WARNING: The New Year always brings out the philosopher in me.
From my Mission Statement 2.0:
To leverage my background in science, engineering, politics and life, to create compelling stories and characters that pose moral questions to young readers and make them think.
You’ve probably heard there are only 7 basic plots (or 36). I’ve also heard that each author only has two or three stories to tell – which I found fascinating and vaguely insulting. What? But I have thousands of stories bubbling inside me!
Or do I?
My stories have themes that resonate with me and seem to be driven by my life experience – girls and boys finding their places in the world and making morally complex choices where there are seldom white or black choices.
An excerpt from Byrne Risk, where a young geneticist is on the run from the Peace Police to save her clone caretaker:
Kate hadn’t
really thought about the price when they had taken the risk to run or when she
had stolen the hat to distract the guard. She simply acted, because there was
no time to think and getting caught meant death for Giver. But there was sure
to be a price. Her dream of going to GenTech was probably gone regardless, and
if they were caught, they would all be sent to jail—well, her and the
smugglers, at least. Duncan was too young. But there really was no other
choice—it was Eripan or death for Giver.But
Grandma Jane had a choice. Why did she risk so much to help them?How
do you know, Kate tapped out, if doing the right thing is
worth the price?Grandma
Jane appraised her for a moment, then focused on the screen. You should
ask, ‘What is the price if I don’t do the right thing?’Kate
nodded. She knew the cost if they hadn’t run.
This self-awareness of why you write can improve your stories. Rather than saying “I write mysteries” or “I write about paranormal creatures,” you can be more intentional in your storytelling. When you are clear about what you are writing and why, your stories will connect more strongly with readers. (This also shows up in query letters and other bite-sized summaries of your story – what is it about?)
You may have to write a few novels before you see your common theme. And it’s not necessary to know it before you start – I’ve pantsed my way through several stories and only discovered the theme near the end of the first draft. But your Mission Statement isn’t a static idea or a fait accompli – it is a mission you are embarking on, a voyage of discovery through your craft and your writing journey, where you will find many things.
Not least, yourself and why you write.
hmmm… interesting… you really got me thinking… awman! darn it! you did it again! 🙂
I loved this. And, yes, you got me thinking. Thanks for jumpstarting my brain. 🙂
You inspired me. I put up a post with my mission statement of sorts today. 🙂
Well said. Makes one think about all our dilemmas and choices we face today, but even more about the ones our kids face. A mission statement certainly makes those clearer.
Great analysis. Yes, I believe though at first glance they're invisible, underlying themes surface in all my stories. And you're right it took me a while to figure that out! But that is part of the fun. The self-discovery.
I definately see reoccering themes and motiffs in all my stories –and maybe even a few general plot formats that I tend to gravitate towards. I don't think that's a bad thing. I know I continue to read many authors because I want to see how their going to twist the subject matter they always write about next. But you are right. its good to know what it is you are writing about.
I honestly think I may have only one real story in me. But it's a good long one!
@aspiring One of my favorite things to do is make people think! 🙂
@Leisha Yay! Another thinker! 🙂
@Tricia Awesome – I'm hopping over to check it out! 🙂
@Dr. Mom – Wait, are you my Dr. Mom? (that's what my mom calls herself, sometimes!)
@Lisa Exactly!
@Taryn Not at all a bad thing, especially if you're using it to effect. I hadn't thought about it in terms of authors I like to read, but you're exactly right about that!
@Matt Ha! I suspect there is more than you think. 🙂
If one includes science or scientific ideas in one's writing, you will almost always push boundaries and cause people to think. That was what made "A Wrinkle in Time" so dangerous– she didn't really say anything that radical but the science in her book scared people. (Here I am talking about "A Wrinkle in Time" again!!! lol)nice post!
Awesome post…I had a mission statement when I was a teacher. I'm going to look for it and write a new one for me as a writer. Thanks for the post, Sue!
Happy New Year!
You're making me think a lot before I've even finished my morning coffee! No, seriously, great post.
I like the idea of creating a mission statement. I've done something similar with a chart that I've developed for my students, which I occasionally fill out myself. I think most writers have more than a few stories in them, but we definitely do chew on certain themes.
@Danette Yay for Wrinkle in Time! 🙂 And you are right about science pushing boundaries.
@Sharon Cool! I hope you'll share … 🙂
@Kelly *smiles*
@Catherine I'm curious what kind of chart you have for the kids – I'm always looking for cool stuff like that to teach the kids life skills.