Comments on: Finding the “I Want” Statement https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/08/finding-the-i-want-statement/ A Blog On Writing Wed, 18 Dec 2024 23:10:19 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 By: 🖋 Writing Links Round Up 10/14 – B. Shaun Smith https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/08/finding-the-i-want-statement/#comment-166927 Mon, 14 Oct 2024 20:46:11 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=50210#comment-166927 […] Finding the “I Want” Statement […]

]]> By: Sarah Sally Hamer https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/08/finding-the-i-want-statement/#comment-165967 Sat, 03 Aug 2024 12:38:36 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=50210#comment-165967 In reply to denise.

Great point, Denise! The "want" SHOULD be a problem, causing conflict throughout the book.
Thank you!

]]> By: denise https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/08/finding-the-i-want-statement/#comment-165963 Sat, 03 Aug 2024 03:30:04 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=50210#comment-165963 The want can drive a character, but it can be an Achilles heel if the MC can't find a way to get the want without destroying everything else. Passing that corner is everything.

]]> By: Sarah Sally Hamer https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/08/finding-the-i-want-statement/#comment-165962 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:28:05 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=50210#comment-165962 In reply to Ellen Buikema.

Thank you, Ellen! Honing in is a great way of saying it -- we let the character focus on what they really, truly want and set up the tension to see if they achieve it.

Appreciate all your help!

]]> By: Sarah Sally Hamer https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/08/finding-the-i-want-statement/#comment-165961 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:26:58 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=50210#comment-165961 In reply to Jennifer Tooker.

Thank you, Jennifer. Yes, defining that moment and letting the character express that information is SO important Good for you!

]]> By: Sarah Sally Hamer https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/08/finding-the-i-want-statement/#comment-165960 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:25:52 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=50210#comment-165960 In reply to V.M. Sang.

Oh, yes! I rarely find it until I'm at least halfway in. But that makes it better because, during my rewrites, I can make it crystal clear.

Thanks for the comment!

]]> By: Ellen Buikema https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/08/finding-the-i-want-statement/#comment-165959 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 14:41:27 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=50210#comment-165959 Hi Sally,

The "I want" statement really hones things in.

Your examples are helpful.

Great post!

]]> By: Jennifer Tooker https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/08/finding-the-i-want-statement/#comment-165957 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 12:05:02 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=50210#comment-165957 Sally, I really appreciate the way you have framed the all-important defining of the protagonist's (or other character's) goal. I am currently outlining a new venture (only my second writing project)-a sci-fi novel with an overarching theme of interpersonal communication and belonging. I have spent hours (probably days, okay maybe weeks) deeply delving into what my protagonist wants and why. It's an incredible journey and I feel I know my protagonist better than myself. In fact, she is probably teaching me quite a bit about mself. But never have I realized, until now - thanks to you - that my protagonist must verbally proclainm or acknowledge what she wants - out loud! Thank you for your vision!
Jennifer

]]> By: V.M. Sang https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/08/finding-the-i-want-statement/#comment-165956 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 08:18:12 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=50210#comment-165956 I don't always know at the beginning what my protagonist wants, but I find it becomes clearer as I progress with the first draft.

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