Mythology and Passion
Opening Thoughts
- “I’m very skeptical of books…” – Sam Bankman-Fried.
- Advocates brevity in writing, suggesting long-form content might not always be necessary.
- Contrasted with the power of storytelling through fiction and myth.
- “There’s nothing more powerful than a good story.”
- Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones highlighted the unparalleled impact of storytelling.
Guest Speaker: Gregg Hurwitz
- Renowned author of the Orphan X series, including The Nowhere Man.
- Diverse portfolio: novels, screenplays, Marvel and DC comics.
- Quote inspiration from Jules Verne: “About a meter” – a nod to prolific writing output.
The Origins of Storytelling
Childhood Influences
- Limited TV exposure led to creative outlets:
- Watching Hitchcock films and Red Sox games.
- Immersed in reading and storytelling from an early age.
- First stories: Mysteries illustrated with crayons, like Willy, Julie, and the Case of the Buried Treasure.
Key Observations:
- Stories as a natural thought process.
- The question: “What’s the worst or most exciting thing that can happen right now?”
- Passion as the driving force:
- Writers must pursue compelling interests.
- Experience beyond academic mastery enriches storytelling.
The Evolutionary Necessity of Storytelling
Carl Jung and Myth
- Storytelling as a tool to contend with the internal and external unknown.
- Universal archetypes:
- Hero’s journey (from Gilgamesh to Jesus Christ to The Terminator).
- Foundational narrative structures help societies process fear and aspiration.
E. O. Wilson’s Hypothesis
- Stories originate from the hunt:
- Tracking, pursuit, and intellectual challenges mirror early human experiences.
Crafting Effective Stories
Key Principles:
- Leave room for the audience’s imagination:
- Examples from Hurwitz’s work:
- Scene ending at “Joints” invites the reader’s imagination.
- Inspired by Jaws: unseen tension is more compelling.
- Flawed Characters:
- Vulnerabilities create relatability and emotional depth.
- Avoid creating “perfect” heroes (e.g., “He was the best of the best” – a cringeworthy mistake Hurwitz regrets).
- Internal and External Conflict:
- Stories succeed when external plots mirror internal struggles.
- Tragic flaws must precipitate consequences, rooted in character decisions.
Myth and Modern Storytelling
Archetypal Narratives
- Hero confronts danger (dragon, unknown).
- Rewards (self-knowledge, personal growth) emerge from overcoming fear.
Blending the Personal and Mythological
- Purely personal stories lack structure; purely mythological tales lack relatability.
- Writing is about finding a balance between grand archetypes and individual experience.
Writing Techniques and Advice
Overcoming Writer’s Block
- Start with a “vomit draft” – perfection is the enemy of progress.
- Rewriting is essential:
- Hurwitz’s first novel underwent 16 drafts before publication.
- Failure is integral to growth.
Research and Authenticity
- Real-world details elevate fiction:
- Example from Hannibal: Mist from dry ice during a stakeout adds realism and ambiance.
Inspirations and Influences
- Shakespearean tragedies:
- Highly structured, narrative-driven, relatable to genre fiction.
- Dostoevsky and Poe:
- Crime and psychological depth often share structural DNA with genre thrillers.
Key Takeaways
- Storytelling is primal: A way for humans to process fear, hope, and complexity.
- Flawed heroes are compelling: Humanity lies in vulnerability.
- Detail matters: Authenticity builds immersive narratives.
- Balance myth and personal truth: Root grand stories in individual experience.
Closing Insights
- Writing demands embodying all characters, even the villains.
- Empathy and perspective are critical tools for creating multidimensional narratives.
- The Role of Chaos:
- Writers must traverse chaos and order to craft impactful stories.
- The process reflects personal growth and cultural contribution.
“You cannot master the art of storytelling; you can only strive for intimate familiarity with its form.”
Stay tuned for the next session, focusing on Mimesis!