This season I'm blowing the idea that ‘characters need arcs’ out of the water. Erin Brockovich is a constant character and she’s an underdog. With the odds against her, she does not change instead, she bends the world to suit herself. This is no mean feat, because the villain is powerful and wealthy. In underdog movies the speech in praise of the villain is essential. It's through this speech that we understand how powerful and how unlikely it is for our protagonist to come out on top. Join us as we unpack how a constant character and speeches in praise of the villain work together to deliver a deeply satisfying story. - M.

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On the list of films that haven't aged too well, THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH is near the top. Because it's Hitchcock I'll get flack for saying that, but watch it first and then decide. In terms of study topics this season, I'm looking at The Speech in Praise of the Villain and Melanie is examining Constant Characters. Its portrayal of women and parenting aside, this movie offers up interesting insights on bits of story theory. Enjoy! -V.

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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.

Using a framing story in your novel? Maybe you're writing multiple plot lines. Or perhaps you want to know what truly masterful storytelling looks like. This week, we take a deep dive into THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Melanie and I were spoiled for choice in this What Went Right episode because, when you're dealing with a William Goldman story, pretty much everything is going right. Enjoy! -V.

Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses

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.