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So what’s the story?

       Writing-tips

Writing "the story". Okay so we have the pantsers and the outliners. But how does the story travel from mind to matter? Inspiration can be practical for professionals. But it also comes on a whim, a word, a phrase, a song, a picture, a headline, or you tell me.

Writers know that publishers tend to expect formulaic fiction. After all, they explain, we all know romance, mystery, whatever, has a specific format or formula. Religiously adhered to because, they say, of the readers' expectations, most of the time you know where these stories are going by the third chapter even though they take place in different cities, countries, or galaxies. If they're a romance, by golly, the players better do what's expected of them no matter what time period or location. May I say: borrinnggg?! It takes an amazing writer to break out of that formula with something special or unique.

So, what's the story? Are you a reader who expects your fiction to follow the normal parameters or you're disappointed? Or do you long for the reading adventure to take a different journey and delve into the slightly unpredictable? I think you know my stance.

 

Father, thank you for imagination and the creativity it produces. Please bless those who write for you with fresh stories and dedication to what you have for them to do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

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6 responses to “So what’s the story?”

  1. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    A story can be somewhat predictable and still be a great read. In a sense, any story is predictable. My huge bias against romance fiction aside, even in a non-romance story, does anybody really think the author is going to spend all that time writing about a protagonist on a mission who isn’t at least somewhat successful? Neither the author or the reader is going to waste their time if the protag gets nowhere in the story. We know they’re going to come out successful at the end to some degree.
    It’s what you do with all the in-between stuff that gives the reader variety.

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  2. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    “It’s what you do with all the in-between stuff that gives the reader variety.”
    I totally agree with that statement, Brenda. I take a very slight exception to the “every” story being predictable. There are a minority of stories which end in unexpected ways, most of them depressing (I’ve read a few of those)(perhaps F. Scott Fitzgerald would be a good example), but I would agree most of them give a somewhat positive/successful result.
    You’re right about not avoiding predictability, and some genres require a formula so the “in-between stuff” is essential to making it a worthwhile read. I prefer a little detour to the formulas if possible. Not just for the purpose of doing so but rather to add a deeper sense to the story.

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  3. Brenda Anderson Avatar
    Brenda Anderson

    You know me, I love a novel that takes the reader down surprising paths. Oftentimes, I’ll read an author new to me, and I’ll be impressed with their unique storytelling, but then in reading subsequent novels by that author, I’ll see that first story reiterated. While some readers find safety in that sameness, I get bored with it.

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  4. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    I’m with you, Bren. Same old, same old, gets old. 😉

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  5. Lynnette Avatar
    Lynnette

    I love to be surprised!

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  6. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    Lynnette, definitely more fun and a bigger treat that way.

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