for it.
The Punch Pull: The Villain Slips on a Banana Peel
Fourth on our list is the infamous punch pull. This is when a villain, who's been established as a formidable threat, suddenly becomes as threatening as a wet noodle. It's like watching a boxing match where one fighter suddenly forgets how to throw a punch. If your villain is an expert sniper, don't let them miss a stationary target. If they're a mastermind, don't let them forget their evil plan. Remember, your hero is only as strong as the villain they overcome. So, don't pull your punches. Let them land with full force.
A good villain is the cornerstone of any great story. They challenge the hero, push them to their limits, and force them to grow. But when a villain's threat level drops without reason, it undermines the entire story. It makes the hero's victory feel hollow and the villain's defeat feel undeserved. So, when you're crafting your villain, make sure to keep their threat level consistent. If they start as a formidable foe, they should remain a formidable foe until the end. And if they must fall, let them fall with dignity, not because they slipped on a banana peel.
The Cliffhanger Blunder: To Be Continued... Or Not?
Last but not least, we have the cliffhanger blunder. This is when a story ends on a cliffhanger, but the sequel never comes. It's like watching a movie, waiting for the epic finale, only to have the screen go black. "To be continued," it says. But the sequel never comes. It's frustrating, disappointing, and downright infuriating. So, if you're planning a series, make sure you can deliver. Don't leave your readers hanging on a cliff with no rescue in sight.
Cliffhangers can be a powerful tool to keep readers hooked and eager for more. But like any tool, they should be used responsibly. Don't promise a sequel you can't deliver. Don't leave your readers in suspense without a payoff. If you must end on a cliffhanger, make sure you have a plan for the sequel. And if you can't deliver, at least give your readers a satisfying ending. They've invested their time and emotions in your story. They deserve a proper conclusion.
Copywriting: The Unsung Hero of Storytelling
Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero of storytelling: copywriting. Yes, you heard right. Copywriting, the art of writing text for the purpose of advertising or other forms of marketing, has a lot to offer to the world of storytelling. It teaches us how to engage the reader, how to persuade, and how to sell an idea. It's a skill that every writer, whether they're penning a novel or a blog post, can benefit from.
Good copywriting is like a good story. It hooks the reader, keeps them engaged, and leaves them wanting more. It uses powerful words, compelling narratives, and emotional appeals to persuade and influence. And just like storytelling, it has its rules and its sins. So, if you're a writer looking to improve your craft, consider dipping your toes into the world of copywriting. You might be surprised at what you learn.
Conclusion: The Art of Storytelling
Storytelling is an art, and like any art, it requires practice, patience, and a keen understanding of its rules. The five cardinal sins we discussed are not just mistakes to avoid. They're lessons to learn, challenges to overcome, and stepping stones on the path to becoming a better writer. So, take them to heart, learn from them, and use them to craft stories that captivate, engage, and inspire. And remember, the best stories are not those that follow the rules, but those that understand them well enough to break them.