Valerie and I take a scalpel to some well loved movies this season. First there was the Nightmare Before Christmas and now Sleepless in Seattle. I’m not a believer in ‘magic love’ so I find the premise of the movie silly, but there are some good examples of tension. However, under the microscope of Valerie’s 4 Story Questions, this movie is lacking in some fundamental storytelling scaffolding. Without clear wants there isn’t anything meaningful at stake. The take away - the story could be better. There, I said it. I am the Scrooge of Valentine’s Day. -M
"Tension is the anticipation that something is going to happen." - Melanie Hill
Related Story Nerd Episodes
The Accidental Tourist (Season 5, Episode 503)
Crazy Stupid Love (Season 13, Episode 1304)
Season 5 - Shapes of Stories + Resonance
Season 7 - Character Dimension + Worldbuilding
For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.
To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.
Follow Valerie on Instagram and Threads @valerie_francis
Follow Melanie on X, Instagram and Facebook @MelanieHillAuthor
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