Three Questions Every Writer Should Ask Themselves {WriterlyWednesday}

 

Today for WriterlyWednesday I'm not going to write a lengthy article-esque post like last time. Why? Well, for one, I don't have the time to do so today. And two, I don't want to bore you guys to death again.

 

So, today I'm simply going to give you a few questions, which, if you're in a spot of brain-deadness or loss for inspiration towards your WIP, should hopefully help get some wheels turning again in the brainstorming/creative side of your brain.

 

And, if you're not stuck in writers' block? Well, yay for you. You should be thankful for this because you'd not believe how much writers' block has been plaguing me lately. Gah! So hopefully these three questions will get both the currently inspiration-challenged and the on-a-roll writers thinking deeper about their stories.

 

 

Question #1

Think several scenes ahead, even to the end of the plot. Now ask yourself this: Where am I going with this? If you can't answer this fully than consider taking some time simply to plan out how exactly your story will progress and where it's going to go. It's helpful to create a chapter/scene map, assisting with this.

 

Question #2

Why must I tell this story? Again, if you can't provide a solid answer to this question, than you need to seriously ponder what the point of the whole thing is. Everyone does what they do for a reason, and with all the valuable time you're investing in this WIP, you certainly don't want it to be in vain. People want stories with meaning, that have a reason they must be told. This adds so much to their value and appeal.

 

Question #3

Think about your main characters/protagonists/whoever you want the book's focus to remain primarily on. Now. What is the worst possible thing that could happen to them? This may sound like a drastic, non relevant question, but just muse on it for a moment and see what comes up. If you're needing a good inciting incident, turning point or climax, "drastic" and dramatic (if accomplished correctly) have major appeal.  Especially in the film industry, for those of you who are writing screenplays. Just thinking about what could turn your MC's life totally upside down - what would wreck their present life and make them reconsider everything they've always known - might just spur a wave of inspiration for an awesome new scene or plot twist.

 

 

I know it was only a mere several points; but hopefully that won't matter and you'll have gotten something useful out of them. I am personally a huge fan of asking questions...about everything.

 I find that you can learn so much more - about yourself, the world around you, everything.

 

Questions are indeed truly wonderful things. What are some you like to ask yourself to keep your writing in check, or to help spur inspiration?

 

Have a blessed day,