Don't let the Backdrop Steal Your Story

Hi,

When writing a story — especially if it's historical fiction or a based on a true story — it's hard not to not get wrapped up in all the facts. Suddenly your story is more about the forensic evidence or the architectural accuracy than it is about the characters and their story. 

I call the dilemma Character vs. Backdrop.  I think readers might call it Novel vs. Text Book or Movie vs.  Documentary.

Examine stories

It's a good habit to examine books and movies and dissect the story from the backdrop. Look at how the writer keeps you involved in the character's story, but uses the historical facts and details to add depth and a solid sense of place. (Or if they failed, examining what went wrong.)

Right now I'm reading The Little Book by Selden Edwards. It's set in Vienna in 1897 and is a multi-generational, time-traveling story that layers interesting historical events and characters throughout the story. But the story isn't about Vienna (backdrop) — it's about our hero creating and unravelling his family's history with every step. If it does become about Vienna I'm likely to put the book down and choose another.

Examine Your Own Life

Some new writers find it hard at times to see the difference between backdrop and story. "It's all intertwined," writers will say.  Yes, but there's still a big difference. 

When trying to get a handle on that difference, imagine someone telling your story. Your story is based in a world filled with interesting facts — an enormous recession, the first black president, climate change, a war in Iraq, as well as Star Trek, Hanna Montana, and American Idol. These facts may or may not crop up in your story, but they are not your story. They just the background of your unique journey. 

Have fun writing today!  

Di