Attention aspiring writers. Here is the essence of a good story.
1. Somebody wants something.
2. They try to get it, but keep running into obstacles.
3. Finally, they get it (or they don't, if you're writing tragedy).
That's it. Every story from Pride and Prejudice to Ernest Goes to Camp can be reduced that formula. Everybody's life--including yours--is a story of setbacks, challenges, and frustrations.
Though we might define it differently, each of us wants the good life. And though the obstacles may vary from person to person, we all face them--physical challenges, illness, economic setbacks, accidents, and intentional harm by others.
What makes the story interesting is character--how we handle the problems we face.
This week I'm pondering the story of Joseph, who endured more hardship than a Charles Dickens hero and managed to make this incredible pronouncement to the brothers who'd done him wrong:
What Gives You Hope?
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen. 50:20–21).
Or, as Heather likes to say, "I knew it would all work out."
When you face problems that seem to spell the end of your dreams, are you able to remain hopeful?
3 comments:
That's some of the best writing advice I've heard. Thanks. :)
I'd like to say, "Yes." But I know better. I know that sometimes I keep a proper perspective and sometimes I despair like Elijah under the broom tree and sometimes I am resentful like the older brother of the Prodigal son and sometimes I am impulsive like Peter and say things I later regret.
I'm grateful for the stories in the Bible of real people who had complex relationships with God. I find so much hope in them for me.
Cassandra ... Yes, these stories are incredibly rich. I think the church loses a great deal by not emphasizing them in preaching and teaching.
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