Have you ever been late for an appointment and as you rush down the road you see that sign on the right hand side that reads "detour ahead?" Each and every one of us releases a groan of agony when we see that sign. But, there are times when the detour works out in our favor. Maybe we will find a short cut, a new store or restaurant, or just a scenic route to cruise down.
Detours can happen in our writing just as they happen on the road. In most occasions our characters bring about this detour. Some of the professionals will argue that if your story is properly planned then this will not happen but I tend to disagree with this logic. Sure, we need to have the story mapped out in general terms but the creativity must be allowed room to maneuver which leads to....detours.
As much as our characters can dictate the direction of a story, plot and/or theme can as well. Case in point, I recently finished reading "From My Mama's Kitchen" by author Johnny Tan. Johnny planned for this book to be a "keepsake collection of my mom's recipes" but instead, at some point in time, it changes dramatically. His book focuses not on the recipes but instead on the life lessons learned and wisdom received from his mom while in the kitchen helping her with the meals.
How and why did this change happen? I'm not sure but I tend to think the change from everyday cookbook to a book paying respect to his mom was a brilliant one. The question now becomes, is it safe to change your story in midstream? The answer is no. It is difficult to change your story dramatically after you have started. However, if it makes for a better story then it should be done. Look at Johnny's example for a moment. He began with a cookbook. I'm sure it would have been a good one and fairly easy to pull together but he allowed his creativity room to move about. That movement allowed him to look much deeper at what those recipes meant to him and his life. By following this detour he wrote a book full of passion, respect and wisdom.
I can't say that each of our stories will turn out like this example but I am saying to not be afraid of those detours even if it is the theme or plot that is taking you down a different path. It may cause you to look much deeper at your topic, show you a whole new storyline or could simply lead to a dead end. We never know exactly where our stories will take us and this is the thrill and joy of writing.
Has your plot or theme changed direction on you? Did you follow or stay the course?
I have prepared a review for "From My Mama's Kitchen" that I will be posting in the coming days.
3 comments:
Great thoughts. I'm a very beginning writer and I'm still seeking confidence. I'm lacking in ideas right now. But since I'm moving to a new city in just over a week, I'm thinking of writing about my adventure in discovering a new community. I may even write my own newcomer's guide if you will. And I think that deep down, I am hoping that it will lead to a better idea, a better glimpse of what I am capable of doing. The past ten years or so has been a detour so I am hoping to follow a straighter path with a few side roads of fun mixed in. We'll see where the roads and people lead me!
Detours (real and literary) are good things. I always think that the pothole, obstruction, delay, or whatever is my guardian angel helping me avoid a wreck or disaster a little further down the road.
Mandy - I am not what you would call a 'seasoned writer' myself. Good luck with your move. As for writing ideas, don't focus to hard on that. I have learned from experience that ideas will come to you when you least expect it. The important thing is to be ready when that idea strikes so you can write it down or hold on to it. The ideas will come and when they do you will have more then you can write.
Angie - That is an interesting thought and way to look at things. Maybe you are right...
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