“Stories: Invisible Social Lubricant” [Start Of Ronald B. Tobias’ 20 Master Plots Series – General – #1/7]
I knew a man, a journalist for years,
Who told me once what put his work in gear –
“I saw that story was like currency –
Once it got out, it joined community”.I later noticed it was lubricant –
It helped us live (to me significant);
One journalist said, “It’s one third of task –
With “Fact” and “Quote”, you give folks what they ask.“For after that, the onus goes to them –
They must disprove, or counter-message send;
So save your breath, backup a given case
With those three points – that sets a steady pace.”We hardly see the swirl of stories ’round;
On Facebook now, is where so much is found;
But this guy states that “plot” a driver is;
With characters, you’re in the writing biz.”But he goes on, “Plot is a ‘patterned’ thought,
Which we absorb, not just what we are taught –
With setup first, then complications rise,
’Till all resolves, like changing of the tide.Antagonist – what blocks the hero’s way?
The tension comes as these two dance and sway,
For conflict is the clash of different drives;
Folks love this stuff – on which this culture thrives.There’s expectation in each reader’s mind,
To be aware of pattern, so they find
Their place by you, as you walk through the maze;
Then, minds content, they’ll savor it for days.If you would sharpen tools for writing use,
Dwell here a spell, then turn these masters loose,
And let your knowledge and experience
Feed in the mix of craft and Providence.Thanks Lord for this.
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