I’m working through Story Genius by Lisa Cron and I thought I’d share some of the process.
Here’s the fifth exercise in the book.
“Write a short paragraph about what your character enters the novel wanting,”
Ruth wants to see Johnnie Magician in stripy pajamas, rattling the bars of his jail cell. Once Ruth takes that kingpin down, it will be a signal to all of the trafficking network from the street enforcers to the crooked politicians to the migrants themselves. Don’t take advantage of people – don’t let them take advantage of you. Carve out a place for yourself in the world so you don’t need anybody any more. Wouldn’t that be nice?
(in case you didn’t know, the book I’m writing is called The Centuries Unlimited)