Projecting Meaning In a Story

Traditionally, storytelling was reserved for passing information and preserving history. Elders would share tales of the best hunting grounds and seasonal shelters to make sure younger generations were able to provide basic necessities. These stories were presented in an entertaining fashion to make sure the youngsters listened and retained the information. There weren't sticky notes to use as a reminder back then, so these stories were very important. Each story had meaning. The story of a battle might teach about enemies, heroes, or trust. A story about a flood might contain a lesson of a valley to avoid during the spring as creeks would rise. A tale of achievement might motivate a person to be a leader or encourage them to think of others. These stories tied the group together, forming a bond of shared history and lineage. Today, stories are told for entertainment, but there is still the potential for a deeper meaning. Basic needs are met for the most part and we don't need to know where the best hunting grounds are or where we can find shelter in the winter. Instead, we share tales of love, horror, and drama. With basic needs met, we can focus on higher needs, such as the need for love, helping those less fortunate, or achieving our personal goals. Although the reason for sharing the stories has changed, there is still a reason present. When you are writing a tale, ask yourself what you hope the reader will remember when he finishes. If it's a romance, do you want to share what should be avoided or a feeling of hope for the future? If it's a horror story, is there a moral contained in the tale? Each story, regardless of genre has the potential to convey a message. Make sure you are clear on the message conveyed so the reader will understand the point of the story. In order to clearly convey the meaning, time frames are integral to any tale. Depending on the story to be told, the time frame can vary from a couple of minutes to an entire lifetime. It's important to determine the timespan limits for your story prior to beginning the tale. To keep the story interesting, you must have a clear idea of where it begins and ends. This doesn't mean the entire tale must be outlined before it even begins! I rarely begin a story and have it follow the intended path. Instead, you need a general idea of what you want to convey to your audience in this tale. By having a clear idea of where the story starts and where you think it should end, you limit the potential for rambling. I have a hard time ending stories. In the process of telling the tale, I fall in love with many characters and want to know what happens next. I know many writers fall into this trap and lose their way in the story. While I enjoy the never-ending possibilities of a new character, my reader may not feel the same. Most readers want to read a story and come away with a clear idea of why the story was told. They want to gain some insight into humanity, learn a new concept, or experience an adventure through the eyes of another. While you want to pique their curiosity about your characters, and their continued wellbeing, you don't wish to bore your reader with a rambling tale that goes nowhere. Each genre of writing has a different focus, but all tales lend themselves to structured writing if you take a moment to think before writing. There is a clear beginning to the adventure and after it ends, so should the tale. Have a clear idea of the story and the meaning you want to share with the reader before you start writing. Think the story through, decide which information is important, and then write it down. Introduce the characters and get to the meat of the tale quickly so you don't lose any readers along the way.