Posted by Today, I was listening to Mary Kole’s podcast interview with Jeff Lyons, they discussed using the premise and log line to pre-plan your story. This was an interesting discussion because I’m letting some larger stories percolate in my mind. I’m a little nervous about starting them or am already stuck on a few, so I thought I might want to do some planning before I get too far deep.
Key Takeaway
Loglines (like pitches) help you identify the core of your story.
The logline is that basic idea of the essence of your story without telling the actual beats of the story.
The logline has four basic components: the world of the protagonist, the moral flaw that they have, or whatever problem they’re dealing with internally, the goal, challenge, and opponent—that’s all one thing—the choice, decision, or action.
Jeff Lyons, The Good Story Podcast, Episode 8
Why is this Helpful?
In the podcast, Jeff talks about how you can use the logline to build up to a synopsis, which you can then build up to a fuller outline and/or story without just diving in. It can be a timesaver since you are thinking through the story up front.
In addition, he discusses how the logline can be used to diagnose plot issues. One key area of the logline that tends to trip up writers is the moral flaw. The reason why the main character acts the way they do. This line of questioning can be used to help the writer pre-plan the types of obstacles the character must face in the middle of the book.
You’ll have to listen to the podcast or read the transcript for more details, but I hope this take on story gives you another tool in your toolbox.
Whether you are writing a novel or a picture book, writing a short statement explaining your story even to yourself can help you develop ideas, get unstuck, or diagnose issues wherever you are in the writing process.
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