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Introduction to The Writer’s Compass

What Will The Writer’s Compass Teach Me?

Book Cover
The Writer’s Compass

There are three approaches to The Writer’s Compass for writers:

  • Reading through the book will teach both beginning and experienced writers new information
  • Answering some of the questions and/or exercises will give writers new skills
  • Digging in and doing the majority of the work suggested in the book will take your writing to a new level

 

As writers, we often look for answers to:

  • How do I write a whole story out of a single idea?
  • How do I turn the pages that gushed out in a single writing session into a complete story?
  • When am I telling and not showing?
  • What is my story missing?
  • Which critiques should I listen to?
  • Should I follow my own instincts?
  • How do I know what’s working and what’s not working?
  • When do I know I’ve edited enough?
  • How many drafts does it take to finish a story?
  • Can I succeed as a writer?

 

Most books and instructors can’t answer these questions because the answer lies within you—the writer. The Writer’s Compass (TWC) guides you, to find your own answers by thinking through what you are writing, why you are writing it, and what you want to say—setting the compass for your work. Once you have a compass for your ideas, it is easier to write the story you want to tell, even when you aren’t sure at first what that story might be.

The Introduction explains how TWC is organized and how to use the book to get the most benefit.

Part I, the Beginning, discusses preparing for writing by developing a writing time, space, and mind-set.

Part II, The Middle explains story mapping and the 7-Stage process. Charting the key elements of storytelling with your ideas across a story map is like creating an outline or a synopsis, but is easier, more visual, and can be constructed from any point in the story. Each of the 7 Stages addresses an area of storytelling that tends to need more development. Much like constructing a house, the 7 Stages are based on developing the story foundation, then adding the structure, the roof, the walls, the flooring, painting and designer touches, and finally moving in. Each stage adds another level of breadth and depth to the story across the entire story map.

  • Stage 1—Forming Stories and Developing Ideas:
  • Stage 2—Building Strong Structures
  • Stage 3—Creating Vibrant Characters
  • Stage 4—Structuring Scenes, Sequences, and Transitions
  • Stage 5—Increasing Tension and Adjusting Pacing
  • Stage 6—Enriching the Language and Dialogue
  • Stage 7—Editing the Hard Copy and Submitting

 

Part III, The End is the shortest section and addresses the importance of setting goals, quality writing, and how to map the writer’s lifestyle.

Disclaimer: The above link goes to Amazon.com. Other book sellers are listed on the “Writer’s Compass” tab above. The author may be paid a nominal fee for purchases made through this link.

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