The 5 W’s of Writing and M. Pilotte – Part 5
This part of the 5 W’s is centered on the “What” component of writing. Without substance, there would be no story. But then, take away any of the other W’s, and what do you have left? Enough of that, let’s take a look at my own “What’s”.
I often hear: What is your story about? As I proceed to explain, I often go on to explain its inception. The actual “What” takes time to evolve or morph into the final product. A few examples: In 2004, soon after my mother’s death, I wrote 100 letters to her, each one page in length. I wrote these to share what was going on in my life instead of actively mourning her passing. Obviously, it was a one-sided communication, but it proved to be therapeutic.
Fictional pieces I have written include numerous “What’s”. “The Course”, a full length novel about five women returning to college, interested a few of the many literary agents I contacted. Unfortunately, that was as far as it went, but friends loved the story, so they told me. It’s at home now in a carton in the basement. Some day… My novella, “Cotton Barrington,” featuring a newlywed with a nagging problem, will be available some day in the near future. Much later, I started the novel “Shred of Evidence” about a bank robbery and a witness who poses a threat to the thieves. “Neptune’s Folly” is a children’s story about a dolphin and a manatee. It’s just waiting for some finishing touches.
More: The “What’s” of my five plays include the following: an abbreviated version of “Garden; a comedy of romance and deception; a madcap spoof about an eccentric doctor; a romance between two middle aged persons; and finally a futuristic one that takes place in a single locked room. I can thank Sartre’s “No Exit” (Huis Clos) for the inspiration for the last one. Having taught the existentialist play for so many years, I was compelled to work the premise into my own creation.
I am grateful that one story has led to the next. “Tales” picks up where “Garden” leaves off. And my current endeavor is derived from the “Tales” story entitled “Letters.” There are so many “What’s” in my repertoire that I need to consider the importance of the other W’s, without which there would be no more stories.
This part of the 5 W’s is centered on the “What” component of writing. Without substance, there would be no story. But then, take away any of the other W’s, and what do you have left? Enough of that, let’s take a look at my own “What’s”.
I often hear: What is your story about? As I proceed to explain, I often go on to explain its inception. The actual “What” takes time to evolve or morph into the final product. A few examples: In 2004, soon after my mother’s death, I wrote 100 letters to her, each one page in length. I wrote these to share what was going on in my life instead of actively mourning her passing. Obviously, it was a one-sided communication, but it proved to be therapeutic.
Fictional pieces I have written include numerous “What’s”. “The Course”, a full length novel about five women returning to college, interested a few of the many literary agents I contacted. Unfortunately, that was as far as it went, but friends loved the story, so they told me. It’s at home now in a carton in the basement. Some day… My novella, “Cotton Barrington,” featuring a newlywed with a nagging problem, will be available some day in the near future. Much later, I started the novel “Shred of Evidence” about a bank robbery and a witness who poses a threat to the thieves. “Neptune’s Folly” is a children’s story about a dolphin and a manatee. It’s just waiting for some finishing touches.
More: The “What’s” of my five plays include the following: an abbreviated version of “Garden; a comedy of romance and deception; a madcap spoof about an eccentric doctor; a romance between two middle aged persons; and finally a futuristic one that takes place in a single locked room. I can thank Sartre’s “No Exit” (Huis Clos) for the inspiration for the last one. Having taught the existentialist play for so many years, I was compelled to work the premise into my own creation.
I am grateful that one story has led to the next. “Tales” picks up where “Garden” leaves off. And my current endeavor is derived from the “Tales” story entitled “Letters.” There are so many “What’s” in my repertoire that I need to consider the importance of the other W’s, without which there would be no more stories.