Writing Your Story: Tips from Gayle Forman (Author of IF I STAY) | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Using personal experiences to create authentic characters and stories is key to successful writing.

Key Insights

• ❓ Crafting a story starts with a "what if" scenario and a character.
• 🥰 Stories can be classified into common categories like coming-of-age or obstacles to love.
• 🪜 Personal experiences shape characters and add authenticity to storytelling.
• 💍 Emotional experiences are essential for creating relatable and engaging characters.
• 🫒 Stories reflect the writer's unique perspective and lived experiences.
• 🇦🇸 Tayari Jones found inspiration from personal experiences for "An American Marriage."
• ☄️ Authenticity in storytelling comes from tapping into one's emotions and truths.

Transcript

Before we dive into the exercises, we're going to talk a little bit about what makes a story. I think you need two elements to get started on your story. You need a scenario or a premise or what I like to think of as a "what if". What if I win the lottery? What if an asteroid hits tomorrow? What if I wake up one morning and find that my entire fami... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the two essential elements needed to start a story?

To begin a story, you require a scenario (what if) and a character. The scenario acts as the foundation, while the character adds depth and uniqueness to the narrative.

Q: How can personal experiences influence storytelling?

Personal experiences play a significant role in shaping characters and stories. They provide authenticity and empathy, making the narrative more relatable and engaging for readers.

Q: Why is it important to tap into emotional experiences when creating characters?

Emotions are what give characters depth and make them relatable. By drawing from personal emotional experiences, writers can create authentic characters that resonate with readers.

Q: How can writers use their lived experiences to enhance their storytelling?

Writers can use their lived experiences as the cornerstone of their stories, even if the plot is entirely fictional. By infusing their emotions and perspectives, they can create unique and authentic narratives.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Starting a story requires a premise (what if scenario) and a character.

• Stories fall into common categories like unlikely heroes or obstacles to love.

• Personal experiences shape characters and provide authenticity in storytelling.