Blog for Bristol Services Intl.

Do YOU have special ideas or thoughts to share with the world? Or do you feel your ideas are just too personal … or not earth-shattering enough? How can you help others, improve your own writing skills and gain some writing credits in the process? Share your unique perspective with others.

First, your ideas ARE interesting and special. Why? Because no one will ever see the world the exact same way that you do. Even if someone did, they would never express those ideas in the same way. Each person is unique and your own voice will come through as you express your thoughts. Readers gain by seeing through your eyes, if only for a few sentences. So learn to appreciate that your ideas are worthwhile–and worth sharing.

For example, one writer-client of mine produced a charming little book of fun (and quickly useful) ideas that can inspire writers and improve simply anyone’s life. No fuss, no heavy philosophy–just fast and easy-to-achieve life gems. Called Brian’s List, Brian Benson has produced a great book to start his 2009.

Take a look at his site and the website of others. Consider writing a book, a blog or emails for freinds. Whatever form you prefer, but SHARE YOUR WORDS in 2009!

Any questions? Write me, Sandra Haven, at Bristol Services Intl. by clicking services@bristolservicesintl.com

Question from a Fiction Writer:
Can you show more about including Inner Growth vs. Outer Resolution in a story?

Answer:
A great story building tool is to create characters who grow in some way through and because of the resolution of the story. In other words, if your characters simply solve their problems and are alive and well at the end, well, that is nice. Fine. But not strong. As a fiction editor, I find many writers plunge characters through all sorts of turmoil but often forget that an inner challenge needs to be part of a strong story too.

What makes a story strong and one that readers really relate to, is one where the characters grow or change because of their plight as well as because of the plot’s resolution. Back to that “children lost in the woods” example I gave a couple of blogs back, maybe the boy doesn’t feel his expertise in survival skills (which he tends to enjoy showing off to anyone who will listen–and a few who don’t want to!) is appreciated. But in the end he not only helps them all survive because of his knowledge but realizes these are NOT bits of knowledge to spout off to impress people—they are valuable aids to survival. He has matured, grown.

Maybe it is his dad who is the survival expert and who has tried to teach the boy these skills. Only the boy has only been half-listening, half-interested. Early in the story the father might press the boy to recall that knowledge, and the boy only half-heartedly tries. Yet when the skills his father has taught him later actually pay off in their survival, he has learned that his father’s advice wasn’t just so much talk, but meant as life-saving tools. He appreciates his dad and that knowledge now—he has matured and grown.

These are two examples of how traits starting at the very beginning of the story can fit into the plot later. Plus those same traits and how they work into the plot can show inner growth for the character as the outer problem is resolved.

Kind of a yin and yang of fiction writing and plotting: Inner problem becomes part of the resolution of the external crisis. And that resolution becomes an aid to dealing with and handling that inner problem.

Have any questions? Write to me, Sandra Haven, Fiction Editor, at Bristol Services Intl. by clicking: services@bristolservicesintl.com

A writer asked: You explained last month about the importance of developing characters through traits that fit the plot too. Can you give an example?

Answer: Sure! Let’s say you have a brother and his dog who eventually get lost in the woods and you want to develop the boy’s character more. Maybe the father has taught the boy many survival type things. Play on that a bit. Show that he not only automatically knows a bear when he sees one, but ALSO knows it is a certain type of bear, maybe some of its characteristics. Let him exhibit his survival/wilderness knowledge a bit early in the story and we’ll learn more about him, his talents and interests. You can this into the plot by showing the inner or personal conflict that involves this trait.

For example:

• Maybe he spouts his knowledge off too much and the others ignore him—they just aren’t impressed, or maybe are bored with his bragging.
• Maybe he hesitates to share the facts he knows, because he has low self-esteem.

Yet that knowledge pays off later as he faces various wilderness challenges and solves the plot problem. More importantly, it helps his character grow:

• If he’d been the bragging type, this experience can show him that his knowledge was never meant for impressing people–but for saving their lives. He learns to respect that knowledge.
• If he’d had low self-esteem, his experience will give him a chance to earn respect for himself, his natural talents, and his acquired knowledge.

Either way, what he does to save them, gives his friends and family a chance — in the end — to truly appreciate the boy’s interest and knowledge and not take him or his knowledge for granted anymore.

In this way, a small trait can play into the resolution of the plot AND into the growth of the relationships and characters too!