LESSON Five Questions for the Prospective Storyteller: A Dissection of Story Creation

[Astaroth]

So, you want to write a story. If you're struggling to find a plot or your beta readers aren't loving your test pitches, you might be skipping a few crucial steps in the brainstorming process. If you don't know where you're going with an idea, your readers can tell.

The following are some basic questions that may help you gain some perspective into the creative process.

1. Why do you want to write a story?​

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This is the most important question that you could possibly ask yourself as a writer. What is it that is spurring you to write? What are you looking for? What do you hope to get out of it?​

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Generally speaking, we write for three main reasons: ​

• We write for appreciation. This is usually the core of a writer's first motivation to share their work. Ultimately, we are our own most important reader, but there is an undeniable need within us for an outside audience. Why else would we post our writing online or submit a piece for publication? We want to be recognized, seen for who we are; we want to be affirmed through our creative talent. New writers are often especially sensitive because our earliest works are closely attached to ourselves. Even the mildest criticism can offend. A perceived insult to our writing is a perceived insult to us, to our very essence.

• We write for emulation. Every writer has an influence, whether it be a certain story, a certain author, or even a certain character. We can see this where so many writers begin honing their craft through playing with someone else's world or ideas. We roleplay as our favorite anime character, or we write fanfiction set in the universe of a beloved book series. We project our own personalities and opinions and viewpoints onto the skeletons built by those who've gone before us, and we make them our own. Some writers are content never to leave this stage because this is their main drive: to fanfic, to pastiche, to recapture or reshape something they love (or hate) to their liking.

• We write for understanding. Life presents us with many questions and few answers. Writing is powerful because it allows both author and reader to examine these questions in written form, to arrange the universe in a way that brings sense and clarity and comfort. What happens after you die? What is it like to be in love? Why do we do the things we do? And most of all, Why are we here?

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These motivations are not mutually exclusive, and often more complex. But determining your main reason for wishing to craft a storyline can, if nothing else, tell you what path to follow first. Should you focus on what will appeal to your audience? Should you attempt to recapture a story you already love? Or should you find a question that needles you and go in search of an answer?​

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2. What are the themes of your story?​

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A good story has central themes which are highlighted by the plot and reflected in the characters. When you aren't conscious of themes present in your story, it can create a disconnect with your audience when the plot veers away from or contradicts established themes. A story about family should not suddenly focus on unrelated characters, and a story where loss of innocence is hinted at will fall flat if you don't follow through.​

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Themes are not always consciously applied, and can be identified as either concrete, or abstract.​

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Examples of concrete themes: "death", "horror", "the afterlife", "adventure", "magic", "rebellion", "nationalism", "war", "politics", "espionage", "travel", and of course, "heroism".​

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Examples of abstract themes: "self-identity", "acceptance", "strength of will", "human nature", "absolution", "birthright", "us vs. them", "loss of purpose", "a day in the life", "second chances", "companionship", and almost always, "transcendence".​

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Take a close look at your plot summary or outline. Try to come up with as many ideas or concepts based off these as possible. You might surprise yourself at what is already there.​

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3. What do you actually know about the subject of your story?​

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Research. Say the word, and someone will groan. And yet it is the single most useful tool in a writer's arsenal. A writer is always researching whether or not they realize it, translating every experience they have into fuel for their fount of inspiration.​

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Consider this: If you know nothing about the way that a hospital is laid out, how can you expect to properly set the scene of a story taking place inside of one? Sure, you can fudge your way through it, but those who are familiar will notice inaccuracies and be thrown out of your narrative, and those who aren't familiar will be as confused and disjointed from the setting as you are. You don't need to be an expert; you just need to know enough to make your audience think you are. A little information goes a long way.​

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Research does not have to mean long hours of reading through boring, dry text on subjects that don't interest you, either. You can find photographs, artistic impressions, YouTube videos, blog entries of first-hand accounts, and even music to help inform or inspire. Fictional works can be a resource too, as long as you remember that artistic license might be in play. Take each piece of information you uncover and project it into the context of your story. Imagine how and why it would be relevant. Overcome the resistance to research, and you'll overcome many of your stumbling blocks.​

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4. What is the conflict in your story? ​

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Conflict is the spice of life, and therefore, your story is bland and tasteless without it. There must be something for the protagonists to overcome in order to complete their journey or else your audience will lose interest. Conflict can be as simple as finding a date to prom, or as convoluted as that of Israel and Palestine; as visual as defeating the army of the evil king, or as intangible as overcoming a dark side of yourself; as external as a ravening monster, or as internal as cancer.​

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Creating an antagonist, personified or conceptualized, is vital to a successful plot. Your antagonist, your conflict, should embody the themes of your roleplay. It is the task of the antagonist to challenge the protagonists, to force them to answer the questions you've laid out for them. It is what allows the characters to truly shine, and gives meaning to the story. Try taking one of the themes of your roleplay and giving it shape. How would you depict "fear", or "oppression", or "doubt"?​

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Finally, last but not least…​

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5. Will it be fun for you to write?​

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Writers tend to take their craft quite seriously. For some, it is a profession, a means of making a living; for others, it is their one shining beacon in an otherwise dull day. Writers are always seeking to perfect their work, to get as close to conveying their ideal message as possible. In this process, we often lose sight of the most important part of writing: We should enjoy it.​

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If you are not enjoying your own concept, take a step back and think about why. What is it missing? Why is it not hitting the right notes? What can you do about it? If you can't answer these questions, especially the last, it is time to let this idea go. Sure, it might be an excellent concept... but it is not, at present, right for you. There's no shame in setting it aside. Remember: You are your most important audience. If you're not getting anything out of writing it, chances are that no one will get anything from reading it, either.​

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Save that energy for a story you truly can play with.​

 

[Astaroth]

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