A short guide to writing performance genre novels

Performance novels captivate readers with tales of artistic expression, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence. These stories often revolve around the protagonist's journey in a particular art form or skill, such as music, dance, acting, or sports.

In this article, we will delve into the external content genre of performance novels. We will offer guidance on when to choose this genre, discuss its conventions, and identify obligatory scenes.

What is the performance genre?

The performance genre is an external content genre that showcases the protagonist's artistic or athletic pursuits, and the challenges they encounter in achieving their objectives. It emphasizes the difficulties that these individuals face while striving for their goals and overcoming obstacles. Through their stories, we gain valuable insight into the human experience, with its struggles and triumphs.

The performance genre is one of the external content genres, which focuses on the external conflicts and events that drive the story. Understanding the external content genre helps you develop stories that meet reader expectations and deliver a satisfying experience.

When to choose the performance genre

The performance genre is an excellent choice for writers who have a passion for the arts, sports, or other competitive fields. It allows them to explore the dedication, perseverance, and personal growth required to excel in these areas. If you enjoy delving into the world of artistic or athletic pursuits and crafting narratives about the trials, triumphs, and setbacks that accompany the pursuit of greatness, the performance genre may be an ideal fit for you.

Conventions of the performance genre

The performance genre is characterized by several key conventions:

• Protagonist's pursuit: The protagonist is deeply committed to their chosen art form or sport, and the story revolves around their dedication, talent, and growth in this area.
• Mentor or teacher figure: A mentor or teacher figure plays a significant role in the protagonist's development, offering guidance, wisdom, or support throughout their journey.
• Rival or antagonist: The protagonist faces a rival or antagonist who challenges their skills, determination, or commitment to their craft.
• Training or practice: The story showcases the protagonist's hard work, practice, and training, emphasizing the dedication and sacrifice required to excel.
• Pivotal performance or competition: A climactic performance or competition serves as a turning point in the protagonist's journey, testing their abilities and resolve.

Obligatory scenes of the performance genre

There are certain scenes that readers expect to encounter in a performance novel:

• Introduction to the protagonist's passion: The story establishes the protagonist's commitment to their chosen field and their desire to excel.
• The call to action: The protagonist faces a challenge or opportunity that compels them to push their limits and strive for greatness.
• Training or practice montage: A series of scenes depict the protagonist's hard work, practice, and training, demonstrating their dedication and growth.
• Mentor or teacher guidance: The protagonist receives guidance, support, or wisdom from a mentor or teacher figure, often at a critical moment in their journey.
• Setback or failure: The protagonist experiences a setback or failure that tests their resolve and forces them to reevaluate their goals or approach.
• Climactic performance or competition: The protagonist participates in a pivotal performance or competition, showcasing their growth, talent, and determination.
• Resolution and personal growth: The story concludes with the protagonist's reflection on their journey and the personal growth they have experienced, regardless of the outcome of the performance or competition.

Tips for writing a compelling performance story

To create a captivating performance story, consider the following tips:

• Conduct research on the specific art form, discipline, or industry to ensure your story is authentic and accurate, showcasing the realities and challenges of the performance world.
• Develop engaging characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and backstories that readers can connect with, representing a variety of roles within the performance sphere, such as artists, mentors, and rivals.
• Create a vivid and immersive setting that captures the atmosphere and environment of the performance world, using rich descriptions and sensory details to evoke the sights, sounds, and emotions of the stage or performance space.
• Craft an engaging plot that follows the characters' journey through the world of performance, including their struggles, successes, and personal growth, while maintaining reader interest and building suspense throughout the story.
• Use authentic language and dialogue that reflects the vernacular, jargon, or technical terms of the specific performance field while remaining accessible to modern readers.
• Incorporate themes and issues relevant to the performance world, such as competition, self-expression, collaboration, and the pursuit of success, to add depth and complexity to the story.
• Showcase the transformative power of performance, exploring how characters evolve and develop through their experiences and interactions with the art form and other characters.
• Employ a variety of narrative techniques, such as alternating perspectives or flashbacks, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the characters' journey and the impact of the performance world on their lives.

To write a compelling performance novel, you need a deep understanding of the genre's conventions and obligatory scenes. You must also have a passion for the artistic or athletic world you are exploring. By crafting a narrative that explores the protagonist's pursuit of excellence, struggles, and personal growth, you can create an engaging and inspiring story that resonates with readers.

As you embark on your journey into the performance genre, it's important to stay true to your voice, delve deeply into your characters' emotions and motivations, and strive for an immersive and authentic portrayal of the performance world. With careful planning, attention to detail, and dedication to your craft, you can create a performance novel that captivates readers and inspires them to pursue their own dreams and passions.

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References

1. Coyne, Shawn. 2015. The Story Grid. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.