“Of Rocks And Hard Places” [Reflections On Ronald B. Tobias’ Book 20 Master Plots Series – #4/7]

Every story has a structure,
How it’s morals play out here;
Jump right in and be convincing,
Each dilemma make quite clear.

Point of view includes such ethics,
Best present dilemmas well;
Place key folks right in the middle –
“Rock and hard place” story tell.

Not much fun as propaganda –
Make your readers take a stand;
Deal with both sides of each conflict,
Fiction thus can lend a hand.

Like that guy who did that story –
Forced the choice to cut, jump free,
Or get mashed up with the timber –
Told so well we all felt, “Me”.

Start with premise, situation,
Not some answer pre-conceived;
Plot’s corral, the players horses –
Turn them loose, let each one be –

Who they are, make each dilemma
Tough – make readers love each one;
That way, they are in such dust-ups,
Off the bleachers ’till it’s done.

Focus on each situation;
Don’t take sides, give equal time;
Good in both folks in the conflict,
Won’t resolve, can’t cross the line.

Make it valid, then convincing;
Logical, compelling sides
To those characters depicted;
Chasms grow ’till ultra wide.

Mostly find a “Fix for present”;
Get around the clash today;
Like in life, no easy answers
Make such conflicts go away.

I’d say there’s another option –
Feed new ways to move ahead;
Or present the Kingdom-message –
Option for both sides instead.

Don’t just use it as a platform
Stating your pet view to all,
Using straw-man, foil, or puppet –
Make opponents ten feet tall.

We’re a mix of good and evil;
We succeed, sometimes we fail;
We’re the Christ up on the scaffold,
Also pounding in the nails.

Make your villains have their good points;
Show your heroes, warts and all;
Keep your focus on the issue –
Circumscribe – keep locus small.

Thanks Lord for this.

navigation