By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
I am a storyteller. My purpose is to create stories that engage and entertain the reader. I believe a story should breathe life into the reader with a message that helps navigate the unpredictable waters of life. Within the elements of my story, my characters, plot, dialogue, emotion, and setting together weave a message that inspires a reader to release the sails of doubt and confusion in their unsteady worlds.
My message isn’t designed to promote a specific agenda in front of the reader, preach, or spout something I want readers to embrace. That approach doesn’t fall under the description of good storytelling; it falls under the oceans of propaganda. Readers aren’t fooled for long by misleading information.
Instead, I reveal what my character learns or discerns while attempting to reach a goal or solve a problem. As my character achieves awareness of the world around him/her through a distinct personality, life experiences, and uniqueness, so does the reader who joins in the story’s adventure. That is my organic method of inspiring readers.
The character’s attributes woven with the reader’s traits create a means for readers to interpret the story and examine what can apply to their lives. It’s the reader’s choice and a challenge, one I hope they accept. I long for them to see areas in their life that need a fresh awakening—goals to achieve, dreams to fulfill, and commitments to live a better life.
The writer’s role is to develop the character, dive the character into an overwhelming plot, and record what happens. He or she stands at the helm, but the character steers the story’s direction.
As a reader, what inspires you in a story?
Comments 18
Thoughtful authors who weave the beauty and comfort of faith into their stories mean so much to me. It’s especially difficult, I think, when these stories are filled with suspense and mystery to have characters with a believable faith journey in the midst of all the chaos. Hmm. I wonder who that sounds like? 🙂
Terri, we are writerly sisters! We write because God called us into obedience. I love showing faith in my stories – no matter what the tragedy. God is always there.
Always.
You’re so right, Terri. DiAnn is SO good at this:))
You are way too good for my ego. Love you both!
I love reading fiction that also teaches me something. I learn about law enforcement tactics from your stories. I learn details about historical events when I read historical fiction. This makes the story more real to me and puts me where the characters are. I especially appreciate reading about places I have been and I can relive those experiences from another point of view.
Characters who become their true selves while overcoming tremendous odds inspire me. I also love reading children’s books!
Thanks, Michelle. I agree! Children’s books have a hidden message to the adult who is reading it to the child. A subtle way of teaching us too.
Growing up, books were a means for me to escape a life that held little interest for me. Thus, even as a kid, I had little taste for “fluff” stories that did not engage who I was. I couldn’t get enough of stories that broke through the conventional grind and explored the possibilities of a life without limitations. I spent a lot of time in the Wild West, the classics, and fantasy/sci fi. The great books didn’t just shower us with non-stop action like so many movies do today; they captured the essence of the human condition and invited us to believe for something more than the vision society has for our “real” life. I would be so immersed in these stories that I didn’t even hear my mom calling my name in the same room. I hope someday to master the art of creating characters the reader will carry forever in his/her heart.
Diana, I believe you are already a solid writer. So here’s my challenge! Now is the time to begin. Need some tips? diann@diannmills.com
And that is why I and others love your books!
Oh, Gloria, you made my day! Thanks so much!
The character is key to any story, DiAnn. Their reactions to circumstances in which they find themselves will reveal likes, dislikes, and ability to adapt to challenges. If you want to check out my novels, go to my website: gladetrilogy.wix.com/theglade
Thanks!
Martha, you and I understand the reader wants to be the character and once inside those character’s shoes and feeling comfy, they never want to leave!
Sometimes it is stories that relate to my life experiences.
Sometimes it is whimsical stories that allow me to temporarily escape life experiences.
During the pandemic, I rediscovered classical children’s books and really enjoyed them.
Cindy, spoken by a true reader. Like you, sometimes I want to escape to a world so unlike my own. Other times I want to know how characters journeyed through experiences like mine, and sometimes I want to read and reread every children’s book I ever put my hands on. We are much alike!
Great question. The ability to “put me into the story” is something that has always appealed to me, be that fiction or nonfiction. if I can see myself in that situation, which means that story has to have some level of fidelity (of understandable truth) in it for that to happen. Perhaps that’s why I’ve never been a fan of speculative and science fiction.
JD, reading is an adventure. But will say some dystopian tales have captured my attention. Thanks!