Photo by WEB AGENCY on Unsplash
Today, I’m responding to more of the questions I’ve generated to assess the problem of the Wreck of the Ten Sale story idea.
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"?
Lawford will find a way forward in part by repurposing people, equipment, and his own skills. Thematically, I like this because his ship, HMS Convert, was once a French ship (Inconstante) taken as a prize a few months before the voyage and repurposed as a British. For a large part of the story, Lawford will not be commanding a ship but will be engaged in the salvage effort. To repurpose, he will have to change the way he sees everyone and everything around him, including himself. He can’t be stuck in rigid thinking or outdated models of his world.
What aspects of the problem could lead Lawford to "leave a positive mark on the world"?
Once the locals became aware of the hundreds of survivors who landed on their shore, they communicated with Lawford that he needed to leave as soon as possible. As a result, Lawford sent as many of his crew members as could fit to the nine merchant ships that had waited. Those ships were sent to the nearest friendly port for help, including food and other necessary supplies. While waiting, Lawford and the members of his crew who remained salvaged equipment and stores from the ships through the use of local boats. This would relieve some of the pressure on the local population initially. The aid that arrives from Cuba and later Jamaica could be used to restore what was lost in the hurricane that came the prior October.
In addition, after this wreck sailing charts will include more specific cautions to help other ships avoid the reef in the future.
What external and internal needs from Maslow’s Hierarchy is Lawford forced to consider as a result of the problem?
Survival: Lawford must see to the survival needs of the people in his care, which includes the local people.
Safety: Ships and cargo. Lawford must secure as much cargo and equipment as possible. The ships were likely carrying cargo needed (even if indirectly) in the war effort. Safety is also at stake because French ships will be in the area. The salvage mission will have to be efficient to ensure safety.
Belonging/Connection: The stress of the failed escort mission could strain relationships between Lawford, his officers, the crew members.
Respect/esteem: The shipwreck represents a failure. Lawford will need to metabolize this setback and find a new definition of success. He will need to fulfill his duties with honor in order to continue his career and maintain the respect of his peers and superiors.
Self-Actualization: Lawford will need to change the way he sees everyone and everything around him.
Transcendence: Lawford will consider how to balance his own needs with those of the people in his care.
Wreck of the Ten Sail story development posts: Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 19, and Day 21
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.