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.