Lecture #2:

Finding The Story

 A story is not a merely a series of events; It is a series
of events with a compelling sense of momentum that
carries the reader towards conclusion. We call this
momentum a narrative arc, and writers achieve it by
having strong characters who experience challenges and
conflicts and undergo changes as a result. In creative non
fiction writing, choosing the right character and the right
character and the right conflict is an essential part of
starting a story.
CHOOSING YOUR
CHARACTERS
 All the characters must be real individual not
just a product of someone’s imagination.
The character must follow the narrative arc or
the sequence of the story.
 TESTING OUT DETAILS
 Do not invent or make a story if it is not true.
 Make a story about a real human experience.
 Story must be based on real life.
 Describe a person according to his/her real
personal image.
 FOCUSING THE LENS
 Do not invent dramatic moments just write a
fact based story.
 Begin the scene through describing things.
Because you can invite the readers to think about
what is the story is all about.
 You invite the reader to think about the tension.
 THREE KEYS TO A STORY
 It should have a narrative arc.
 It needs dramatic conflict or tension.
Characters need to experience conflict
to undergo transformation or change