How Writers Can Create A Powerful Dilemma To Make Their Stories Better - Jeff Kitchen

I have a rule when I write. "It's never just one problem." It is very simple, but j find it always, always elevates the visceral reaction of people listening to my stories once they realize that. The second problem is what makes two simple problems a completely unique one

Predictability isn't always a problem. If he ditches Skylar and ends up working his miserable job, that's a viable -- kinda tragic -- ending. If ends up working with Skylar's people and gets burned from his career and left out in the cold, that's also valid. There's nothing wrong with a story that shows you a character who is set up to be destroyed between two ends of a dilemma and then _is_.

My take-away is, Jeff Kitchen is a genius at formulating and expanding a story. In a matter of minutes, he wrote your entire story. WOW! I gleaned so-o-o-o much for my own story. I, no doubt, will need to rewrite my entire outline, and first chapter. wow! I feel he was actually picturing that story in his mind and probably forgot about the interviewer and that she was there, the way he kept looking up and using his hands. My goodness. I'd give anything to have Jeff's mind for just an hour. Too bad I can only like this once.

First take away is that Jeff Kitchen is brilliant at expanding ideas. I was excited to realize I had already created a "3rd door" for my protagonist. Listening to Jeff explain why the dillemas in films like Training Day & The Firm connect with the audience gave me a few notes on how I should approach cranking up the drama.

This guy is amazing! My whole direction in writing has been changed by watching this video. What an epiphany!

I have watched a lot of these kinds of videos. I think this guy is the best i have watched. He gets it. And he explains things very well.

He makes it make sense which is always appreciated. In essence he gave her a true representation of her story even without knowing much about her story.

wow, he really ran with that one in an impressive way! good stuff. thank you both!

I like way that he looks as though he's seeing the story develop right in front of him when he looks up or off to the side.

Wow, I need this guy sitting next to me and help me with my script. He's so good o_O

This is great. I loved how you gave the outline so the guest could work it out live. This made for a great teaching lesson. Thanks so much. Learned quite a bit.

This is a masterclass. It's amazing watching his process. What an extraordinarily generous guy!

One of the reasons Derek got into IT was because he had been burned by relationships in the past. In IT you have stakeholders and computers and Derek knows how to handle them. Also being in computer security he is really keen on sniffing out social engineering attacks. He works with the people in his company on a very professional level and doesn't get intimate about anything. Until he meets Skylar. Even though he has a keen nose for fraud he is bewitched by Skylar because he has fallen for her. He opened him self up when he knew better not to do that. This would make for a great dark night of the soul.

Jeff gives 30 minutes of gold and then says "Is that helpful?" Haha -- YES! Excellent advice. Breaks things down simply and reassuringly to get a plot on the right track. I really appreciate this interview.

He could then try to play her to bring down the company she is working for? Lots of possibilities.

It's amazing to watch the process evolve. I take a lot out of the typical talk on how to make your writing better. But to see it in action is far more impactful.

All of this makes sense to me, which is reassuring for my own process. Just need to be reminded you're on the right track sometimes.

My current character drafting could use some of this. I can see them with much more impact. Brilliant, Jeff.

These videos are pleasing to watch and the audio feels raw and real.. like your sitting there with them.

Predictability is really boring, in real life or in stories, amplify the dilemma, the magnitude, don't make sedative dilemma's where the audience says - "so what, who cares", the third creative solution decided on the feet, the story must have a powerful impact on the audience, they must be transformed, transfigured, never think the same way again, a great story must change the world, and the BEST ONES DO!!!! great lesson from Jeff Kitchen, thanks to FC.