Crafting the Story You Truly Want to Tell
Welcome to Writing Quest, where today we're diving into the essence of storytelling across all forms—be it novels, movies, comic books, you name it. I'm Brenden Pugh, and I'm here to talk about something that often gets overshadowed by the myriad of rules in the writing world: creating the story you want to tell. Let's embark on this journey, huzzah!
Beyond the Rules
In writing, there's no shortage of guidelines—how to craft dialogue, plot structures, character development, and so on. These rules are invaluable, teaching us the craft and helping hone our skills. But there's something even more crucial than adhering strictly to these rules: the freedom to create the story that resonates with you, without feeling confined by the mold of conventional guidelines.
Key Takeaway: Use writing rules as guidelines, not constraints, to craft a story true to yourself.
Question: Have you ever felt restricted by writing rules while trying to tell your story?
Action Step: Reflect on your story. Identify any aspect you've modified or omitted to fit a traditional writing "rule" and consider revising it to align more closely with your original vision.
The Heart of Your Story
1. Anchoring Your Story in Truth
Every story, at its core, is about something. This might be a theme or a truth you're aiming to explore. Often, we start with a character or a setting that intrigues us, and the deeper meanings or themes emerge as we delve into the writing process. My own journey began with a simple idea, which, over time and through many revisions, revealed a central truth I aimed to convey.
Key Takeaway: A compelling story often centers around a core truth or theme that holds personal significance.
Question: What truth or theme lies at the heart of your story?
Action Step: Explore the underlying theme of your story. If it's not clear yet, take a moment to think about what you really want to say through your narrative.
2. Crafting Memorable Characters
Memorable stories are driven by characters who embody the story’s themes through their internal conflicts. Early in my writing, I learned the hard way that characters need motivations for their actions—motivations that connect deeply with the story's central themes. This realization breathed life into my story, making the characters' journeys more engaging and meaningful.
Key Takeaway: Characters should have motivations deeply intertwined with the story's theme, enhancing both character depth and thematic expression.
Question: Do your characters’ motivations reflect the central theme of your story?
Action Step: Revisit your characters' motivations. Ensure they're not just moving through the plot but are driven by deeper, theme-related reasons.
Universal Appeal
3. Embracing Universality
A story's appeal often lies in its universality—the themes that resonate on a fundamental human level. While focusing on one character or a specific group might appeal to a niche audience, exploring universal themes through a diverse cast can broaden your story's appeal, making it relatable to a wider audience.
Key Takeaway: Universal themes, explored through various characters and perspectives, can amplify your story's appeal and impact.
Question: How do your story’s themes and characters' conflicts reflect universal human experiences?
Action Step: Analyze your story for universal themes. Consider how each character's journey reflects a different aspect or perspective of these themes.
Telling Your Story, Your Way
4. Being True to Your Vision
Ultimately, the most important aspect of storytelling is authenticity—creating the story you're passionate about, regardless of current trends or market demands. For me, embracing the traditional elements of high fantasy, despite shifts in genre popularity, was a choice to stay true to the story I wanted to tell.
Key Takeaway: Authentic storytelling stems from a deep personal connection to the story and its themes, not from trying to cater to current trends or expectations.
Question: Are there elements of your story you've changed to fit perceived audience expectations or market trends?
Action Step: Reevaluate your story for authenticity. Make adjustments to ensure it aligns with your original vision and passions.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of storytelling beyond the confines of traditional rules. Remember, the stories we choose to tell should reflect our truths, our characters, and ultimately, the universality of the human experience. I encourage you to craft your narrative with these principles in mind, creating a story that resonates deeply with you and your audience. Let's keep the conversation going—share your thoughts and experiences below, and let's support each other in telling the best stories we possibly can. Don't forget to check out our merch and notion templates to support your storytelling journey. Until next time, huzzah!
This post is summary of a video on our YouTube Channel. Watch it here! How to Write the Story You Want to Tell and Why You Should