How to Use Deadlines to Finish Your Story

Lynn Palermo’s Storylines presentation categorizes writers into five types based on a quiz: scene collectors, over explainers, solo scribblers, idea hoppers, and perfection paralyzers. Each type has distinct challenges and tailored next steps, such as focusing on story structure, practicing show-not-tell, seeking feedback, committing to a single project, or timed writing without editing. The presentation encourages writers to recognize their stage and offers the Story Foundations Learning Center as a supportive resource.

Next steps and outcomes:

• [06:59] Writers identified as scene collectors need to focus on story structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• [07:45] Over explainer writers are advised to practice show-don’t-tell techniques by rewriting scenes focusing only on actions and dialogue.
• [08:38] Solo scribblers should seek constructive feedback by sharing their writing with trusted peers or joining writing groups.
• [09:34] Idea hoppers are encouraged to choose one story, set small goals, and maintain accountability over 4-6 weeks.
• [10:25] Perfection paralyzers should practice timed writing sessions without editing to overcome writing blocks.
• [11:44] Invitation to join the Story Foundations Learning Center for ongoing support and community.

Chapters:
Introduction and Quiz Setup

• [00:05] Introduction to understanding writing journey stages
• [01:33] Writing is learned in stages and tips may no longer suffice
• [02:23] A quiz is provided to determine writer type

Quiz Questions and Writer Type Categorization

• [02:36] Quiz questions A to E categorize writing behaviors and challenges
• [05:56] Tally results to identify writer type as scene collector (A), over explainer (B), solo scribbler (C), idea hopper (D), or perfection paralyzer (E)

Scene Collector Writer Type

• [06:29] Scene collectors collect scenes but struggle with story structure
• [06:59] Recommended next step: learn story structure basics and use frameworks like three-act structure

Over Explainer Writer Type

• [07:26] Over explainers write full drafts relying on telling rather than showing
• [07:45] Suggested practice: rewrite scenes using only actions and dialogue to enhance show-don’t-tell technique

Solo Scribbler Writer Type

• [08:00] Solo scribblers write but lack reader feedback
• [08:38] Need constructive feedback and community support; advised to share work and join writing groups

Idea Hopper Writer Type

• [09:01] Idea hoppers start multiple stories but rarely finish
• [09:34] Need project focus and accountability; advised to commit to one story with small goals

Perfection Paralyzer Writer Type

• [10:07] Perfection paralyzers are stuck with endless revising or not writing at all
• [10:25] Need permission to write messy first drafts; advised timed writing sessions without editing

Support for Writers and Next Steps

• [11:04] Recognizing writing stage helps growth; writing progresses in small steps
• [11:44] Introduced Story Foundations Learning Center for structured support and community
• [12:02] Learning center offers practical tools and support at all stages