Comments on: What’s at Stake? Here’s How You Find Out

By: 🖋 Writing Links Round Up 1/6 – B. Shaun Smith

🖋 Writing Links Round Up 1/6 – B. Shaun Smith — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 21:20:23 +0000

[…] What’s at Stake? Here’s How You Find Out […]

By: Becca Puglisi

Becca Puglisi — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:12:39 +0000

Jenny, I'm so glad it's resonating with you. Let me know how it goes :).

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:31:01 +0000

In reply to Becca Puglisi. @Becca - By the way, I hope one of us told you in advance that we're having an issue with nesting comments. The only way we seem to be able to do it is from the back end, which isn't so helpful. I've got to go see if Jay can find the magic fix for this.

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:29:20 +0000

This is so valuable for me. I struggle with balancing Inner and Outer Motivation. I've tried Bob Mayer's conflict lock, but I like tying this into Maslow's hierarchy better. I'm pretty excited to go try this right now, Becca! :-)

By: denise

denise — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:48:09 +0000

I have it all outlined.

By: Becca Puglisi

Becca Puglisi — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:07:09 +0000

Alexsandra, I agree that this is crucial for each book in a series because the motivations will often change. In a series, the outer motivation often stays the same (destroying the One Ring in the LotR books), but inner motivation will shift from book to book because each book needs to have its own complete arc, with the character growing in a specific way. Thanks for reading!

By: Becca Puglisi

Becca Puglisi — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:00:42 +0000

V.M, if you're writing a story with a change arc, where the character undergoes an internal change during the course of the story, the inner motivation is literally everything. In your character's case, I would look at the reason why they're pursuing that outer goal. I'm sure it's somewhat global-minded——saving a people from oppression or losing their cultural identity, etc. But if you can also make it personal, it will resonate more with readers. To use a somewhat similar story example, look at the movie Braveheart. William Wallace wanted to save his people from tyranny, but at his core, he believes he failed Murrain, and that even in death she's watching over him. And he wants to make himself worthy in her eyes. Those personal stakes make his story even more compelling. Good for you for figuring out this important piece of your character's arc :).

By: Alexsandra Thompson

Alexsandra Thompson — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:39:48 +0000

Thank you for writing this post! This came at the perfect time,right before I start a new novel in a series I am writing.

What started as one book has morphed into three and will come full circle to the first book. That means I need MAKE SURE I have all motivations for all characters ironed out so that it all makes sense. I will print this post out so I can refer to it as I write the new book. Thanks again!

By: V.M. Sang

V.M. Sang — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:52:20 +0000

Well, I definitely need to search for my protagonist's inner motivation, and even if he has one. I know his outer motivation-- to prevent William the Conqueror from taking over the Anglo Saxon realm of England, but I need to decide if he has an inner motivation.
Thanks for giving me this to think about.