Tips for Writers
Writers, you’re probably thinking, “Well, of course. When I’m creating characters and storylines, my primary source of advice is always the Rolling Stones.
Or maybe not.
But Jagger does have a point. Don’t build a conventional dramatic arc in which your main character ultimately overcomes the bad guys and gets what they want. Instead, consider having them try but fail — and get what they need.
Some examples:
- Schindler’s List – Oskar Schindler wants to make money exploiting Jews. Instead, he grows a soul and spends every penny he has rescuing them from the Nazis.
- Home Alone – Immature Kevin wants to avoid responsibility–and things that scare him. Instead, he ends up taking on the responsibility of protecting his home, and faces his worst fears, becoming more mature in the process.
- Jurassic Park – Dr. Alan Grant wants to marry his paleontological sweetheart and pursue pure science without the messiness of children. Instead, he ends up putting his life on the line to protect two children, and opens up his heart up in the process.
- Huckleberry Finn – Huck wants to be free from “sivilizashun,” but instead ends up reentering civilization in order to help free runaway slave Jim (although at the end of the story Huck vows to escape again).
Virtually every tragedy, from Oedipus Rex, to Hamlet, to Catcher in the Rye follows this principal. Even if the hero dies in the end, they–and we–learn something necessary as a result. So, prove you’ve got the moves like Jagger and try creating a lead
character who…
Can’t get no satisfaction!
I always enjoy your perspective, Mitch AND writing tips. Good stuff – thank you – and the Stones, of course! 😊😎😊
;>) My pleasure, Vicki!
You make a strong argument for all of those story lines. Well played.
Thank you, my Anonymous friend.
Ha! I really like this:
“So, prove you’ve got the moves like Jagger and try creating a lead
I-Cant-Get-No-Satisfaction
character who…
Can’t get no satisfaction!”
And it’s great advice, too, Mitch! Thank you!
My privilege, trE!
Great advice! Thank you, Mitch.
My pleasure, Iman.
I love this Mitch. I’m about to embark on writing the sequel to my first novel. An historical fiction based on my grandmother’s story. This is helpful and intriguing. Thank you!
So happy to hear you found this useful, Debi!
So true, Mitch, you just can’t get what you want but you will get it eitherway
Good read Mitch and entertaining.. interesting views!
Thank you, Kerri.
Molto interessanti le tue indicazioni 🐈⬛♥️
Buona!
Love this advice, and the tune to help me remember it. 🎶
Most times we find ourselves in a situation which creates opportunities to seek what we need because what we want is irrelevant for the time being, and we learn to appreciate it more when we come through it.
Thanks Mitch
My pleasure, Pete.
Your examples all have satisfying or happy endings.. That what I “always wanna get” in a story. 🙂
Very good point!
Thanks, Ann!
I know what you mean, Mitch. When I read Frank Peretti’s book “Prophet,” about a reporter who writes a story involving an abortion clinic and exposes a scandal, I found the ending unsatisfying at first. The reporter’s story gets buried and he loses his job. In the end, he gets nothing for his effort and sacrifice, except the assurance that he has done the right thing. Although I was frustrated with this conclusion, I realize now that this is very realistic. Sometimes a clear conscience is all the reward you’re going to get – in this life, anyway.
I see why you felt that way, Annie, but, yes, you make an important point.
Maybe borrow also from U2 to try creating a lead character who “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”?
Yes, Leo & Nina. In fact, that’s very the arc of my current memoirs, including the one I’m posting tomorrow.
An excellent point! Well said.
Thanks, Abe.