I recently read an article on the blog “Reedsy” that discussed shows to watch on Netflix that can help you be a better writer. While I would first tell you that you should spend more time reading than watching TV, this article had some enlightening points, in particular about theme. Reedsy editor Andrew Lowe wrote about “Stranger Things,” saying that the show, ultimately, is about loss. “It will enhance your story if the key characters all want different versions of the same thing, or if their change or development is influenced by a unifying theme,” Lowe writes. He goes on to discuss what has been lost by certain characters and clinches it by stating that having this central one-word theme can help build stronger characters and even assist in writing your synopsis. This reminded me of “State and Main,” a film my wife introduced me to early in our relationship. …
Point of View: Head-hopping and how to cure it
Let me tell you right off the bat that point of view is something I struggle with. I don’t mean making the choice between telling a story in first or third person. (By now you should know the difference between those perspectives, but if you don’t, here is the quick break down. I (first person) am writing this article. T.J. (third person) is writing this article. And finally, you (second person) are reading this article. We can talk more about second person another time.) I make the choice early in each story and when I choose first person there is a good reason for it. Usually, it’s because of the voice of the narrator. This specific person needs to tell this particular story. Everything is filtered through his or her (or any variety of that) experience. My story “An Appointment with the Knifeman” is in first person specifically because the …