Storytelling Manifesto
I believe story is more than entertainment—it's transformation. These are the principles that guide everything I build and teach at Storyboon.
Story is Transformation
A story is a record of change. For a resolution to feel earned, the protagonist must end the journey in a different state—better or worse—than where they began.
Every Premise is a Persuasion
Your story should take a stand. Every scene acts as an argument supporting your point of view, ensuring the narrative feels directed and meaningful rather than aimless.
Kill the Cliché through Research
Avoid the "first-thought" trap, as initial ideas are often just echoes of other media. Use deep research into history, news, and real life to find the specific, authentic details that prevent your work from feeling like a tired copy.
Structure is the Foundation
A "solid story" is built on complexity and intentionality. Ideas "slapped together" without a structural plan result in weak narratives that the audience can feel. Rewrite extensively; the first draft is for you, but the revision is for the reader.
Show, Don't Tell (Use Subtext)
In visual or narrative mediums, avoid "boring lectures" where characters explain the plot. Use subtext instead: people rarely say exactly what they think, so let their actions and the "style of conversation" reveal their true relationships.
The Protagonist Earns the Climax
Never use a "Deus Ex Machina" or outside miracle to save the day. If the hero doesn't drive the resolution through their own choices, the ending becomes "silly" and robs the character of their purpose.
Efficiency: Every Scene Must Advance
If a scene exists only because it is "cool" or "funny," it is a waste of time. Every moment must build momentum and move the story in a forward direction.
Pressure Reveals True Character
Words are cheap; action is everything. Put your characters under extreme pressure to strip away their guards and show the audience who they really are—heroic, cowardly, or otherwise.
Respect the Audience’s Intelligence
Don't "preach" or talk down to your readers. Give opposing viewpoints a "fair shake" to make your world feel real, and never deliver a "half-baked" product. If you respect their time and money, they will return.
The Creator’s Integrity
Write for yourself first, not for perceived "tastes" or out of jealousy toward others. Once the work is done, let it speak for itself—over-explaining the "magic" behind the scenes only diminishes the mystery for the reader.
