How To Tell A Story

Sometimes, it's the simple things that help us become better writers. Our poster today makes a good point. Susanna Kearsley, author of several novels, tells us we should learn to put a story on paper in the same way we'd tell it to a friend. Perhaps over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. 

We'd tell our friend the story using the same voice we always do in conversation. Writers too often consider writing the story with every i dotted and t crossed, or in other words, in perfect grammar. We don't talk the way grammar gurus tell us we should write, do we? When you and I are having a conversation, we use contractions. A lot! We use a bit of slang now and then. We use fragments of a sentence once in a while. It's our everyday way of speaking. In writing a story, putting it in print the way we talk will make your reader comfortable. It will take away some of the stilted language we use when writing with perfect grammar and word usage. 

Don't get me wrong. I am not telling you to never write the way the textbooks tell you. We should to a certain extent. We should also try for a familiar use of words and sentences, as well. Where do you draw the line? That's up to the writer. 

Ms. Kearsley goes on to say we shouldn't 'imitate' others. Louise Penny has her voice, or style of writing. John Grisham has his. Charlotte Bronte doesn't sound like Ernest Hemingway. They each tell a story in their own style. The worst thing a writer, especially a newbie writer, can do is to try to sound like an already well-known author. Instead, aim to sound like yourself. Like you'd talk to a friend during an in-person chat. 

Make it a goal to tell your stories like yourself. Use the kind of sentences you would use when talking to someone. It's a small point when you consider all the other points we're told are very important when we write. Even so, it will add a great deal to the story you are writing.