Image courtesy of Illustra, bigtock.com
To follow up on yesterday’s post about our story’s essence, I want to share my process of exploring a story idea based on a historical event: the Wreck of the Ten Sail. This naval disaster occurred in 1794 when Captain William Lawford of the Royal Navy was escorting a convoy of over 50 ships from the Caribbean to England. Near Grand Cayman Island, ten ships, including Lawford's, were lost. Let's dive into why this event captivates me and how I'm developing it into a story.
The Premise
Person: Captain William Lawford
Place: Caribbean Sea
Problem: Rescue and salvage mission
Why This Premise?
1. Why nautical events?
I'm drawn to sea adventures, both fictional and real. From Treasure Island to accounts of the Battle of Trafalgar, I find the vastness and chaos of the ocean captivating. There's something compelling about the courage required to leave the safety of land and face the uncertainties of the sea.
2. Why the Wreck of the Ten Sail specifically?
Several aspects of this event stand out:
The scale: Managing a convoy of over 50 ships is a massive undertaking.
The context: It's 1794, and Great Britain is at war with France, adding danger to the journey.
The challenge: Lawford faced factors beyond his control, like impatient merchant captains rushing ahead.
The responsibility: As the convoy's leader, Lawford bore immense responsibility for lives and cargo.
The aftermath: Despite the initial failure, Lawford managed to save most of the crew members.
3. Why tell this story now?
In our current world, we face many complex, seemingly unsolvable problems. This story explores how people have managed to overcome seemingly impossible challenges with limited resources. It's an opportunity to examine how we approach and solve big, complicated issues, especially after experiencing failure.
4. What's my unique perspective? Why AM I a Good Person to tell this story?
I want to explore the idea that our needs are not in conflict, but our methods of meeting those needs often are. Even "bad actors" typically act due to unmet needs. I believe that information and connection are key to overcoming many conflicts. While not directly related to naval matters, these themes will influence how my fictional Lawford approaches problem-solving.
5. Why DO I Think will this resonate with readers?
This story has the potential to be both exciting and thought-provoking. Universal themes include:
Solving problems with limited resources
Recovering from disaster and mission failure
Making positive efforts in dire circumstances
Leaving a situation better than you found it
While these ideas might appeal to a specific type of reader, an engaging narrative can make them accessible to a broader audience.
By exploring these questions, I'm uncovering deeper connections between myself, the historical event, and the potential story. I'm seeking emotional resonance in the themes and broader significance of this incident, which will guide my storytelling process.
(To be continued in Part 2)