The Importance Of *Story*

Several months ago an intriguing young writer (who, in the interest of anonymity, we shall henceforth refer to as "Writer") struck up a correspondence with me in his search for...well, in his search for his perfect writing voice. Since that time, he has (infrequently) returned to me with a handful of new poems and stories. He asks me to read these poems and stories and to share my thoughts and opinions.

After his latest wave of poems and stories, I wrote him this response...and I now share the response with you, because I think some interesting ideas came out when I was writing this. Some interesting ideas about "Story."

Keep in mind, of course (as I tell Writer at the end of my response) - I am but one voice, and by no means is my voice (or, for that matter, is anyone's voice) authoritative. Always search things out for yourself. Find your voice...because only your voice will ever be your perfect voice.

And now, the response:

Writer, brother - "[Story in question]" is the best thing of yours I've read so far. It's a very sad, very pretty piece.

One thing that struck me about "[Story in question]" is: Story.

You have a lot of ideas. You have a lot of thoughts. These are complex ideas and deep thoughts. And...the key, for you, for your writing, will be figuring out how to convey these complex ideas and deep thoughts in a way that is accessible to waves of average readers. The greatest writers are not the writers who have the ability to write high-minded stuff for high-minded people, but are instead the writers who can write high-minded stuff for everyday people.

You have the ability (as far as mental makeup) to write high-minded stuff, and the struggle will be figuring out how to write it for everyday people. In some of your other stuff I've read, I've noticed an overemphasis on the ideas and thoughts themselves, to the detriment of "Story."

"Story" is the most easily and effectively implementable vehicle in which to transport our ideas and thoughts to the reader, and in this piece you did a really wonderful job of wrapping your ideas and thoughts inside of a compelling story.

Finally, keep in mind that I am but one voice. One opinion. And any one opinion always has the danger of being completely wrong.

So balance what I say with what you already know, and keep working, brother.

Cheers.
~J

The same goes for anyone who reads this: If you have thoughts, ideas, and insights, wrap them inside of Story. Story is what brings The Reader to your table.

Give The Reader something worth their time.

Keep working!

Cheers.

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(A Delicious Little Pre-Publication Sample Of The Great Lenore)