Photo courtesy of Gregory Szarkiewicz
Do you have issues that you’re dealing with in your life? Do you want to dig deeper, giving your stories more intense plots and emotional conflicts? If you want to give your stories more steam, propelling them forward, giving you the momentum to actually finish writing your book, then you need to bring those issues into your novel!
I often meet people online and at writers’ conferences who tell me that they’ve started writing a project, but can’t finish it. What’s usually helped me to finish a story is to write about something that sparks my interest, and that usually involves writing about issues and concerns that have affected my life and the lives of my loved ones.
Alcoholism is something that has been a part of a lot of my friends and family members’ lives, and, I noticed, that it was an issue that kept popping up in my books. When you place your issues into your own novels, you might find the steam and the gumption to keep going, to keep writing, until you type those magical words: THE END.
Another issue that I’ve included in my novels is financial dishonesty. I’ve noticed that due to my personal experiences, I get emotional when dealing with my finances and the finances of others. I dig as deep as I can and try to bring those emotions into the pages of my novel.
It’s good to start with emotional issues and then you can add more things that you enjoy while creating your story. I’ve always had a fondness for good-tasting food, and I’ve had a number of people tell me that reading my books makes them hungry!
So think about your life, your issues, and your interests. Layer them throughout your book and I can almost guarantee that you’ll want to finish that tale – and you’ll be passionate about your story, too!
What makes you happy, sad, angry, or upset? Figure it out, and throw those emotions into your writing!
My writing has helped me work through lots of issues. I’ve been able to communicate who I am to my sister, who’s one of my readers, in a way I never did before. We’ve become closer. Her favorite characters are the ones who have characteristics she used to dislike in me. I’ve also worked through my own bitterness toward people by getting to know their “backstories” through my characters. I’m now better able to forgive. Thank you, God, for this wonderful therapy!!!
Cbalmony, thanks for stopping by and commenting! I think it’s great that your writing has helped you to work through your issues. I sense that a lot of writers work through their issues when they pen their stories – lots of them just might not realize that about themselves, though. It’s also awesome that you’re closer to your sister now! What wonderful therapy!