Creative Pep Talk: Episode 475 - The Anatomy of Storytelling and Where to Start, With Brian McDonald

Release Date: October 16, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 475 of Creative Pep Talk, host Andy J. Pizza welcomes renowned author and story expert Brian McDonald to delve deep into the intricacies of storytelling. Building upon their previous collaboration in Episode 326, where Brian and branding expert Jesse Bryan discussed their podcast You Are a Storyteller, this episode focuses exclusively on Brian's expertise and his influential book, Invisible Ink. Brian shares profound insights into the foundational elements of storytelling, emphasizing the importance of substance over superficial flair.

Invisible Ink: A Foundational Guide to Storytelling

Andy opens the discussion by highlighting the monumental impact Brian's Invisible Ink has had on his own creative practice. He states:

“There’s not a lot that has influenced me as much next to this, maybe the Hero’s Journey, Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung stuff, but this is right up there. It is foundational for how I think about storytelling or the podcast.”
(00:21)

Brian provides a candid look into the genesis of Invisible Ink. Rejected by Disney's fellowship program, Brian's frustration with recommended screenwriting books fueled his determination to create a resource he felt was lacking. This personal journey not only led to his authorship but also uncovered his latent talent for teaching storytelling effectively.

“When one of my students, very first class, she said to me, you should write a book. And I was like, yeah, yeah. People tell me that... she looked me dead in the eye and she said, no, you're good at this. You have a responsibility to write a book.”
(08:17)

The Essence of Story: Beyond Surface Elements

A central theme of the episode revolves around distinguishing between the surface elements of a story—such as plot and action—and the deeper, often invisible, components that give a story its lasting impact.

Armature: The Invisible Backbone

Brian introduces the concept of the armature, a metaphorical skeleton that underpins every great story. Drawing from his experience in creature shops, where armatures support sculptures, he explains:

“The armature is the point you're trying to make. It doesn't have to be obvious. It doesn't have to be there on the surface for everybody to see, but it has to be there in every decision that you make about the characters that inhabit that story... It has to be built around the armature.”
(33:28)

This armature is akin to the story's central idea or theme, serving as the guiding force for all narrative decisions. Without it, a story devolves into a disjointed series of events lacking coherence and purpose.

Structure vs. Story

Andy and Brian explore the often misunderstood relationship between structure and story. Brian clarifies:

“A story doesn't have a structure. A story is a structure. The same way a building is a structure or a bridge is a structure. They are structures. So if you don't link the events together, they are not a story.”
(13:05)

This perspective shifts the focus from rigid structural frameworks (like the traditional three-act structure) to viewing the story itself as the embodiment of its structure, organically arising from the interconnectedness of its elements.

The Power of the Point: Meaning Over Events

Brian emphasizes that what truly matters in a story is how events impact characters and resonate with the audience, rather than the mere occurrence of those events.

“It matters how the action impacts the characters and the audience.”
(07:28)

He illustrates this with a poignant example:

“There was a story, a woman who was in a concentration camp in World War II... one day he passed an apple to me. And she goes, I don’t know when the last time I had seen an apple. So that would have meant he would have had to sacrifice his own food... The action hasn't changed. It's someone handing someone an apple. But what's underneath all of it?”
(11:20)

This underscores the idea that actions gain significance through their underlying meanings and the emotional weight they carry within the narrative context.

Art vs. Story Mechanics: The Cup and the Coffee

Andy introduces a metaphor to differentiate between the artistic and mechanical aspects of storytelling:

“I call it the cup and the coffee. So the coffee is like the substance. It's the espresso, it's the... it's what people are there for. And the cup you put it in needs to match the flavor.”
(54:51)

Brian expands on this, relating it back to the armature:

“If you listen to your armature, you become a servant of that armature. Every decision you make is based on an armature. You will be more creative than you could otherwise be.”
(57:59)

Using the example of Peter Pan, Brian dissects the crocodile with a ticking clock, revealing how it symbolizes death and the passage of time, aligning perfectly with the armature of Captain Hook's fear and eternal pursuit.

“Once you have your armature, you become a servant of that armature. You will be more creative than you could otherwise be.”
(57:59)

Vulnerability: The Heart of Storytelling

A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on vulnerability as the source of authentic storytelling. Brian asserts that the armature must stem from personal experiences and truths:

“You have to look inside for the armature. There is something that you have learned from some hardship... All of that means there is something you survived, and there's something you know to be true from your experience.”
(61:04)

Andy echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of connecting with the audience on an emotional level through vulnerability:

“As an act of trust with your audience... they say, how did they know that about me.”
(63:54)

This mutual trust fosters a deeper connection, making the story resonate more profoundly with listeners or readers.

Collaboration and Creative Choices

Andy and Brian delve into the dynamics of collaboration in storytelling, using the armature framework to streamline decision-making among creative teams. Brian explains how distinguishing between the armature (soul), the muscle (mechanics), and the skin (surface elements) can prevent creative blocks and ensure cohesive storytelling.

“When you're working with someone and they say, maybe... But we're still building bones. Let's just build bones. He finds it out. We'll figure that out later. We just need that. Right?”
(45:43)

This structured approach ensures that the story remains true to its core idea while allowing flexibility in execution.

Examples of Effective Storytelling

Brian provides exemplary analyses to illustrate his points, with Peter Pan serving as a primary example:

“Captain Hook is also running from death, right?... So the ticking clock with teeth is chasing Hook. Right?”
(56:04)

He contrasts timeless classics like The Wizard of Oz with modern productions, demonstrating how the enduring strength of a story lies in its armature rather than its superficial elements.

“Style has moved on from those things. It has not diminished anyone's enjoyment of those things.”
(52:51)

Call to Adventure: Finding Your Story's Armature

As the episode draws to a close, Brian offers actionable advice for creatives seeking to discover their own armatures:

“You have to look inside for the armature. There is something that you have survived, and there's something you know to be true from your experience.”
(61:04)

He encourages creators to embrace vulnerability, trust their inner truths, and let these core ideas guide their storytelling, ensuring authenticity and resonance in their work.

Conclusion

Episode 475 of Creative Pep Talk provides a comprehensive exploration of storytelling's deeper mechanics. Brian McDonald adeptly unpacks the significance of the armature, the vital role of vulnerability, and the delicate balance between art and storytelling mechanics. For creatives aiming to craft meaningful and impactful stories, this episode serves as an invaluable guide, emphasizing that true storytelling transcends plot and action to touch the very essence of human experience.

Where to Find Brian McDonald

To delve deeper into Brian's insights on storytelling, listeners are encouraged to explore his book, Invisible Ink. The book is available at major bookstores and online retailers. Additionally, Brian can be followed on Instagram @bmickitd or through his website at Invisible Ink.

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Invisible Ink by Brian McDonald: A seminal work on the foundational elements of storytelling.
• Episode 326 of Creative Pep Talk: Featuring Brian McDonald and Jesse Bryan discussing their podcast You Are a Storyteller.
• Otto Rank's "The Myth of the Birth of the Hero": For those interested in the historical underpinnings of storytelling archetypes.

Stay tuned to Creative Pep Talk for more inspiring episodes designed to elevate your creative practice, featuring experts and thought leaders from various creative fields.