Episode 266 - Timeless Storytelling Principles with Douglas Vigliotti
December 3, 2024
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Douglas Vigliotti discusses TIMELESS STORYTELLING PRINCIPLES, including the significance of consistency, reversals, and recognitions in novels, drawing parallels to mediums like film. Doug explores the role of believability and logic in creating compelling stories and reflects on the impact of marketing pressures on current narratives. He also discusses the cyclical nature of transgressive art.
Douglas Vigliotti is the author of four books, including ARISTOTLE FOR NOVELISTS and TOM COLLINS: A ‘SLIGHTLY CROOKED’ NOVEL, which is available to listen to on SLIGHTLY CROOKED: GOOD STORIES,TOLD WELL, a podcast that also features his raw and unorthodox poem collection MINI HEARTBREAKS (OR, LITTLE POEMS ABOUT LIFE). He is also the host of BOOKS FOR MEN, a weekly podcast to inspire (more) men to read. He lives in New Haven, Connecticut.
Links
Doug's Links:
https://douglasvigliotti.com/
https://www.instagram.com/douglasvigliotti/
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
https://douglasvigliotti.com/
https://www.instagram.com/douglasvigliotti/
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
I hope you enjoyed this episode! If you take Doug's quiz at https://douglasvigliotti.com/aristotle-for-novelists, please let us know what you learned.
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Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Douglas Vigliotti about his book "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story." The discussion delves into Aristotle's enduring influence on storytelling and how these ancient principles can guide contemporary novelists in crafting compelling narratives.
Douglas Vigliotti explains his journey from writing nonfiction to fiction and why he turned to Aristotle's "Poetics" to enhance his storytelling skills. He recounts how he identified that understanding story and character development was pivotal in moving from writing to truly connecting with readers.
One major theme explored is the principle of consistency in novels. Douglas emphasizes that consistency doesn't mean each chapter should mirror the next, but rather that the style, structure, and character portrayal remain coherent throughout. This, he believes, is fundamental to maintaining a reader's engagement and ensuring the story's integrity. He illustrates this with examples from literature and screenwriting, noting how differing styles or even disruptive styles can work—as long as they're executed consistently.
The podcast also tackles the principle of "show, don't tell," crucial advice for writers. Douglas reflects on storytelling as an imitation of action, a concept rooted in Aristotle's belief in learning through imitation. He argues that action reveals more than words, both in life and in storytelling. A character's journey and growth are fully realized through their deeds, not just their dialogue or thoughts.
Matty and Douglas also explore the cyclical nature of art and how transgressive works, like those from the era of "Fight Club," are less common today due to external pressures and censorship. Yet Douglas remains positive that art will push boundaries again, as this cyclical nature tends to repeat itself.
The principle of logic and believability in storytelling is dissected further. Douglas discusses the chain of causality and how a story should unfold through a logical sequence of cause and effect. Believability is paramount, he argues, for a narrative's success, no matter if it’s within a fantastical or realistic setting. Adhering to the world and rules that writers create is essential for maintaining a reader's trust and interest.
The conversation turns toward techniques of storytelling efficiency often showcased in films. Douglas praises films for their lean and essential structure, which can serve as a model for novelists aiming to cut extraneous content and focus on the core plot and character development. He draws on examples like "Mystic River," successfully translated from page to screen by focusing on the essence of the narrative.
Additionally, reversals and recognitions are discussed as essential elements of a complex plot. Douglas emphasizes that these should emerge from the story itself, not external forces, echoing Aristotle's disdain for deus ex machina resolutions. These reversals keep readers engaged with unexpected developments that are, nonetheless, rooted in the story's logic.
Finally, the discussion wraps up with a consideration of art as a reflection of its time. Matty and Douglas agree that older works should be viewed through the lens of their era, embracing the social mores of their time rather than altering them to fit modern standards.
For listeners who are novelists or storytellers, Douglas leaves them with an invitation to further explore Aristotle's principles by visiting a dedicated website and taking an assessment to see how their stories align with these timeless guidelines. He encourages writers to remain true to their unique voices while leveraging the structural wisdom handed down through centuries of storytelling craft.
This episode of The Indy Author Podcast offers valuable insights into how Aristotle's time-tested storytelling principles can enhance modern novel writing. Whether you’re revisiting the classics or writing your next big story, maintaining consistency, highlighting action over dialogue, and ensuring a logical flow make for compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
Douglas Vigliotti explains his journey from writing nonfiction to fiction and why he turned to Aristotle's "Poetics" to enhance his storytelling skills. He recounts how he identified that understanding story and character development was pivotal in moving from writing to truly connecting with readers.
One major theme explored is the principle of consistency in novels. Douglas emphasizes that consistency doesn't mean each chapter should mirror the next, but rather that the style, structure, and character portrayal remain coherent throughout. This, he believes, is fundamental to maintaining a reader's engagement and ensuring the story's integrity. He illustrates this with examples from literature and screenwriting, noting how differing styles or even disruptive styles can work—as long as they're executed consistently.
The podcast also tackles the principle of "show, don't tell," crucial advice for writers. Douglas reflects on storytelling as an imitation of action, a concept rooted in Aristotle's belief in learning through imitation. He argues that action reveals more than words, both in life and in storytelling. A character's journey and growth are fully realized through their deeds, not just their dialogue or thoughts.
Matty and Douglas also explore the cyclical nature of art and how transgressive works, like those from the era of "Fight Club," are less common today due to external pressures and censorship. Yet Douglas remains positive that art will push boundaries again, as this cyclical nature tends to repeat itself.
The principle of logic and believability in storytelling is dissected further. Douglas discusses the chain of causality and how a story should unfold through a logical sequence of cause and effect. Believability is paramount, he argues, for a narrative's success, no matter if it’s within a fantastical or realistic setting. Adhering to the world and rules that writers create is essential for maintaining a reader's trust and interest.
The conversation turns toward techniques of storytelling efficiency often showcased in films. Douglas praises films for their lean and essential structure, which can serve as a model for novelists aiming to cut extraneous content and focus on the core plot and character development. He draws on examples like "Mystic River," successfully translated from page to screen by focusing on the essence of the narrative.
Additionally, reversals and recognitions are discussed as essential elements of a complex plot. Douglas emphasizes that these should emerge from the story itself, not external forces, echoing Aristotle's disdain for deus ex machina resolutions. These reversals keep readers engaged with unexpected developments that are, nonetheless, rooted in the story's logic.
Finally, the discussion wraps up with a consideration of art as a reflection of its time. Matty and Douglas agree that older works should be viewed through the lens of their era, embracing the social mores of their time rather than altering them to fit modern standards.
For listeners who are novelists or storytellers, Douglas leaves them with an invitation to further explore Aristotle's principles by visiting a dedicated website and taking an assessment to see how their stories align with these timeless guidelines. He encourages writers to remain true to their unique voices while leveraging the structural wisdom handed down through centuries of storytelling craft.
This episode of The Indy Author Podcast offers valuable insights into how Aristotle's time-tested storytelling principles can enhance modern novel writing. Whether you’re revisiting the classics or writing your next big story, maintaining consistency, highlighting action over dialogue, and ensuring a logical flow make for compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
