influenced me as a writer, in a way that he
could not have imagined.
Harriott
wrote of his life as a veterinarian in Darrowby, England, in the mid 1900’s.
Although Harriott wrote about his veterinary work with animals during their
lives and in their final hours, he also warmly described the people and
culture. His appreciation for the country, the richness of the local folk,
foods, traditions and culture, taught me that there is more than one way to
view life. I thought his books were
about vetting animals. To my surprise, they were really about the people.
James' depictions of life in England became my first lesson in writing through
a frame.
A
'frame', or lens is a way of looking at something. It comes from the phrase
'frame of reference.’ Re-framing means 'changing the lens or way of viewing
anything.' As authors we do both. We set up how we want our readers to perceive
our characters, setting, scene, and plot. Later we make changes in order
to 're-frame', or change what readers
think of those same items. For example: In the beginning of our books, do we
make the characters appear friendly or dangerous? Is the setting a safe place
or not? As writers, we often take great pleasure in leading the reader to
develop one understanding of our stories, while planning to alter that
understanding in surprising ways. James Harriott actually told stories about
the people he encountered, through his view (frame of reference) as a traveling
veterinarian.
My
3 picture books http://www.susiecarononamazon.com lead readers to ‘view’ my
character, Twee’ in specific ways. Many readers told me they didn't like little
Twee' at the beginning of her first book. She appeared very self-centered and
selfish, as she complained about her environment. It was fun to lead adults and
children alike to see how a selfish little being can begin to ‘see things’
differently. When Twee’ discovered that
a storm knocked down a neighboring tree, she wanted to figure out why she was
still standing. Twee’ discovered that the rock she complained about most,
actually anchored her in the storm. With this understanding, Twee’ developed a
new ‘frame.’ She named her rock, ‘Rock’ and determined to take care of him.
As
I led Twee’ to change, I also led her readers. By the end of the first story
readers began to love Twee’ because their perception (frame, lens) of her also
changed. As she developed compassion for one who had saved her, her readers
also grew warm feelings toward Twee’.
Their ‘frame’ had changed and they didn’t see her as selfish any more.
Writing
fiction, whether in picture books or young adult or adult novels, begins with a
frame. Ask yourself, “How do I perceive my characters, setting, plot and other
elements? What do I want my readers to
think about early in the book?” As the story develops, ask yourself, “How do I
want to change my readers’ perceptions? How do I want them to view the
characters when I bring the issues to the climax?”
Ultimately,
you want to become more aware of your frame and how it also impacts and
influences the reader. This helps you to build a good beginning and insert
elements throughout the story that can lead your readers to change their own
thinking, not just about your
characters, but also and perhaps more importantly, about themselves.
What
other elements do you think of as important in writing fiction? I’d love to
hear from you.
Susie E Caron is a Mommy Coach, Blogger, Psychologist-Master, and Author of 3 picture books from her 'Between You and Me' series. Susie created these books following years of experience working with children and families. In Twee', I Am Twee' and Twee' for Two, Susie illustrates childhood feelings and experiences through the eyes of childlike pine tree, called Twee'. When read aloud, Twee' stories help kids to talk about their own experiences and feelings. Susie also writes blog-articles to help Mommies understand, enjoy their children, gain their cooperation and have more fun. In all her work she is committed to help you to repair and rebuild your parent-child relationship for benefits that last a lifetime. Her unique gifts include her authentic presence, an ability to connect at the deepest levels of need and want, and wisdom to share. Find out more at http://wwwSusieCaron.com.
