Humans are always looking for answers. Writers, especially so, I think. But sometimes it isn’t the answer that is most important. It’s the question.
One question that is essential—indeed, foundational—to the fiction writer is What if? What if? not only starts your story but also keeps it going. And going strong.
For example, let’s use the what if question to create a story. What if our character is a young soldier who has just returned wounded from war. What if he is engaged and planning to be married in a few short months? What if his fiancée, upon seeing his wounds, cannot bear to look at him and breaks the engagement? Here you have material for tremendous conflict, both on the soldier’s part and his fiancée’s part.
But what if the fiancée truly loves him and determines to put aside her horror at his wounds and marry him anyway? Now we have an entirely different story based on a different answer to the question what if?
What if? is a powerful tool in your fiction writing arsenal. Let’s hear how you have successfully used the what if? question in your own fiction writing.
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Photo Source: Microsoft Clipart
MaryAnn,
This is really an innovative manner of creating ideas and providing deft turns in plot and motif. I have to be honest, though, I have never used this tool, but I will keep it in mind because it certainly sounds as if it can generate many idea.
Thank you.
Skye
August 3, 2012 8:01 PM
Thanks for your comment, Skye. Once you try using what if? questions, I think you will find this tool to be an outstanding one for not only starting stories but for writing them to completion.
Blessings,
MaryAnn
August 3, 2012 8:46 PM
I love “what if?” questions, that’s how most of my ideas start.
August 3, 2012 8:39 PM
Thanks for your post, Julia. Most of my stories start with the what if? question as well.
Blessings,
MaryAnn
August 3, 2012 8:47 PM