Stargazing
Imagine writing a novel as gazing at a night sky, a constellation of ideas and characters twinkling in the vast universe of your imagination. Now, enter
the writing coach, akin to a trusty telescope, sharpening your focus and guiding you away from the nebulous trap of 'roaming' – those wandering details that neither develop plot nor character.
Understanding 'Roaming' in Writing
In the cosmos of a novel, 'roaming' is like a satellite that's lost its orbit. It's the excess description, the meandering prose that drifts away from the heart of your story. It's external, lacking connection to your character’s motivations and journey. Contrast this with character development (CD), which is like a comet streaking across the sky – bright, purposeful, and illuminating. CD dives into the internal world, building empathy and understanding, drawing readers closer to the heart of your characters.
Solving the 'Roaming' Conundrum
How do you reorient a wandering narrative? The key lies in zeroing in on your character's motivations in each scene. Ask yourself, "What does my character want here, and how are they trying to get it?" This inquiry is like adjusting your telescope’s lens to bring a star into sharp focus. Suddenly, the extraneous details fall away, leaving a clearer, more compelling picture.
Aligning Writer's Intent with Protagonist's Desire
As a writer, if you're unsure of your protagonist's wants, you might find yourself lost in the starfield of your own story. Figuring out what you, as a writer, want to say is akin to calibrating your telescope. Once aligned, your prose becomes more focused, honed, and your writing flows more effortlessly, like an alien space craft smoothly charting its course through the galaxy of your narrative.
Focusing Your Narrative Telescope
Just as a telescope brings clarity to the wonders of the night sky, a focused approach to character motivations and writer’s intent brings clarity to your storytelling. Avoid the roaming detours and keep your narrative journey star-bound. Remember, in the universe of writing, a little focus goes a light-year in creating compelling stories.
