Building the Bedrock of Your Narrative
In the intricate dance of writing, the stage of establishing a solid foundation is both thrilling and challenging. As we continue this series on my creative writing process, let’s delve into how I lay the groundwork for a story. This stage is all about getting the core ideas out of my head and onto paper, testing the waters to see if there’s enough substance to build a project upon. It's the process of transforming emotional writing into something tangible and structurally sound.
Seeking the Simplicity
For me, a solid foundation is about discovering the essence of the story in its simplest form; identifying the core elements that make it compelling. This phase is where the story begins to reveal its deeper layers, its potential to be something more than just an idea.
The Emotional Landscape of This Stage
At this stage, the emotions are a mix of discovery, clarity, and connection:
- Discovery: Unearthing the hidden gems within the idea.
- Clarity: Gaining a clearer vision of what the story could become.
- Visions: Imagining the bigger picture and the broader narrative scope.
- Connection: Feeling a deeper bond with the story and its characters.
- Scope: Sensing whether there’s a larger story to be told.
- Curiosity: The drive to explore the story further.
Navigating the Challenges
However, the path to a solid foundation is not without its obstacles:
- The occasional feeling of being stuck.
- Discomfort with the unknown aspects of the story.
- Self-doubt about one’s ability to make the story work.
- The question of whether there is a real story to be told or if it's an anecdote.
- The tendency to complicate the idea unnecessarily, leading to confusion.
My Practices for Building a Foundation
To overcome these challenges, I follow a set of practices:
- Actively writing down thoughts and ideas.
- Keeping my pen moving, as well as my body, to maintain a flow of creativity.
- Emptying my brain of distractions to focus solely on the story.
- Following my intuition and staying in touch with the emotional undercurrent of the narrative.
Aligning with the Hero’s Journey
In terms of the Hero's Journey, this stage encompasses the 'Call to Adventure,' the 'Refusal of the Call,' 'Supernatural Aid,' and 'Crossing the First Threshold.' It's about accepting the challenge of the story, facing initial hesitations, finding inspiration, and taking the first decisive steps into the narrative.
Setting Goals and Identifying Outcomes
The goals and outcomes of this stage are pivotal:
- Feeling empowered and in control of the idea.
- Developing a clear premise line and understanding the core dilemma.
- Identifying the core emotions I want to evoke in the audience.
- Establishing the 'This Meets That' – how different elements combine to form the unique flavor of the story.
- Defining the genre and the lasting impression I want to leave with the audience.
- Sketching a basic outline, including the protagonist and antagonist.
Embracing the Foundation Phase
Building a solid foundation is a critical step in the creative process. For fellow writers embarking on this stage, remember to embrace the simplicity of your story, allow your emotions to guide you, and don't shy away from the challenges that arise.
Stay tuned for the next blog, where we'll explore how to expand upon this foundation, breathing life into your characters and setting the stage for your narrative journey.
