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Dramatica Theory Book
Chapter
33: The Art of Storytelling--Stage Three: Storyweaving
Introduction
To Storyweaving
Of the Four Stages
of Communication, Storyweaving is most like what authors usually think
of as the writing process. It is here that we gather everything we know
about our story and decide how to present it to our audience.
Some authors are planners and like to work out everything before
they write a word. For them, the Storyweaving process is simply determining
the most interesting way to relate a story that, for them, is already
complete in their minds. Another breed of author consider themselves organic
writers, and jump headlong into the writing process, only discovering
what their stories are about along the way. Most authors fall somewhere
between these two extremes, working out portions of their stories to varying
degrees, then jumping in with the intent to become inspired by the writing
process to fill in the gaps.
Which technique is best? Whichever works for you. Writing should be a
positive experience, not drudgery. If you are having headaches instead
of triumphs, you might want to consider changing the balance between your
degree of preparation and your spontaneous exploration. For anyone destined
to write, the best mix can be found.
Of course, the proper mix of structure and stream of consciousness may
change for an author from day to day. Some days may be good for working
on the framework of a story. Other days it may be best to simply dive
in and write. And the best mix can also change depending upon the subject
matter or even the medium or format. Writing is not a science but an art.
Still, like any art, science can improve the tools of the trade to make
artistic expression more enjoyable and the finished product more reflective
of the author's intent. This is where Dramatica can help.
As aids to structure, the Storyforming and Storyencoding stages of communication
describe everything necessary to construct a complete argument. As tools
for organic writing, Storyweaving and reception provide techniques that
create results. As you approach a story, you will likely want to draw
on many of these tools to fashion the story you have in mind in the manner
that brings the most creative fulfillment.
Having now set the stage, as it were, of how Storyweaving fits into the
writing process, let's explore some of the tricks of the trade.
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