From Pixar: 22 Rules for Storytelling

http://io9.com/5916970/the-22-rules-of-storytelling-accordin...

There aren't so much rules as bits of advice on how to tell stories, how to get ideas, and how to get unstuck.

I don't like them all, but these six I do and recommend:

#7: Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.

#8: Finish your story, let go even if it's not perfect. In an ideal world you have both, but move on. Do better next time.

#9: When you're stuck, make a list of what WOULDN'T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.

#15: If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.

#17: No work is ever wasted. If it's not working, let go and move on - it'll come back around to be useful later.

#20: Exercise: take the building blocks of a movie you dislike. How d'you rearrange them into what you DO like?