Piggybacking off Patrick's excellent post from yesterday, I wanted to share the one thing I think about when I write a story. Or the one thing I think about *now* when I write a first person story, in particular.
"Why does your character want to tell this story?"
The first time I read that, I was halfway through a third-person close MS (finished and waiting for revisions). It quite simply blew my mind. I know why I write stories, and generally have an idea of the theme behind my stories when I do write them (latest after revisions) but this...was such an awesome idea.
I can't remember where I read it but I loved that sentence. And now I use it for every story, before I start, just to get an idea.
Have you ever heard of that? Ever read it?
And Happy Friday!
This has to be one of my favorite things about writing--asking this very question. Excellent!
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Great question & post. Definitely gives me something to ponder. : )
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!
Great thought for the day! (and every WIP thereafter) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteInteresting point of view. Do you think it works for every genre?
ReplyDeleteI can see some characters in a mystery wanting to tell their story, and of course literary characters would want to share.
Might work for some in Romance....
Definitely some in Thrillers....
I guess to me it's not all characters.
Ooooo that's good.
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting idea, because it puts you in the character's mindset.
ReplyDeletei'll ask them
ReplyDelete