PART 1 — “Upstream vs. Downstream Decisions: Why Writers Get Stuck in the Wrong Layer.”
Most writers think they’re stuck because a scene isn’t working.
But the real issue usually sits one layer above the scene.
There are only two layers in any creative project:
UPSTREAM (Definition Layer)
This is where you decide:
- what the story is
- what job it’s supposed to do
- what the spine is
- what the protagonist is actually solving
- what the audience is meant to experience
Upstream is identity, purpose, and function.
DOWNSTREAM (Execution Layer)
This is where you work on:
- scenes
- beats
- dialogue
- pacing
- structure
- polish
Downstream is craft and detail.
Where writers get stuck
Most writers try to fix downstream problems with downstream solutions.
But downstream problems almost always come from an upstream misalignment.
If the identity isn’t defined, the scenes won’t land.
If the function is unclear, the structure won’t hold.
If the purpose is fuzzy, the execution will drift.
The upstream reset
Here’s the question that stabilizes almost any project:
“What is this story for — and what job is it supposed to do?”
Answer that cleanly, and 80% of your downstream confusion disappears.
