Video Course
In this unique online course, novelist and filmmaker John Gaspard shares his "Popcorn Principles" - practical storytelling techniques adapted from the world of filmmaking that can elevate your novel writing skills. Through concise video modules, you'll learn how to recognize and apply cinematic storytelling principles from popular and acclaimed movies across all phases - pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. Despite the different media, novels and films significantly overlap in how they engage audiences through compelling narratives.
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Lesson 1: Stop Getting Ready
Learn the importance of taking action and starting to write their book instead of getting stuck in a cycle of over-preparing and endlessly consuming advice.
Learn the importance of taking action and starting to write their book instead of getting stuck in a cycle of over-preparing and endlessly consuming advice.
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Lesson 2: Read. Write. Repeat.
Learn the critical importance of continually reading fiction, especially within their chosen genre, as well as studying other storytelling media like films and TV shows.
Learn the critical importance of continually reading fiction, especially within their chosen genre, as well as studying other storytelling media like films and TV shows.
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Lesson 3: Exploit the Unique
Learn how to tap into their own unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives as fertile ground for authentic and resonant storytelling.
Learn how to tap into their own unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives as fertile ground for authentic and resonant storytelling.
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Lesson 4: Stay In Your Lane
Learn the importance of adhering to the conventions and audience expectations of their chosen genre when writing their novel.
Learn the importance of adhering to the conventions and audience expectations of their chosen genre when writing their novel.
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Lesson 5: You Gotta Be Committed
Learn the importance of fully committing to the genre conventions they have chosen for their novel without apology or shame.
Learn the importance of fully committing to the genre conventions they have chosen for their novel without apology or shame.
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