Finding heart and purpose.
First, let me apologise for being a day late with my post - I have a mind like a sieve sometimes, and I over booked myself *face/palm*
Now on with the show....
As a writer, we try to tell stories and convey ideas. We give the reader a peek through a window into another life, and other worlds. The way you write and construct your piece will determine if you take your readers on a drive-by sightseeing tour, or take them on the journey of a lifetime that will change them forever. Don't fool yourself that it's just a story - as a writer you do have this power, and to push yourself to grow as a writer, you should endeavour to use it.
Purpose is all important. You can take a simple concept like shopping, and turn it into a masterpiece if you add purpose. Generally, mundane everyday things are just that - mundane. But if you look for the significance in everyday things, there are opportunities for personal growth, and character development. Often, if you are finding a story just isn't working, it's heart and purpose that is lacking. You can add it afterward (and I have done so) but you're probably going to make things a lot easier on yourself if you find it from the start.
Once you have an idea, you can begin by asking yourself a few questions...
1) Why did you choose to portray this moment in the lives of your characters?
2) Why is it important to my characters?
3) How does it change or effect the characters?
These questions can help keep you plan and shape your story and stay focused on the objective.
So now you know what you want to achieve, how do you set about achieving it?
There are a few devices I use:
Adding insight into a characters thoughts - This doesn't have to be done in the first person, it can be added by describing facial expressions, speech or posture & movement. The words you choose when writing dialogue go a long way too. When you let your reader in in this way, they will become more attached to your characters. They will care more, and you will take them along on the emotional journey. Touch your reader's heart, steal a few sighs, and have them shed a few tears. If you can do this, you have done a good job.
Presenting the journey (defining the beginning/introduction, the body, and a conclusion) - A good introduction will set the scene for what will take place and show the reader how the characters were beforehand. The conclusion is all important, it has to be satisfying and fulfill the objective. Using your introduction and conclusion as bookends to your story will give a sense of completeness. Reflect ideas in each, so that the reader can see the transition that has taken place. Subtlety is the key; beware the sledgehammer message and let your reader draw some conclusions for themselves.
Now step up and share your thoughts on how to make your stories that little bit more extraordinary.
Now on with the show....
As a writer, we try to tell stories and convey ideas. We give the reader a peek through a window into another life, and other worlds. The way you write and construct your piece will determine if you take your readers on a drive-by sightseeing tour, or take them on the journey of a lifetime that will change them forever. Don't fool yourself that it's just a story - as a writer you do have this power, and to push yourself to grow as a writer, you should endeavour to use it.
Purpose is all important. You can take a simple concept like shopping, and turn it into a masterpiece if you add purpose. Generally, mundane everyday things are just that - mundane. But if you look for the significance in everyday things, there are opportunities for personal growth, and character development. Often, if you are finding a story just isn't working, it's heart and purpose that is lacking. You can add it afterward (and I have done so) but you're probably going to make things a lot easier on yourself if you find it from the start.
Once you have an idea, you can begin by asking yourself a few questions...
1) Why did you choose to portray this moment in the lives of your characters?
2) Why is it important to my characters?
3) How does it change or effect the characters?
These questions can help keep you plan and shape your story and stay focused on the objective.
So now you know what you want to achieve, how do you set about achieving it?
There are a few devices I use:
Adding insight into a characters thoughts - This doesn't have to be done in the first person, it can be added by describing facial expressions, speech or posture & movement. The words you choose when writing dialogue go a long way too. When you let your reader in in this way, they will become more attached to your characters. They will care more, and you will take them along on the emotional journey. Touch your reader's heart, steal a few sighs, and have them shed a few tears. If you can do this, you have done a good job.
Presenting the journey (defining the beginning/introduction, the body, and a conclusion) - A good introduction will set the scene for what will take place and show the reader how the characters were beforehand. The conclusion is all important, it has to be satisfying and fulfill the objective. Using your introduction and conclusion as bookends to your story will give a sense of completeness. Reflect ideas in each, so that the reader can see the transition that has taken place. Subtlety is the key; beware the sledgehammer message and let your reader draw some conclusions for themselves.
Now step up and share your thoughts on how to make your stories that little bit more extraordinary.