This phrase really works for me when I’m telling a story. Sometimes I ‘ll be asked to relate a story about what I did over the weekend or how was my trip or even something in the past. Or people just want to be nosy and all up in my business. Mom times I come out straight, but sometimes when I want to have some fun I begin with “So there I was, minding my own business, when…”, and I make something up on the spot. Once I started a story with this girl I met at a party. We were both pretty drunk, and I was having a good time, so I whipped out the old standby, then halfway through the story I would stop and start over with a different story. I did this about five times until she said enough and walked away, only to come back with a couple of beers. Good times.
One of the things that make it a good story would be the kernel of truth I would put into it. Something people could relate to. And I think that’s what makes a good story, now that I think of it. Sure, everyone tells you that a good story is something a reader can relate to, but I never really thought about that while I’m spinning my yarns. I just did it. It’s also what makes a good lie, but that’s another story.
I’m reminded of when I was a kid hanging with some friends on the roof of our apartment building. We threw something, I think it was a cardboard box off of it and then ran for the steps. The second we get to the top floor a man came out of his apartment and started demanding what we were doing up there. I looked straight at him and told him that these bad kids threw my ball up there and we went to get it. He bought it, partly because he knew me and my family, partly because the mean kids would do that. I kept it simple and believable, and most importantly, relatable. Now this may not seem like worthy trait of a writer, But aren’t we always lying when we tell stories? The events being told didn’t really happen, but if there’s just enough truth in it, readers relate to it. This is something I learned without really learning about it. I hope that with this I’ll be able to relate to more and more readers.
Anyhoo, thanks for reading. I’m still making progress on my book. My characters are about to get into an argument, something I’m not looking forward to. But as they have their likes and dislikes, their ways of doing things and different perspectives, it is inevitable. So until next time.
Arid Testimony 