W. Lloyd Williams

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Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

The five major elements of story physics are: 1. conceptual power (the compelling essence of the Big Idea)… 2. dramatic tension (conflict)… 3. pacing… 4. hero empathy (resulting in our rooting for something)… and 5. vicarious experience (often a function of setting and concept, as is the case in The Hunger Games).  Those last two combine to become at catch-all that speaks to the need for the reader to be emotionally involved. - Larry Brooks

I met Larry Brooks at the Willamette Writers Conference in Portland, OR. He spoke each of the three mornings on the concepts he calls Story Physics and Story Engineering. Larry looks at writing from both a structured and intuitive approach. In the end he concludes (and I would agree) that both methods are doing the same thing. The structured approach does the design before writing and the intuitive continues to write until the design works. Both end up conforming to the natural laws of story. Unlike other books on story structure,

Story Engineering

clearly explains the interaction of the plot points, plot twists, and milestones. The only chapter I found weak was concerning the Act Three - Resolution. He will have a new book titled The Search for Story coming out later this year to delve deeper into Story Physics, a prequel to Story Engineering. Combined together they are a worthwhile read.

Resistance: Overcoming our Greatest Enemy

Occasionally a book comes along that helps us understand our own behavior in a meaningful way. Steven Pressfield’s book The War of Art defines for us the nature of our greatest enemy and how to combat what holds us back from the results we desire.

Whether you are an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or professional this short book clearly identifies the source of procrastination and internal obstacles to our success in part one. The cure is clearly defined in part two. Like Robert McKee, who wrote the foreword, I too see in part three the effect of inspiration the same and the cause of inspiration differently.

This is a quick read and can immediately be applied to your current practice. Great books can change your life. This in one of them. For more information on The War of Art.

Managing Client's Fear

Ever wished you could understand your clients' fears regarding the markets and their investments? The book The Science of Fear helps you understand the root of fear and will prepare you to better manage your own concerns and your clients' fears as the markets volatility makes remaining calm difficult. This is a must read for advisors wanting to protect their practice and clients from the irrational fears that cause bad decisions. Highly recommended.

Checklist Manifesto

Studies now show that checklists actually improve the quality of deliverable service. What was once the tool of pilots and astronauts is now used by surgeons, hospitals, and money managers to improve there execution and delivery of value. The book Checklist Manifesto details the value of using checklists. This is a great summer read. Highly recommended.

Procedural checklists are an important part of every successful practice and I recommend them for all my coaching clients. The following are several links to important checklists you may find of value:

Pipeline Process - checklist for developing a relationship with a prospect in the financial service industry

Operations Manual - checklist procedures for running a financial service practice

RoadMap for Change - weekly task list to accomplish your most important dreams

Improve your practice by reading Checklist Manifesto and create a bullet-proof practice.

Let's Talk: Partnering to Monitor Positive Change

We all desire positive change in our lives. As we discussed last week, positive change requires not just a desire or goal, but a next action. If you want to be a catalyst for positive change in the life of others you must partner with them in identifying their desire and next action. Then, with them, track the accomplishment of their next actions until the desired outcome is realized. You no longer sit on the sidelines of their life, but actively participate in the achievement of their dreams. Your conversations can now focus on what is most important to them and, as a partner, you share in their excitement and are valued by them in a unique way.

Remember refer-ability is not tied to your expertise or knowledge, which are usually assumed. It is not your unique solution that compels them introduce you to others. Your refer-ability is directly tied to your clients experience with you. Is their lifestyle maintained and enhanced by knowing you?

Partnering with those around you and monitoring the positive change in their lives connects you to the accomplishment of their dreams. The simple process of recording what they want to do and encouraging them in completing simple next actions will guarantee they achieve the dreams.

For each person or couple you partner with, record their next dream. Then note under that dream the next action they want to accomplish. Now each time you talk with them update the next action as they are completed. Occasionally drop them a line or call to check on their progress. This simple process changes your conversation and gently encourages them to complete what they desire. Now because of your partnering with them, the desired outcome is achieved sooner and a new desired outcome can be set. As a catalyst for positive change you can help others achieve substantially more than they ever imagined. Now you are value-added.