About
When I first started writing, I thought it was going to be easy and simple. Did you just laugh at that? Yeah, I did too. I used to think writing was like a main highway with only a few exits. Boy was I wrong! As soon as my character took that first exit, I had to figure out why did she choose that exit? Did she need gas, food, bathroom break? Who was in the car with her? Did they need to use the restroom, too? Were they going to stop for lunch? Did everyone want to eat the same thing? But most importantly, how would that pit stop contribute to her growth as a character?
Of course, the list could go on and on... but the point is: No, writing is not simple. Writing is like a tree in a cold winter day. Think of a main plot trunk supporting all of the subplot branches, then each branch with its own share of conflicting mini branches. And it doesn't stop there. Each mini branch has its own character branches. Can you visualize it? If not, just look at the picture above. And that's just your first draft. If you want your story to blossom like a tree in the spring, there's even more to it. A lot more.
Yes, it is hard and it will give you a headache, but despite it all, the end result is worth it. The end result is making you readers laugh, and cry, and feel, and overwhelm you with all sorts of emotions. Is giving you an enjoyable place to escape to when reality gets to be too much. Is giving you characters you can relate to and learn from. Is giving you stories to live and to love.
The end result is simply giving you... a gift.
- Jessie Cal
