This is not a review. It is a personal reaction to Story Genius by Lisa Cron.
I am on page 245 Chapter 5 “Stories Grow in Spirals.” I started reading this book
on approximately August 1, 2021. Yes.
From page 1, I hated it. Why? Unequivocal. Arrogant. Where are Cron’s bestselling novels? And dogs. I love them. To the point of addiction. I need them to maintain my precarious balance of mental and physical health. And they need me. They were homeless before I came along.
Cron’s example genius-in-training is Jennie doesn’t especially like dogs. Jennie’s main character Ruby doesn’t like dogs at all. And the master manipulator—Lisa—is neutral on the topic. First of all, I ask you: What kind of person doesn’t like dogs? Oh, of course, people like Lisa, Jennie, and Ruby. I intensely dislike the trio.
Every single time Cron via Jennie through Ruby gives us an example and asks, “Why does this work?”, I answer aloud: “IT DOESN’T! I’VE NEVER READ ANYTHING SO BORING IN MY LIFE!” And that is just the pre-writing—oops, not the prewriting,—the whatever.
Now, then, I need to calm down.
Why didn’t I throw the book in the corner, along with those by Charles Dickens, William Faulknenr, and E. L. Doctorow? (I know, I know.) Because —sigh—she makes some good points. A story should grow organically. I should know all the backstories. I should always ask “why?” I should always ask myself, “and then what?” Cause and effect. Cause and effect. Cause and effect. Bang, bang, bang!
Except—I’m a plotter, an outliner, an external structure user, and a shitty first drafter. So, you see, I have it all wrong. I can’t help it. This is how I like to work, and this is what works for me.
However, there is some stuff I could incorporate: More complete backstories and more explorations of characters’ misbeliefs that get them into trouble and propel the novel forward.
Starting with a skeleton and adding detail. (Cron wouldn’t put it this way, but I would.)
Why? Cause and effect. Stories grow in spirals? No, that’s real life.
Fabulous! And who doesn’t like dogs? I see the points you made though, about organic growth. I’m a new author so I’m working through things. I plan, I run with it, then I plan again. Thanks for the opinions.
This is so refreshing! As an avid dog lover/owner all my life, I had a similar reaction to this book. Most people talk about “Story Genius” in hushed tones and whispers. It’s like any other craft book – take what works and toss the rest. And the only book on craft I think belongs to cult status is Stephen King’s “On Writing”, because…Stephen King.