22 Tips on Storytelling from Pixar
You can find this posted (or re-posted) in different places on the internet. This one here says the list originated with director and Pixar storyboard artist Emma Coats (@lawnrocket) on Twitter. So check out the entire list for yourself, if you’re interested. Here are a few that might be particularly helpful to keep in mind if you have to write a narrative for some kind of test or assignment.
#1 You admire a character for trying more than for their successes.
#3 Trying for theme is important, but you won’t see what the story is actually about til you’re at the end of it. Now rewrite.
#4 Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.
#6 What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?
#7 Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.
#8 Finish your story, let go even if it’s not perfect. In an ideal world you have both, but move on. Do better next time.
