Key Concepts

Methods and Illustrations

Introduction

Methods represent the various processes and techniques utilized by Subtxt in crafting a complete narrative argument. These Methods are dynamic and function as active narrative engines.

When considering different Methods, it can be helpful to think of them in terms of "engines of conflict", e.g. Past becomes Past-ing.

Illustrations are a bridge between the esoteric concept of the Method and your actual story. In Subtxt, these Illustrations are enhanced by a community-driven approach, supported by expert curations, ensuring a rich and effective storytelling experience.

Example

An Illustration of Past might be "unearthing what was" or "using the past against someone." Both illustrate a process of Past-ing that creates conflict.

A common pitfall in translating Methods into Illustrations is treating the Methods as static objects rather than dynamic processes. When Methods are misapplied as direct storytelling objects, their impact and effectiveness in the narrative are diluted. Think of Methods and their more detailed Illustrations as if the verbs of conflict in your story, not as direct objects or nouns.

YES Examples

  • "simplifying the system" for Reduction
  • "suspending disbelief" for Disbelief
  • "accepting one's future" for Future
  • "putting the past behind" for Past
  • "formulating a conspiracy theory" for Theory
  • "having no reference point for what is real" for Actuality
  • "finding someone unacceptable" for Acceptance
  • "exceeding expectations" for Expectation
  • "revealing the past" for Past
  • "being a catalyst" for Cause
  • "seeking an endorsement" for Support

NO Examples

  • "Inequity can be right", "Knowing that reality", or "if unfair" for Inequity (used as nouns, not verbs)
  • "forgetting one's criminal past" for Past
  • "circumventing an established process" for Process
  • "wanting to protect someone" for Protection
  • "determining that something is possible" for Possibility
  • "giving up preconceptions about someone" for Preconceptions
  • "let's go of her obligations" for Obligation
  • "placing too much of an emphasis on a theory" for Theory

In the above list of denials, Methods were used primarily as direct objects or nouns exclusively. For example, “putting the past behind” is Past-ing, whereas “forgetting one’s criminal past” is really more about forgetting (i.e., Memory).

“Wanting to protect someone” is more about Desire. “Determining that something is possible” is more about Determination. “Giving up preconceptions” is more about giving something up, then it is about Preconcept-ing.

Too Much or Not Enough

Between Dynamic Pairs (Avoid/Pursuit, Faith/Disbelief, Order/Chaos, etc.) there exists a sliding scale of Illustrations. These range from too much of a certain Element (positive) to not enough of an Element (negative).

Know that this sliding scale exists within every single Method you find in your Storyform.

Example

Between Faith and Disbelief, there exists a wide range of interpretations:

  • Too much Faith
  • Faith
  • Not enough Faith
  • Not enough Disbelief
  • Disbelief
  • Too much Disbelief

This is where you might find the difference between an agnostic (not enough Faith) and an atheist (too much Disbelief).

Tips for Effective Illustrations

Key starters for effective Illustrations include phrases like "Being/Not Being", "Having/Not Having", and "Lacking/Not Lacking".

Avoid starters that tend to position Methods as objects, such as "demanding", "needing", "wanting".

Remember, the Storyform drives the narrative. If your storytelling shifts, you can modify or update the Illustration.

Example

With a Main Character Concern of Progress, an Illustration towards the beginning of the story might be "having one's life slowly declining."

That same Storypoint may shift towards the end of the story to something like "someone making steadily upwards progress". Both Illustrations effectively illustrate the Method of Progress - regardless of direction.

Methods may repeat from one Throughline to another. Feel free to Illustrate these Methods differently, the effect will be a narrative with thematic elements that resonate with one another (through these underlying Methods).

The Subtxt Illustration Library

Subtxt houses an extensive library of professionally curated Narrative Illustrations. If you can't find an Illustration that fits your story, you can submit one for approval. Community contributions play a vital role in enhancing the collective storytelling experience.

Once a submission is made, it undergoes review by Subtxt’s AI services. If approved, Subtxt AI will provide an explanation as to why, and add your Illustration to the global database.

Illustrations may be made private by clicking the padlock icon to the right of an Illustration.

You can also set this globally within your Preferences page.

If denied, Subtxt AI will explain why the denial and will make suggestions as to replacement ideas for that particular Method.

Professional Curation

While Subtxt relies on AI to do the heavy lifting for approving and denying Illustrations, know that we also curate these responses to make sure that you are getting the very best reasoning as why or why not an Illustration may work.

If you feel as if Subtxt’s AI is incorrect in its evaluation of your Illustration, feel free to give it a thumbs down and write in the submission box why you contest its answer. Your recommendations and feedback help to make Subtxt better for everyone.