I sat in the corner of Apolonia’s Barista Bar sipping a too flat, too white, flat white. And if too flat and too white weren’t bad enough, it was also lukewarm. As I sucked it up, literally and metaphorically, choosing to suffer Apolonia’s inexperienced new hire and trainee, how could I know my idea of what a story is would be challenged by an unsuspecting writer sitting nearby.
The clatter of laptop keys pounding was interrupted,
“What are you writing?”
I looked up to see what appeared to be an elderly man in his seventies, if I had to guess. Luckily, I did not.
But I did answer his question.
“I’m writing a story about a broken man repeatedly knocked down by circumstance and not sure he has what it takes to get back up one more time.”
“That’s not a story.” he said, “That’s a day in the life of most people. What else have you got?”
“Nothing yet.”
We got to talking about our creative processes, and he shared with me his thoughts on what a story was.
Key Takeaways
- Storytelling involves asking questions to shape the narrative.
- The six essential questions (who, what, why, where, what do they do, how does it end) are important for effective storytelling.
- Teaching storytelling involves emphasizing character goals and obstacles, encouraging question-asking, and helping students find their own writing process.
- Finding an enjoyable writing process involves experimenting, being honest with oneself, and recognizing the benefits of short bursts of writing.
The Power of Asking Questions
Asking questions is the key that unlocks the limitless potential of storytelling, allowing me to delve deep into the hearts and minds of my characters, unravel the intricacies of their journeys, and craft narratives that captivate and inspire.
Without questions, you have no story.
The art of inquiry is a powerful tool that ignites my creativity, propelling your audience the unexplored. With each question, a new door opens, revealing hidden depths and untapped possibilities.
Through the act of questioning, motivations, desires, and conflicts that drive your characters, and by extension, your story, emerge. It’s through this process of inquiry you will create rich, multi-dimensional characters and construct narratives that resonate.
The power of questions can’t be overstated. Douglas Adams in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy knew this and made it a central theme of his book. The answer to everything wasn’t the answer (42), it was the question.
Essential Questions for Storytelling
With each essential question posed, the story’s foundation solidifies, revealing the captivating journey that awaits. Developing characters is a key aspect of storytelling, as they’re the driving force behind the narrative structure.
By asking questions such as who are these characters, what do they want, and why do they want it, you sink deeper into psyche revealing their motivations and desires and uncovering their goals and internal struggles.
Beyond your characters, it’s questions like where does the story take place, what do the characters do, and how does it end that shape the structure and flow of your story.
Without questions, you have no story.
Developing an Enjoyable Writing Process
It’s okay to start with an idea that’s not yet a story. But turning that idea into a great story is something else. While brilliance is often born of pain, there’s no point in making it painful on purpose.
An enjoyable writing process can feel like slipping into state of possibility and productivity. It becomes a truly satisfying experience. A state of flow.
However, many of the most inspired writers sometimes face writer’s block (despite some who claim it doesn’t exist). Let’s save that debate for another day.
Overcoming the blank page (or flashing cursor) requires a combination of patience, persistence, and a willingness to let your imagination take you where it wants to go. And sometimes where it doesn’t want to go.
You must get out of your own way.
Take a walk, listen to music, doodle on the take-out menu, and come up with questions.
Without questions, you have no… well, you know.
Writing in short bursts is another way to find inspiration and maintain productivity. Doing this helps you find…
- A Fresh Perspective:
- After a burst, comes a short break, which allows you to step away from your work and gain a fresh perspective. Engaging in other activities, whether it’s going for a walk or listening to music, can rejuvenate your mind and spark new ideas.
- Returning to your writing with a fresh mindset enables you to see things from a different angle, leading to innovative solutions and unexpected plot twists.
- Creative Energy:
- Recognizing when your productivity starts to decline is crucial. Pushing through exhaustion can drain your creativity and hinder your progress.
- By taking short breaks and recharging, you conserve your energy and avoid burning out. This allows you to maintain a consistent level of inspiration and productivity throughout your writing process.
Finding inspiration in short bursts of writing can invigorate your creativity and propel your storytelling to new heights.
Whenever I’m stuck, almost without fail, the answer comes moments after I step away from the keyboard.
Maximizing Productivity
As my fingers pause on the keyboard, I look at the time. There’s never enough of it.
The pressure to find the next word . Will it ever come?
Improving efficiency and maximizing productivity are constant goals for any writer. Self-reflection can play an important role in this process. By understanding your writing patterns, creative hours, and preferences, you can identify when and how you’re most productive.
Through self-awareness, you can recognize the moments when your productivity starts to decline. Take breaks to recharge or plan your day differently. For example, I find it incredibly difficult, if not impossible to write at night while others thrive in the twilight.
