The 3-part Formula to Make Any Story Instantly Interesting

To help me move the pens (or click the keys of my keyboard), I like to think of paragraphs or anecdotes in three simple parts.

You have a central idea that starts at the top of the paragraph or an answer to what happened.

What is this thing that you are trying to talk about? You don't have to keep it there, and you can delete it later in the editing process, but while you are writing, it will give you the guiding star.

Then you have to fill in the details.

Typically, following the sequence of how events unfolded is enough to keep the paragraph moving. Then, finally, just moving into the transition into what happened next.

Really, two to three minutes will be enough to complete this part.

This is really enough to help you complete anecdotes, or what I like to call "Story Blocks." A few of these blocks, and you have a complete memoir scene or personal story.

A way to make things instantly interesting is if you can frame the explanation of the events as a desire. Then what got in the way of that desire, and what happened as a result of it.

It's simple:

Every engaging story has three parts: Desire, Obstacle, Outcome.

What did you want? What got in your way? What happened as a result?

This is the engine of narrative. Without it, you have a description. With it, you have a story.

This structure gives you a complete story arc in three sentences.

Now expand each part. Add detail. Show what happened.

Try this today:

Pick any moment from your life. What did you want? What stopped you? What resulted?

Write those three things. You've just drafted the core of your story.

Reply to this email and tell me: what story are you going to write using Desire, Obstacle, Outcome?

P.S. This is the foundation of The Story Frame—the system I use to help people complete their memoir in 4 months. Want to learn more?