Originally posted as a thread on X.

Beautiful parallels between music and storytelling in Shawn Carrié’s Outlier 2022 talk.

1. Rhythm

In music: Regularity/Irregularity in elements. Space between them.

In story: When do I introduce new characters? What’s the interplay between the different characters in the story?

2. Melody

In music: Single voice that stands out in the foreground.

In story: Main character that guides the audience through the experience. It leads us to moments where info is delivered. It is ultimately the main idea I want the reader to walk away with.

3. Harmony

In music: counterpoint/juxtaposition of multiple voices.

In story: When is the time to bring harmonising elements? To bring in relevant context that informs the reader and gives insight? How what is happening to this individual person connects to a larger trend.