The tension starts with the title of this week’s movie - The Banshees of Inisherin. Banshees cry right before someone dies. That’s tension right there - who will it be? The anticipation about who is going to die is high because the outcome is unknown. Tension thrives with uncertainty. I also explore the idea of high and low tension in a story. Valerie is powering on with her study of the 4 Story Questions and showing why they are so important. 

If you don’t want to waste years writing in circles, this episode will help you hold the story banshees at bay. -M

"Tension is nested just like the units of story." - Melanie Hill

Related Story Nerd Episodes

Calendar Girls

Seasons 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12

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To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.