The first two questions I ask when I start to work with a writer on their story are:
- Why are you writing this story?
- What is your story point?
There is something that brings us to the page. Some impulse, a nugget, a question. We want to share or educate or entertain or prove to that high school english teacher who told us we weren’t much of a writer that they were wrong.
That’s our why.
We also have something to say when we start writing. Something about love or grief of environmental science. That ultimate message of our story, that’s our story point.
We need to know these things because all the words we write will tie in to these two concepts – our why and our point. If they don’t, then our story won’t resonate with readers or worse, will fall apart before it even gets to the end.
Recently, I’ve started coaching high school seniors on their college application essays.
Adding this offer has been super easy because guess what you need to know for a college essay?
- Why do you want to go to this college?
- What is your personal story point?
College application essays, like novels, are telling a story. The only difference is that this one is inherently more personal (although a whole lot of novel writing is personal, too, we just have the benefit of hiding behind the fiction designation, but that’s a post for another day).
A college application tells a story–the transcript, activity list, references, and essay work together to paint a picture for the reader. just like a novelist’s characters, plot, setting, and structure come together to tell a story.
It can be really easy for college applicants to write about what I call “the thing”—the volunteer organization, the setback, the mentor—rather than about their place in relation to the thing. Just like it can be easy for novel writers to get stuck in the plot.
Reminding student writers that this is their story helps keep them on track to highlight their thoughts, ideas, experiences, and growth in a way that engages an admissions reader. Just like focusing on story points and whys help novel writers tell a larger story with meaning beyond just X and Y happening.
So whether you are a novel writer or a student applying to college this fall, when we work together, we are going to dive deep into your why and your point to make sure your stories are unique, compelling, and un-put-down-able.
Need novel writing/revision support or know someone who could use some college essay support?
Brave enough to share your why and story point in the comments?! I’d love to see them!