Why do we read stories? And why do we write them? We’ll cover the irresistible pull stories have on us, and why your story matters to those who read it.
But in order for your story to matter to readers, it must matter to you first. So in this episode, you’ll learn that why you write is far more important than what you write.
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Episode at a glance:
[02:14] The reader’s brain on story
What really hooks readers into the world of the story? And what’s happening to their brain? Learn the evolutionary pull stories have on us, and why the primitive layer of the brain can’t tell the difference between your character’s experience and their own.
[05:36] What If?
Stories help us navigate the world on a what if question. Readers imagine themselves into your character’s journey by asking themselves, what would I do if this was happening to me? How would I navigate that? What choices would I make? And what would I do to get what I want?
[08:15] Make A List of 5 Stories That Fascinate You
You’re drawn to certain stories because they tap into something you’re innately curious about. So you’ll want to look at some common denominators.
[10:00] Genre
Is it literary or memoir? Paranormal romance? Crime? Fantasy? Are your 5 mostly love stories,coming of age, futuristic, or historical? Is the tone light, funny, sad or sardonic?
Is the language lush or spare?
[10:32] Characters
What kinds of characters are you drawn to? What story problems occupy them? Do they have similar goals? Do they want love? Are they trying to discover some truth, or solve a mystery? Are they dealing with change? Are they reevaluating the past or trying to heal from the past? Are they trying to save a marriage, or win a war?
[12:19] Endings
What kind of story endings are you drawn to? Happy endings? Sad endings? Hopeful endings? Or something more ambiguous?
[13:12] List 5 Unforgettable Moments From Your Life
Compare this list from the first list. Look for common themes. Stories you’re drawn to tell you something essential about what kind of writer you are, and what kinds of stories you’re longing to write.
Links Mentioned In This Episode
Watership Down by Richard Adams
Little Children by Tom Perotta
Disclaimer by Renee Wright
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