How To Tell New Stories

One of the gripes commentators have around modern storytelling is the lack of new styles. It seems the 'Hero's Journey' has been done to death. The plucky individual fighting against the State to achieve personal freedom has been told too many times. But how do we find and develop new stories?

Some think it is found by looking at literature from other countries, however much of this now is heavily influenced by the American culture of individualism and freedom.

So instead, what about going back to the past. That alien country, so few visit. By using AngloFuturism, a tool which can draw forward those forgotten and unfashionable ideas to help unpick the problems of the Present, we can make new styles of story.

So, consider the presuppositions of the Modern culture; radical individualism, unwise utilitarianism and the unbounded Faustian Man. These sit behind the most popular tales of the day, from Marvel to Mills and Boon.

All modern stories draw from these assumptions about how reality should be. But if these presuppositions are challenged, then this tension can produce creativity.

Whether a presupposition is swapped out for another opposite ideal. Like seeking harmony, rather than aggressive individualism.

Or a hero stands against the Faustian man and chooses to be a Man of Limits, knowing when to wisely step back, because they know they can’t do what needs to be done. Showing humility, allowing another to take the mantle of the hero.

Or set up a story where all the individuals fail, but those who recognise they exist within a web of relationships, and rely on this network, are the ones who succeed.

Tackling these presuppositions can provide new stories, new challenges, and new ways of seeing the World.