This is how I approach writing, editing, and teaching…
… As a formula… A literature equation as I used to call it when I first began to use it my classroom several years back. I promised to begin talking about my approach to writing more beginning in this newsletter and this seems like the best place to start.
CHARACTER + OBSTACLE = STORY is about understanding that there are two basic and necessary components or parts that make up a story, and that is character and obstacle. The character becomes the vehicle of the story, the representative of us and how we are going to be delivered the big ideas and themes. But this is not possible without that character having to overcome an obstacle, i.e. face a problem. Much like how the character(s) represents us, the obstacle represents the problems in life that arrive from either internal or external, sometimes both, conflict. When it comes to literature, it is this combination that makes a story exist. In comparison, the same is said for life. Humanity always deal with something, whether tiny or ginormous, big or small, our obstacle (s) define us and ultimately, creates our life story.
In my opinion, this is the simplistic beauty of storytelling; that it’s truly all about us and our exploration of the human condition. This is how I approach writing, this is step one for me. From there, it’s about the events that evolve from the character(s) interacting with the obstacle in all its forms and, subsequently, this is how we get the plot diagram.
Right now, in my 8th grade ELA class, we’re doing a soft introduction to all of this in preparation for officially beginning our Unit 1 this Friday that focuses on the theme of Rites of Passage. I will definitely keep all of you informed about that, I’m sure it’s going to be journey…
Remember…
My boy Patrick Foreman (Black Cotton Co-Creator and Co-Writer) has crafted a wonderful crime thriller and has enlisted a master storyteller in Damien Becton and artist extraordinaire Marcelo Santana to bring it to life. With only three days left on Kickstarter, this is a first issue of a limited three issue series that you do not want to miss. Please use the QR code on the image above or check out the link below to the Kickstarter page to read more about it and/or support the campaign.
Talk soon —
Brian
Thanks for the important lesson! I’ll be backing Remember later tonight. 😄