Here’s a long clip from a workshop I did on the art of story. The workshop is about story, what a story is and how to use it in writing and speaking.
Introduction to Writing with Donald Miller from Brian Mosley on Vimeo.
31Mar, 2009
A Clip from Into the Elements
“Story is like music.” I love that!
story and music have very close associations.
Good stuff Don. I would love to come to one of your writing workshops.
Aw, man… I was really disappointed when it ended. Good stuff though and thanks for posting. Would love to get the whole set some time, and you’re right, definitely cheaper than Robert McKee and you’re funny:)
But would have to agree… I’ve always felt that story is like music. I think writing is like composing. Don’t know how to describe it but I am always listening for the beats when I am writing and if I miss one and it’s off, it won’t sound right to me (wondering, any other writer’s experience this?)
As for structure, still trying to master that one, or what you call the spine of the story that everything hangs on. I keep working on it, hoping that the more I read and study structure perhaps the easier it will be to master it, hopefully even somewhat subconsciously as I am one who would prefer to let the story take me where it wants then to already know the ending. I don’t know, somehow there’s gotta be a balance between the two though I have yet to find it.
Also, just wanted to add that I think God is the Master storyteller, and when you say story isn’t just about entertainment, I think that’s true. Good story telling reveals truth or truths, in so many different arena’s and then helps us to process and internalize them.
Anyway, as you can probably tell I’m a big fan of story. God’s blessings!
~Jen
Thank you Don. I appreciate the nugget of encouragement you offer to those of us pursuing vocations that we can sometimes come to believe are unimportant. Art is never unimportant; the realms of thought, dream and idea cannot be left behind in our mad dash to get things accomplished. The world needs thinkers, dreamers and artists just as much as it needs orphanage builders! Well said.
thanks for posting the video, don!
it is definitely an encouragement to keep on keeping on in this journey of life. keep up with the good work. i continue to pray for you as you finish up the new book! i am looking forward to reading it.
Good stuff, Don. I’d love to check out the rest, but alas, I am a poor college student.
However, I am graduating with a degree in English in May. What a perfect gift for an English major. Perhaps you could send one my way as a graduation present.
Just a thought…
Thank you for this – enjoyed it very much.
My wife has been duly informed about this video in light of Father’s Day and my Summer B-day.
You might enjoy The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life by Noah Lukeman. Using many movie examples, Lukeman teaches storytelling. And of course, there’s Screenplay by Syd Field–where I discovered the joy of simply reading a well-written script (e.g., Chinatown, The Princess Bride).
You used the word “formula” and I felt your pain. Then you used the word “principles” and I smiled. I am learning to play piano “the right way.” You know, using principles and all that… I enjoyed it man and wished it hadn’t ended. Bless ya
Hey Don
Thanks man, story is like music – genuis.
This has helped HEAPS!
Good stuff, Don, especially toward the end when your question as to why what you were doing matters. Writers are teachers with a boundless classroom, and it is the author’s worldview that will often have a greater impact on the readers than the storyline. Building an orphanage may meet an immediate need, but pointing the way toward a closer relationship with Christ through your books will also rescue lives.
It made me smile when you used the “formula” word. I love math (there is beauty there). Look forward to watching the rest….
this is great. thanks for sharing it and the other writing tutorial stuff a while back.
Don,
I have no writing experience but this talk (i heard it when you gave it at Mars Hill) has been the guide I am using to write my autobiography. Thanks.
thank you for sharing. it worked! i want the rest… (can’t get enough)
Great intro. Definitely wanted more. Will have to save my nickels for the DVDs. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you! I’ve been waiting for this. It is on my eternal gift list until someone finally gives in. I think about this concept all the time – what do I want my story to be?
[...] Donald Miller clip on the art of story. [...]
Thanks! I love telling stories!! This is good stuff on story telling!
[...] I’ve been coveting Donald Miller’s new DVD series about the art of story. Here is a short clip of the presentation from Miller’s blog. I love the thought that story is what guides us, that [...]