Hex nuts & Scarlett O'Hara

(The story behind the Whole Story)

It started with a new swing set.

My husband and son were checking off the list of parts: corner fittings ... top bar… ladder leg… hex nuts…

Check?

Check.

They laid the pieces on the grass and were ready to assemble.

Soon the nuts and bars and legs gave way to something greater than the sum of the parts. In fact, the parts were now invisible. What mattered was my kid's flying feet licking the air in front of him.

That’s when it hit me: Writing is the only assembly-required activity that doesn't come with a list of parts required.

When we teach writing, we usually don't talk architecture. We talk style polish, transitions, ledes, nut grafs, etc., important stuff, to be sure, but -- then what?

The story doesn’t soar.

The writer used all the hex nuts and decorative decals but didn't end up with a swing set.

One day I took the inventory-of-the-parts idea to a troublesome college writing class.

"Don't write your stories today," I said. "Instead, just for fun, type up your notes in simple sentences. We're going to inventory the parts before assembling your stories. Sort of like building a swing set."

They thought I was nuts.

But what emerged over the following weeks was a way of thinking and talking about writing that allowed them to see beyond the morass of information in their notebooks to the integral parts of that information; to how those parts could work together to form the dynamic whole.

I call it the Whole Story .

Whole storying turns on the premise that all information in the universe falls into one of four categories:

Data, event, issue, or idea.

What makes a good piece of writing good is the tension from the interplay (and interdependence) of those informational parts.

When one or more parts is missing (check your local newspaper to see how often) the story is a groaner, maybe a nice little groaner with a zippy lede and few catchy phrases, but still a groaner.

When all the parts are there, when the writer understands how they relate to one another and how they work together (and then uses the writing to reflect that in a clear way), The piece has internal structural integrity.

Try it: inventory the parts:

Data? That's the stuff that is: facts, statistics, immutable evidence that helps pin the story down, like the screws holding the bars of the swing set in place.

Events? Those are the things that happen: anecdotes, strains of narrative, the stuff that moves and gives the story life, like the swing and teeter-totter units that hang from the bars by the rope.

Issues? That's what is happening: currents running through events, giving them form and context—yes, like the side legs and cross bars of the swing set.

Idea? That's the larger thing the interplay of the parts adds up to – the driving force behind the story, the thing that connects connects with a reader.

The idea is the kid swinging, wind in the face, legs pumping higher, in a word ( and most ideas can be expressed in one word)—fun.

At this point, someone usually furrows their brow and says, "What's the difference between an issue and an idea, anyhow ?”

Instead of saying, "Well, night and day," I tell them about the time Margaret Mitchell ran into a fancy New York publisher when she was still writing Gone With The Wind.

"So, Little Lady, what's your Civil War book about?" the publisher said.

Mitchell looked him in the eye: "It's about people who have gumption and people who don't."

There you have it.

Nowhere in the book does Mitchell write, "This is a story about people who have gumption and people who don't. Scarlett O'Hara had it, Ashley Wilkes didn't. Mammy had it...."

The issues in the book are many—slavery, the cotton economy and the trials of post-war Reconstruction, for starters. But people keep reading Gone With The Wind not because they're jazzed about the burning issues of the Civil War period.

They continue because that fundamental idea – what it takes to survive, i.e. gumption—speaks to them. It's what everything in the book adds up to. It's the beacon that guided the author throughout.

Issues come and go.

Fundamental ideas are timeless.

In the years I've been using the Whole Story, I've learned a lot about writing and writers. First, there are thousands of stories out there that are good, or even very good, but still missing that magical something. Chances are, what's missing is the idea.

At this point, the brow-furrowing types say, "All these years you've been telling me to use concretes and now you're telling me to use concepts."

The answer to that is no, no, no. The idea of the story isn't a concept. It's the focus, the magnet that helps the writer pull out the very best details, the ones that belong in the story, not the other 10,000 that don’t.

The idea is the invisible force that lives in quotes, in detail, in language and image, the things that make a story soar.

The other thing I've learned is that most writers want desperately to create a thing of beauty, to write their stories onto A1. When they warm up to the idea of the idea, a whole new realm of storytelling opens before them. The writers themselves change. They have a chance to touch the sky.

113 Comments

Oakley Sunglasses | July 15, 2011 | 12:30 AM

You coud buy Studio Headphones and Birkenstock Shoes as a birthday gife, we have Birkenstock Outlet and Best Headphones for sale.

Monster Beats LeBron James | July 15, 2011 | 08:19 PM

Instead, the Americans are facing yet another bumpy road, just as they did in qualifying He’s third on the managers’ list of all-time ejections with 97, trailing Vibram Five Fingers Treksport only Bobby Cox (131) and John McGraw (117) It also ended a run of eight shutouts, dating back to March 2010 But closer Chris Perez came on GHD Green Envy Styler and ended the rally, striking out Brett Gardner for the final out as Jeter stood near home plate, resting his bat on his shoulderFor those who care Nike Free 3.0 Mens about the game, though, it will be distasteful “A city from the United States would have good chances However, Jeter left Cleveland eager to celebrate a moment Vibram FiveFingers Sprint that at times only seemed to get farther away He cites late June and very early in July as normally a dead time in pro football, anyway Vibram Five Fingers Kso “We have cities that could host the games in two years if necessary “He got the most out of his people, he demanded the most out of Nike Free Run II Womens his people and he got it He said he would like to reach the 3,000 plateau at home, and he’ll have four games to get there before Vibram Five Fingers Bikila Womens the All-Star break

Gucci handbags | July 17, 2011 | 08:56 PM

Gucci outlet online store,welcome to buy cheap Gucci handbags and Gucci shoes on our online shop. discount price is our special offer, durability and high quality is our promise.
Gucci Shoulder Bags
gucci purses for cheap
gucci men bags replica
Gucci Women bags for cheap

Gucci handbags | July 17, 2011 | 08:56 PM

Welcome to My Gucci outlet Store Online! Our shop provides quality Gucci handbags,wallets, purses,Gucci shoes on sale prices and big discount.

Gucci Shoulder Bags
gucci purses for cheap
gucci men bags replica
Gucci Women bags for cheap

mulberry bags | July 17, 2011 | 09:36 PM

Yesterday, the reporter visited the exhibition Leonardo da Vinci Furniture Beijing mulberry bags Friendship Store. The store is still open for business, few customers into the store Purchasing Guide to provide one on one service, but obviously very alert, not much to speak. Kabu Li Ti double jimmy choo shoes exposure of the three in the store, the label also says Made in Italy, Ruiwa and other European antique furniture brand on the label also indicate origin is Italy. url=http://www.mulberryhandbags.uk.com/]mulberry handbags[/url] consumers knew nothing about alleged fraud regarding the Da Vinci furniture. After a couple said he was very surprised to hear, and feel very confused. On the one hand they have been very cheap air jordans reliable for Da Vinci, on the one hand the authority of the CCTV and other media are also recognized, they said they would wait for the findings. Hall reporter called asking whether cheap air jordan 11 the return of the furniture has been purchased, the staff on the phone said unclear, the company responsible is not in the store, if the purchase of a product to consumers, has a corresponding jimmy choo sandal salesman, specifically Ask about the issues with them. In response, Beijing Friendship Store did not want to respond. In fact, last year, the Friendship Store reinstall transformation,mulberry alexa come up with nearly half of the area of operations air jordan women and focus on the introduction of ‘Da Vinci’ home as the main shop, the contract until 2014. The reporter Liao Ailing Zhang Jia Bamboo - Lawyers say if the alleged major criminal enterprises listed hard, Da Vinci Co., Ltd. announced early last year, initial public offering of shares mulberry bayswater to be listed to the China Securities Regulatory Commission Shanghai Bureau for counseling for the record registration, has entered the market counseling period. In this regard, the Bank of Beijing lawyer Dong Zhengwei mulberry bayswater handbags said law firm, on suspicion of fraud, Leonardo da Vinci may face market hopeless. Because, according to the provisions of the company public offering, the last three years financial and accounting documents must be no false record, no other major violations. Once the test to confirm Leonardo da Vinci products cheap air jordan 2011 have quality problems, or are found false propaganda, these are major violations are generally not listed.zlm0718

dgfdh | July 18, 2011 | 03:20 AM

Sometimes looking for the best modest wedding dresses. in a more contemporary style and design can be a daunting task. With the right attitude and perseverance, brides can find the perfect dress,such as red wedding dresses,short dress for her wedding day.

online marketing services | July 18, 2011 | 06:27 AM

Does freeze branding leave a different mark to hot branding?
Our TB has neat brand markings which are fairly innocuous. I have seen many SBs with strange almost white brandings on their neck? Is this due to branding types?online marketing services

oakley Sunglasses Cheap | July 19, 2011 | 02:44 AM

http://www.oakleysunglassescheap.co.uk

gucci bags | July 20, 2011 | 01:28 AM

Juicy Couture
Juicy couture outlet
Juicy Couture handbags
Juicy Couture swimwear
Juicy Couture outlet
Juicy Couture tracksuits
juicy couture handbag
juicy couture laptop case
juicy couture tracksuits
juicy couture kids
juicy couture dog carrier
juicy wallets
juicy couture wallets
juicy couture dog carrier bags
juicy couture kids sale
juicy couture shoes
juicy couture wallets
news about Juicy Couture Handbags
juicy dog carrier
juicy couture
juicy couture july
juicy couture dog
kids couture
light pink and green
light pink bikini
my luxary juicy couture

Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton wallet
Louis Vuitton handbags
Louis Vuitton online
Louis Vuitton outlet online
louis vuitton handbag
louis vuitton m51130
louis vuitton taiga lozan
lv m93166
lv acoma briefcase
leather bags
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton mini pochette accessoires replica
louis vuitton monogram idylle fantaisie m40408
louis vuitton n60826
louis vuitton possession carre
prada tessuto saffian nero
lv mens brazza wallet
louis vuitton sabbia rose

Gucci
Gucci Wallet
Gucci Handbags
Gucci outlet
Gucci outlet online
Gucci sale
cheap gucci handbags
gucci 257032
gucci bag
gucci bags
247183 ftaqt 9643
257026 fwhdg9662
257061 ffkpg 8420
bamboo bar medium hobo
gucci handbags news
gucci mayfair medium hobo
gucci totes
gucci wallet white 257019
gucci 257003
sunset gucci handbag
gucci model 203550
gucci new wallet 2569
gucci hobo bags news
gucci joy boston bag rome
cgeap gucci earrings
cheap gucci bags
gucci 257047
gucci 257053
gucci 189833

Christian Louboutin Cheap Christian Louboutin Shoes discount Christian Louboutin Boots Christian Louboutin Christian Louboutin Shoes Discount Christian Louboutin Shoes Christian Louboutin Sale Discount Louboutin Shoe Louboutin Sale Discount Louboutin Christian Louboutin Pumps Christian Louboutin Pointed Toe Pumps Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Pumps Christian Louboutin Mary Jane Pumps Christian Louboutin Slingbacks Christian Louboutin Evening Christian Louboutin Sandals Christian Louboutin Wedges Christian Louboutin Flats Christian Louboutin Sandal Booties Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots Christian Louboutin Boots Christian Louboutin Thigh High Boots Christian Louboutin Sneakers Christian Louboutin Men Shoes Cheap Louboutin Shoes Christian Louboutin Outlets Discount Christian Louboutin Christian Louboutin Sale Christian Louboutin Shoes Christian Louboutin New Arrivals Christian Louboutin Shoes Christian Louboutin Boots Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots Christian Louboutin Pumps Christian Louboutin Rolando Pumps Christian Louboutin Mary Jane Pumps Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Pumps Christian Louboutin Platform Pumps Christian Louboutin Evening Christian Louboutin Wedges Christian Louboutin Flats Christian Louboutin Sneakers Christian Louboutin Sandals Christian Louboutin Slingbacks

gucci bags | July 20, 2011 | 01:29 AM

debt management | July 22, 2011 | 06:56 AM

Debt settlement companies are really controversial. I would go into credit counseling, or at least contact National Foundation for credit counseling nfcc.org debt settlement very controversial will tell you to stop paying your debts, and all your accounts will go bad, they generally want you to put all of your accounts in their program. debt management

replica swiss watches | July 24, 2011 | 09:52 PM

No wonder at this site you will get the most trustful replica swiss watches and best price.You may like glashutte panomaticlunar replica,hot replica swiss,tourbograph “pour le merite” swiss relica.Our goal is to earn the trust and satisfaction of the overseas customers by highest quality of replica swiss watches.

adidas tennis shoes women | July 25, 2011 | 02:01 AM

rado classic watches dreamy <a href=http://newstyleadidas.com>adidas tennis shoes women</a> fake rolex watches brain <a href=http://pick-mbtshoes.com>mbt chapa shoes</a> fake tag heuer watches graham swordfish watch <a href=http://onlinebootstores.com>Womens Boots sale</a> movado watches transferred <a href=http://saleadidas.com>Adidas Originals shoes</a> replica breitling watches punctuality <a href=http://cosyshoe.com>Nike dunk high womens</a>watches cartier <a href=http://cosyshoe.com>Nike dunk high womens</a> fake
omega watches.

adidas tennis shoes women | July 25, 2011 | 02:02 AM

<a href=http://newstyleadidas.com>adidas tennis shoes women</a>
<a href=http://pick-mbtshoes.com>mbt chapa shoes</a>
<a href=http://onlinebootstores.com>Womens Boots sale</a>
<a href=http://saleadidas.com>Adidas Originals shoes</a>
<a href=http://cosyshoe.com>Nike dunk high womens</a>

adidas tennis shoes women | July 25, 2011 | 02:02 AM

adidas tennis shoes women
mbt chapa shoes
Womens Boots sale
Adidas Originals shoes
Nike dunk high womens

adidas tennis shoes women | July 25, 2011 | 02:03 AM

I’m afraid to we are all going to get a big media dose about Blair Holt’s tragedy, on cue as soon as the stimulus passes.

chunshang shoes | July 25, 2011 | 02:16 AM

　The swimsuit posed on the T stage [url="http://bestsbikini.com"

]bikini bottoms[/url] for the first

time in 1946 at a time when the United States did an atomic

bomb Nike Air Max 2011

experiment on the Bikini Island. From then on this type of

female mini-swimsuit divided into two portions that had

the same blast force with [url="http://shoemarket.us"

]Sale Supra Skytop Shoes[/url] atomic

bomb won another name: Bikini.
A reporter interviewed the mayor of Paris at that time,

the mayor commented artfully :” There seems no lack of

cloth in Paris."[url="http://ferragamostore.net" ]Sale

Ferragamo Shoes[/url]

gfdsg | July 27, 2011 | 08:51 PM

M4V Converter for Mac,
M4V to MP4 Mac,
M4V to MOV Mac,
M4V to FLV Mac,
M4V to iPad Mac,
M4V to MP3 Mac,
Convert M4V to PSP Mac,
Convert M4V to AVI Mac

sunglasses for glasses | August 03, 2011 | 10:06 PM

Excellent post. Keep it up!
:Discount Sunglasses-Wholesale Air Jordan-Sunglasses for Glasses-Cheap Air Jordan

iPhone | August 09, 2011 | 02:23 AM

I want to get rid of my go phone but than I heard that you can put the sim card into an unlocked iphone. I want to do this, but I don’t know what website I should order an unlocked iphone.iPhone

billion | August 10, 2011 | 01:02 AM

This offer happy markets given it suggested of which in my ballet shoes because the Ancient greek language financial debt crisis erupted early last year, this pound region has been getting a complete, long-term strategy to the situation, instead of purely loaning A holiday in greece more cash to stop catastrophe in the Nike Shox 2011 near termSarkozy claimed following your smt in which People from france and Philippines makes recommendations afterwards of August on the way to help the governance with the bloc, to help “clarify each of our eyesight of the future in the dollar sector said Niels Via, fundamental expert in NordeaSarkozy stated after the peak Christian Louboutin Black which People from france in addition to Malaysia would make proposals right at the end connected with July in order to improve government in the bloc, to be able to “clarify our eyesight of the future with the dinar regionThe actual peak conform scaled like a typical placement crafted through German born Chancellor Jimmy Choo Sale Angela Merkel and Sarkozy at the end of nights tells you within Berlin in Friday along with ECB President Jean-Claude TrichetWithin an apparent trade-off for Merkel’s determination to be able to embrace completely new forces for your EFSF, Sarkozy agreed of which personal industry bondholders ought to go on a hit along with Discount Nike Shox slipped a France require a levy with finance institutions to help finance your second Greek bailoutThe direction to Thursday’s arrangement is made harder by means of rivalling national interests in addition to home politics agendas, plus the awkward mother nature with the european zone decision-making to help conduct an additional bailout involving Portugal Monster Beats having an additional 109 zillion dollars ($157 million) connected with federal cash, along with a contribution simply by individual field bondholders projected for you to total just as much as 55 billion euros by simply mid-2014Your summit conform took it’s origin from perhaps the most common position crafted through A language like german Monster Beats Chancellor Angela Merkel along with Sarkozy at the end of evening shares with Berlin about Wednesday with ECB Chief executive Jean-Claude TrichetThis ECB relented along with signaled it was ready to enable Greece standard momentarily beneath the approach, though Trichet told correspondents he or she would not need to prejudge whether or not Discount Air Jordan that will come about

Flat Shoes | August 10, 2011 | 04:22 AM

The Birkenstock Outlet are popular among unisex, they all love Birkenstock Sandals and Other Birkenstock Shoes, in our Flat Shoes Online, Cheap Flats also never out of fashion, The Tory Burch Outlet are wise choice, most of them are attracted by the Tory Burch Flats!qq

Gucci Purses | August 10, 2011 | 04:22 AM

Our Gucci Purses win a great popularity among young ladies, there Gucci Hobo and Gucci Wallet never let you feel disappointed in Gucci Tote Bags Online store, especially the Gucci Sale Handbags are with top quality, best choice in Gucci Outlet Online store! The Gucci Sunglasses and Gucci Clutch are also wise choice for you!I think you can come to our Oakley Sunglasses Cheap store to buy the Cheap Oakley Sunglasses!love

aion | August 14, 2011 | 09:27 AM

aion kinah,
http://www.buygamegolds.com

aion kinah,

maplestory mesos,
vindictus gold,
guild wars gold,
dfo gold,
fiesta gold,
lineage 2 adena,
eve isk,
lotro gold,
swg credits,
mabinogi gold,

100

cheap jordans | August 15, 2011 | 02:32 AM

wholesale Men’s polo T-Shirts is a large shape, with a skirt, shorts or jeans, the entire portfolio shows a healthy, cheap men’s polo t-shirts vibrant feeling up. In recent years, the popular T-shirt is a small fit, it replaces the large T-shirts, cheap polo t-shirts and skirts, shorts, tights intimate companions, were singing the main theme of summer clothing. This combination can fully show the beautiful female body, cheap wholesale polo t-shirts especially the T-shirt exposed belly, better show the vitality of youth and health, wholesale polo t-shirts is a popular summer style.

Page 4 of 5 pages « First < 2 3 4 5 >

Welcome to WholeStory.com. A place for learning, prose and ideas.

Hex nuts & Scarlett O'Hara

(The story behind the Whole Story)

113 Comments

Add Your Comment