Developing Story Ideas, 3rd Edition

Part II

The Roots of Invention

Tales that entertain, disturb, or thrill us come not only from authors but through them. Because writers are artists creating a “corner of Nature seen through a temperament,” they work long and hard to recognize and develop what is particular to their way of seeing.

Preparing for this does not have to be intimidating. In fact, a pleasant and surprising discovery awaits you: you already have a focused inner drive that is waiting to become useful. I think of this as your artistic identity, something that will be forever on hand to guide and inspire you, once you get to know it. Even if you never learn of its existence in your psyche, you will still benefit. I know this because I directed two dozen documentary films ...