As a writer, it’s important to get to know your characters as much as possible. To do this well, you might want to try writing a negative space story. So, what is a negative space story, and why is it so helpful?
Negative Space
Traditionally used in relation to art, negative space is literally the space in between and around the subject of a painting/artwork. The effect of negative space can often have dramatic results. In some cases, the subject is removed, and the negative space creates an entirely different picture than what was originally intended.
Many writers compare the act of writing to “watching a movie in your mind” and trying to describe/transcribe what is imagined. A negative space story is kind of like a deleted scene from a movie. It’s a part of the story that doesn’t make the final cut, but it serves a purpose for gaining insight into the world and characters.
I was recently challenged to write a negative space story. Here’s a great place to start: choose a minor character. On the surface, it doesn’t matter which character you choose, but prepare yourself to let it have a surprising amount of influence. Minor characters can become very interesting once you get to know them.
When I read negative space stories, it changes the way I think about books.
See the value of every character in the story, not just the main ones.
Take the time to write things that won’t make the final cut. It enhances the journey.
Be open to where the rabbit hold may lead.
I wrote a flash fiction piece not long ago that I intended for exactly that purpose: a very short story. Then I met the characters, and there’s more to them than I thought. As I’ve worked on their negative space story, I found myself jumping into a genre I’ve never explored before. It’s exciting!
Here’s to your writing journey and invaluable negative space.
Invent your story!
Researching Albert Einstein could make you feel like an idiot. This incredible physicist developed the theory of relativity, and he laid groundwork for quantum theory, the photon theory of light, the Brownian movement of molecules (I won’t continue). Bonus: he has really interesting things to say.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein
Not exactly what we’d expect from someone with those credentials. And yet, the truth of these five words can change your life if you let it brew in your brain for a few smart seconds. What do you do when you solve a problem, draw a picture, play an instrument, or write a story?
You begin to employ creative thinking. To create is to bring something into existence. That something comes alive inside of you. It’s said that Einstein thought in pictures, and that was (in part) how he discovered and worked out his theories.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, and giving birth to evolution.” – Albert Einstein
Einstein was a genius. He’s probably most famous for E=mc2. He won the Nobel Prize. He didn’t say the above quote with a chip on his shoulder because he didn’t have knowledge. He found that knowledge falls short. It’s good and important to gain knowledge, but don’t value it over imagination.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving forward.” – Albert Einstein
Time, space, and motion were all important to Einstein. In order to ride a bike, you must time your foot to push down on a pedal, lift your other foot at the right moment to catch the opposite pedal, and keep going. When you keep moving, you can go faster than you could without the bike.
So, what do you have in common with Einstein?
You have an imagination that is capable of amazing things. Don’t underestimate it! Employ creativity in life. Use your imagination. And keep moving forward.
(sources include but not limited to: nobelprize.org, time.com, wikipedia.com)
Until next time,
Invent your story
Throughout the history of mankind, every culture tells stories. Tales delight, teach, scare, and inspire audiences world-wide every day. I am captivated by stories. That is why I called my website Invent Your Story.
Whether from fiction or non-fiction, poetry or prose, strangers or friends stories are precious. Each person on this planet is valuable, and everyone has a story. Taking time to listen, learn, and grow from experiences with others is one of life’s greatest joys.
Inventing your story means many things, but I want to list a few for the curious. Here are 3 principles of story invention that I find valuable:
- Live Your Story: Each day is a story and your adventure is unfolding with every breath and choice. Take hold of your story and your ability to choose what you do with the days you are given.
- Tell Your Stories: If you’re a writer, a mechanic, a circus performer, or my Uncle Johnny you have stories to tell. You don’t have to write them, but do share them with others. You will have an impact.
- Practice Invention: Invention has two key definitions: 1) something, typically a process or device that has been invented, and 2) creative ability. You are a creation with the creative ability to solve problems, dream, appreciate, develop, and explore. Use your gifts and see what amazing things happen when you invent.
Stories enrich and shape the life of each person alive today. Invention and its powers do the same thing. Some combination of these two powerful elements is my goal each day.
If you’ve read me before, you know what’s coming next. As always, thank you. Now go. Invent YOUR story.