(A method for Writing and Revising with precision)
Some stories feel alive from the very first sentence.
Others arrive on the page like lifeless husks—stiff, clunky, and missing something essential.
The important thing to note, however, is that no story is born fully formed.
It has to be built.
For this, the Story Corpse Method provides a helpful framework.
Originally coined by bestselling author V.E. Schwab, this method frames storytelling as an act of creation and resurrection.
A process of layering structure, depth, and style onto an idea until it finally stands on its own.
And while it was designed for novelists, the principles behind it apply just as well to copywriting, branding, and any form of storytelling.
Step 1: The Skeleton (Structure & Strategy)
Every strong story—whether it’s a novel, a brand campaign, or a sales page—begins with bones.
This is the core framework that holds everything together:
- What’s the one thing your story needs to communicate?
- What are the essential moments that define it?
- How does it start and where does it end?
For fiction, this might mean outlining the 5–10 key scenes that the story can’t exist without.
For copywriting, it’s about structuring the logical journey from pain to solution, ensuring every piece of content supports the larger narrative.
Without a strong skeleton, your story collapses.
Step 2: The Muscle (Details & Depth)
Once the framework is in place, it’s time to add substance.
This is where you bring the story to life with:
- Character motivations (for fiction) or customer desires (for branding).
- Obstacles and conflict that drive engagement.
- Persuasive elements that strengthen the narrative.
A brand’s messaging, for example, shouldn’t just state what a product does—it needs to show why it matters.
This is where the real storytelling happens.
Step 3: The Flesh (Clarity & Connection)
A pile of muscle and bones doesn’t make a person. It makes a mess.
Flesh is what shapes the experience—the tone, flow, and rhythm that make a story feel natural and compelling.
This is where we refine the execution by:
- Cutting out unnecessary words.
- Simplifying complex ideas.
- Ensuring the pacing keeps readers engaged.
In fiction, this means making sure every scene moves the story forward.
In branding and copywriting, it’s about scannability—making sure the reader absorbs the message effortlessly.
Step 4: The Makeup & Clothes (Polish & Style)
The final layer is all about presentation.
This is where you refine the details that make a story feel finished:
- Does the hook grab attention immediately?
- Is the voice consistent with the brand or narrative?
- Are the final touches making it memorable?
In copywriting, this might mean optimizing for persuasive CTAs and sharpening key phrases.
For fiction, it’s about ensuring the prose enhances the emotions of the story rather than distracting from them.
Why this matters for Storytellers of all kinds
Whether you’re crafting a novel, a brand story, or a compelling sales pitch, the Story Corpse Method is a reminder that great storytelling is built in layers.
You don’t write a masterpiece in a single draft.
You build it—starting with the skeleton, fleshing it out, refining the language, and finally polishing it to perfection.
And if your story feels lifeless at first?
Good. That means it’s ready to be brought to life.
Now, time to raise the corpse.
Writing Update
I’ve added roughly 33.000 words to the first draft of my fantasy novel this month, taking the total word count up to 152.000 with 60 out of a projected 70 chapters finished.
I am into the final stretch: Act 3. The part where all the storylines and character arcs converge in a (hopefully) satisfying way.
I felt very burned out with the story throughout Act 2B, but now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel I feel motivated to finish it.
Let’s see where it goes.
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Until next time,