For Now

The topic:

Over time, people have come up with myriad spins on the Freytag pyramid, though essentially they are the same in basic element and order. One of the better known these days is often referred to as the Pixar's 4th Rule of Storytelling, from their also-well know "22 Rules". The Pixar version puts it this way: Once upon a time, there was _____. Every day, ______. One day, ______. Because of that, _____. Because of that, ______. Until finally _____.

This form eventually was credited to writer/writing teacher Brian McDonald, who in turn states that he didn't create it but has used it for years in writing workshops. In fact, we do not know exactly who first worded it this way but generally recognize that it only exists because of Freytag. McDonald DOES make a significant point that Pixar misses, that the formula had long ended with, "And ever since that day, ____" but it often gets left off.

The Assignment:  Using this formula, fill in the blanks. Then write a page or two based on it, not necessarily a story but at least a plan for what you might do with this completed formula, what in screenwriting is called a "treatment." Why do this? It is a way for a writer to test out ideas before investing further energy and time on a whole story that might not ultimately work. Finally, answer these questions: Is this a story that you now want to write? If it doesn’t quite work as is, can you at least go back to one stage of it and try again? What else have you learned from this exercise?