Matters of the heart were on my list of priorities this week. Little One had her six month check-up with the cardiologist this week. She sat quietly through an EKG, an echocardiogram, and being hooked up to her heart monitor that she’d wear for 24 hours. It looks like we’ll be good for another 6 months as long as the monitor tests come back without anything new. God has blessed as with such watchful doctors, I know we are in good hands. Little One commented, “My heart doesn’t hurt Mom, does yours?”
The question made me think of things that does make my heart hurt. The list is longer than I’d like it to be, but we don’t live in a perfect world, so there will always be something that pains us. Something that gets our tempers riled or saddens us.
James Scott Bell wrote in his book Plot & Structure that one way to write a “story packed with emotion and dramatic possibilities” is to find issues that you care about, that press our “hot buttons”.
This led me to look over my current plot outline and see if there was anything that caused my blood to boil. There wasn’t anything too dramatic so I started playing with ideas. Sure enough I came up with a new element that I could put into my story to help bring out the drama.
So how about you, do you like to write about things that press your buttons or do you stay clear of issues that might seem too controversial?
7 comments:
Hmmm! I tend to stay away from those controversial issues in my writing. In my writing groups I have noticed that I always try to make my writings light and have a twist of fun in them. Going to the darker side seems a bit risky to me. Maybe that is something I will have to pray about and explore???
I always try to write about something that works on my heart--either emotional issues that I've dealt with or some that bother me.I think it allows us to go deeper and a better book.
So glad things are looking good for your little one!
I know now I have to touch those heart things. My writing needs to be raw and honest and deep. I want my readers' hearts to feel stuff.
Pat, I know I tend to write on the lighter side, but I'm beginning to realize I can do that and still touch on issues close to my heart. Or at least try:)
Terri, I agree it does make you go deeper.
Janna, I love when I read books that pull at my heart and I think your writing has all those elements, at least what I've read:)
Hi Kara,
Oh wow! I didn't realize you were going through such serious health issues with one of your children. My prayers go out for you! Glad she's doing okay for the time being.
I do try to hit some dramatic issues in my books. Makes the writing more intense and fun! :-)
glad things are looking good for your little one!
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I'm glad your child's heart hasn't worsened. It's so scary when our kids' have health issues.
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