I love this - and I find that when I want to go heavy into my back story - typically it's because I doubt my main point is strong enough to stand on its own. If I trust my idea and am primarily focused on providing value to my reader (rather than soothing my ego or making myself appear better/smarter) - this is much easier to do.
This is great advice and I love all the specific examples. It's funny as a listener I don't want a lot of backstory but, when I'm speaking, I feel like I need to provide a lot of backstory. Trying to get that paradox in sync.
In a post that went out this morning, I initially had a ton of backstory. I thought it would give context. It didn’t. I hacked 2 paragraphs into 3 sentences, and it was exactly what the story needed.
Wow, I was reading along kinda nodding and then you stopped me in my tracks. Start the story right before getting eaten the bear?!
I was hooked for the rest of the article.
All the examples really helped to show how painful it is for listeners when too much backstory is shared. I’ve been in so many of those meetings and listened to so many YouTube videos like that - 27 mins long to change a light bulb, or similar 😂
Thanks Wes! Super applicable for my writing and communication. Gonna be thinking about this for a while.
Dang! As a recruiter, I see this everyday with myself, my clients and candidates. I will be more conscious of the backstory creep and politely steer conversations to the main points.
This was the backstory slap in the face I needed. Thank you!
I love this - and I find that when I want to go heavy into my back story - typically it's because I doubt my main point is strong enough to stand on its own. If I trust my idea and am primarily focused on providing value to my reader (rather than soothing my ego or making myself appear better/smarter) - this is much easier to do.
This is great advice and I love all the specific examples. It's funny as a listener I don't want a lot of backstory but, when I'm speaking, I feel like I need to provide a lot of backstory. Trying to get that paradox in sync.
In a post that went out this morning, I initially had a ton of backstory. I thought it would give context. It didn’t. I hacked 2 paragraphs into 3 sentences, and it was exactly what the story needed.
You have managed to share tips to write a great fiction introduction and a story in general, Wes! Thank you!
Really enjoyed this! The diagram is an great visual, too.
Wow, I was reading along kinda nodding and then you stopped me in my tracks. Start the story right before getting eaten the bear?!
I was hooked for the rest of the article.
All the examples really helped to show how painful it is for listeners when too much backstory is shared. I’ve been in so many of those meetings and listened to so many YouTube videos like that - 27 mins long to change a light bulb, or similar 😂
Thanks Wes! Super applicable for my writing and communication. Gonna be thinking about this for a while.
I shouldn't have delayed reading this article. As a newsletter writer, I need these tips!
Love it.
Dang! As a recruiter, I see this everyday with myself, my clients and candidates. I will be more conscious of the backstory creep and politely steer conversations to the main points.
Guilty as charged. I have gotten. Good to keep your advice at hand. Thanks!
Found this from your latest post on notes. That graphic to start the article is outstanding.
That was really great. Thanks!
"Start your story right before you get eaten by the bear" - I am going to start using this line. Great advice.
Great post!
They key is to have the patience and willingness to edit the hell out of your story, no? Write drunk, edit sober 🙂
Perfect!