As a recovering screenwriter I’ve noticed that the carry over of formula works. My main character has a false goal and a real goal. The false goal is something tangible and the real goal is what they learn. In Tootsie-- the false goal is to raise 8k to put on Jeff’s play. The real goal is Tootsie realizing he was a better man as a woman than he was as a man. I need this type of simplicity for novel writing. It’s working so far. But let me just say I have a new respect for novel authors as I write my first.
Want and need in my life? I am better about understanding my needs over wants. As such, I’ve put the kibosh on shopping and have saved a lot of money. 😉
I have huge respect for novel writers, too! Even though I understand the difference (I think), it's surprisingly difficult to get it right in one's own stories. I think you're right that it's easier in real life (NO to shopping)!
"Initial. Remember that word. It’s my firm belief that in the most interesting stories, a character’s first want doesn’t end up being the internalized one they eventually realize they need." Excellent! I was thinking while reading your thoughtful essay that protagonists' motivations can change in time throughout the story. You're on point!
Thanks Wendy. Yes, I have that. In fact in the new version I just lost I think I made it very clear as she chose to not interact with the boy interest and told her dog, "you're all I need." Or however I wrote it.
Well, I know what I'll be thinking about for the rest of today, at least. The situation I find myself in these days has me constantly sorting wants and needs.
This is a very timely article, and so well written and interesting. This is something I'm struggling with because I have a character who is shut down, and doesn't think she wants anything except to be left alone. But that isn't very engaging and your article had forced me to look at this more closely.
One thing that might help is finding those little external things that she does actually desire (like spending time with her dog, which, knowing your character, I happen to know she wants!). Frame it with respect to that rather than to what she doesn't want, perhaps?
As a recovering screenwriter I’ve noticed that the carry over of formula works. My main character has a false goal and a real goal. The false goal is something tangible and the real goal is what they learn. In Tootsie-- the false goal is to raise 8k to put on Jeff’s play. The real goal is Tootsie realizing he was a better man as a woman than he was as a man. I need this type of simplicity for novel writing. It’s working so far. But let me just say I have a new respect for novel authors as I write my first.
Want and need in my life? I am better about understanding my needs over wants. As such, I’ve put the kibosh on shopping and have saved a lot of money. 😉
Thx for this thoughtful piece. ❤️
I have huge respect for novel writers, too! Even though I understand the difference (I think), it's surprisingly difficult to get it right in one's own stories. I think you're right that it's easier in real life (NO to shopping)!
"Initial. Remember that word. It’s my firm belief that in the most interesting stories, a character’s first want doesn’t end up being the internalized one they eventually realize they need." Excellent! I was thinking while reading your thoughtful essay that protagonists' motivations can change in time throughout the story. You're on point!
I absolutely NEED the stuff I want, I think.
haha, I know you need to think that.
Fabulous, Wendy! I really appreciate the clarity you bring to this subject both in writing and how it applies to our every day.
I'm still working on it in writing! Surprisingly difficult, even after all these years.
Thanks Wendy. Yes, I have that. In fact in the new version I just lost I think I made it very clear as she chose to not interact with the boy interest and told her dog, "you're all I need." Or however I wrote it.
That sounds perfect. I hope you can recover that document.
Well, I know what I'll be thinking about for the rest of today, at least. The situation I find myself in these days has me constantly sorting wants and needs.
I find myself questioning everything I do now - esp before making any sort of purchase!
As Will would phrase it, "Am I wanty or needy?"
This is a very timely article, and so well written and interesting. This is something I'm struggling with because I have a character who is shut down, and doesn't think she wants anything except to be left alone. But that isn't very engaging and your article had forced me to look at this more closely.
One thing that might help is finding those little external things that she does actually desire (like spending time with her dog, which, knowing your character, I happen to know she wants!). Frame it with respect to that rather than to what she doesn't want, perhaps?
Tock is cute. As for what my characters want or need, it is one thing - the most important thing for any human: freedom!