To Drama, or not to Drama?
I just finished reading the book, The Giver, by Lois Lowry. I don’t usually read YA books, but this story caught my attention when I recently saw the movie trailer.
It’s an interesting story about a boy who lives in a community where “sameness” is a way of life. There is no color, no inequity, no wars, no differences, and no feelings or memories. Life is the same, each and every day until the boy is assigned a job as a receiver and holder of memories past. As the story unfolds, he begins to question life in his community, desiring and appreciating the memories and feelings he’s receiving. Love being the most important of all.
I truly enjoyed the story. It’s not action-packed, or gruesome, but rather introspective. As Lowry said, “quiet.” There is tension, but it’s internal, and there is no accelerated drama.
It got me thinking about writing as a whole. There are those that claim each story needs to have a story or narrative arc, climax, anti-climax, plot, structure, subplots, and on and on, it goes.
Life can definitely mimic books. Imagination is a powerful tool. When tapped into, fruitful stories abound. Ever wonder what life would be like without imagination or memory for that matter. It would be boring, without drama.
Life should dramatic. As country artist, Keith Urban sings, “I just want a little bit of everything….”
I guess when it comes to books, readers just want that too. Something to get lost in. And that, should be enough for a writer to write.
Until next time…
Be well. Be safe. Be happy.
