Memorable characters are one of the greatest reasons that remakes and updates and spinoffs are successful and popular.

We are not far apart. I also remember the original Adams Family when it first came out. And I remember the Munsters (plus a few others. *wry grin*) And I agree, great story ideas can be updated.

LOVE Larry Brooks' work. His Four Part Structure changed my whole view of story structure.

Lynette, great idea to use a new, popular show like Wednesday.

I'm old enough to remember watching the original Adams Family when it first came out. Interesting how great story ideas can be updated.

It makes the Dissection work really fun when you can rewatch a beloved show, Lisa.

Great suggestion for sci fi lovers.

Ellen, I don't think I'm at the method level for finding comparable books, yet. I'll be paying attention for that.

What I do see, with my students, is they tend to find at least one particular element, from a Creative Guide, that resonates with a weakness they are feeling in their story.

I remember one student finding the tone in a historical fiction show that really fit for her historical fiction novel. I think that gave her confidence to think about other elements that she felt would work in her story.

BTW-I'm a thesaurus junky too. I think I have most of your's. I recommend them often to my students. 🙂

I tend to have trouble finding comps. You mentioned finding similar books so I wonder, can you share a method for finding comparable books?

Thanks!

Finding those structure gurus, like Syd Field, are so valuable to our writing process, Diana. Deconstruction is indeed a great way to learn and create stories. Thanks for reminding us of that resource.