Photo by Júnior Ferreira on Unsplash
In the Day 13 post, I explored the problem of the premise of my story based on the Wreck of the Ten Sail. My goal was to better understand the problem and to make sure it aligns with my story’s essence. In the Day 19 post, I continued exploring this area by answering a few more questions about the story.
In this post, I’ll share more questions that have come up during writing practice sessions to help me further explore the problem and external and internal conflict for the story. These questions are specific to the story I’m developing. You can use them to think about how I’m connecting the problem (the wreck of ten ships the protagonist is responsible for) and elements of the story’s essence ("A young captain facing a catastrophic failure must navigate not just treacherous waters, but also human nature and his own limitations, to find a new way forward and leave a positive mark on the world").
Growth Potential: Identify how the problem sets up opportunities for the protagonist to grow in ways that align with the story’s essence.
How might the rescue and salvage efforts push Lawford to find "a new way forward"?
What aspects of the problem could lead him to "leave a positive mark on the world"?
What external and internal needs is Lawford forced to consider as a result of the problem?
Thematic Resonance Check: Consider the major themes suggested by the essence (e.g., resilience, leadership, redemption) and evaluate how well the problem explores them.
Essence-Problem Amplification: Make a list of ways to amplify aspects of the problem that most strongly connect to the essence. For example, can I enhance the "human nature" conflicts or further highlight Lawford's personal limitations?
Counterpoint Analysis: Are any elements of the problem disconnected from the essence? Are these necessary complications, or potential distractions? This is getting at whether the aspects of the problem are truly aligned with the story essence.
Stakes Evaluation: Assess whether the stakes of the problem (both external and internal) align with what’s implied by the story’s essence. In other words, does the problem create enough pressure to force the kind of growth and change suggested by "finding a new way forward"?
Character-Essence Alignment: What do I think Lawford’s initial response to the problem will be? How well do Lawford's character traits, as revealed by this initial response to the problem, align with the essence. Does his approach to the rescue and salvage reflect a character capable of the journey described in the essence?
Setting-Essence Integration: Consider how the environment contributes to exploring the essence through the problem. Are there untapped opportunities to use the setting more effectively?
Resolution Pathway: Without planning the story’s ending, consider potential resolutions to the problem. By what means will Lawford solve the problem? Do this naturally point toward fulfilling the promise of the essence, particularly "leaving a positive mark on the world"?
By considering these questions, I’m hoping to gain a deeper understanding of how well my problem aligns with and serves the story's essence. This process may also cause me to refine either the problem or the essence statement to create a more cohesive foundation for my story.
This post is part of a 75-day writing challenge and experiment. From September 9 through November 22, I'll be posting daily thoughts on writing, storytelling, and creativity based on recent readings or reflections. While my intention was to keep them very short—250 to 400 words—I've found that this range doesn't give me enough space to cover these topics adequately. I aim to keep them brief enough to be read quickly, but they will often be longer than 400 words.