The Elements of a Page-Turner - podcast

The late Stan Lee didn't have any rules about what makes a story a page turner, he just made sure to interest himself along the way. Lee, comic creator of Spider-man, Fantastic Four and X-Man and former president and CEO of Marvel Comics, says an author has to have a basic idea of plot. From there, he must make the audience care about the hero so that when he gets in trouble, they suffer too. Tension develops when the hero keeps trying to do right, only to land in deeper trouble. How will he get out of it this time? Lee often wondered this too! But by introducing complex situations and surprises, readers are taken on quite a journey that offers big relief and enjoyment when the payoff occurs.
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  • Really useful advice!! Helped a LOT!!! Thanks a bulk!! :D <3 -Sitwat
  • Thanks Stan for the adept presentation.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Hi Donald -- if you haven't done so already, try searching here on the Author Learning Center for "Storytelling", "Story", "Tension", and "Plot" and you'll see lots of other great content about this same topic.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Love it. :) Search on his name and you'll find tons of other content items from him.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Hello Ms. Dzirasa -- We are so pleased that you found great value in hearing from Mr. Lee. He is truly a leader in the entertainment industry and we were honored to interview him for the Author Learning Center and help share his expertise world-wide with authors like yourself. We continue to bring you access to industry leaders. If you haven't already, check out the content here from Seth Godin, Mitch Albom, and Elmore Leonard. I think you'll find them equally inspiring.