WALSH WEDNESDAYS, POST #4

SO sorry for the major DELAY in posting Walsh Wednesday. This is still WW, Walsh Weekend? Does that work? Happy Walsh Weekend!

Today's topic: Enjoying the ordinary while experiencing the extraordinary.

Storytelling is one of the oldest and simplest art forms. I believe that all great authors are great storytellers. At the heart of every good book is an even better story. What makes a story compelling?

I think there are two things to think about. 1) What is the story actually about?

Are we drawn to the story because it is something relatable to our own lives? If you're a new mom, bride, single, etc. Is the main character going through something you recently went or are going through? Or is it a story that involves a fantasy type of element? Something so far remote and exciting that it distracts you from the everyday. Or do you want to read about characters in a familiar situation?

For Becoming Mrs. Walsh, I love that it is extraordinary people with ordinary problems. I want both. I want relatable issues but a backdrop that is outrageously unfamiliar and where the people are as glamorous and interesting as the Walshes. 

And now for point 2) How you tell the story.

This brings me back to storytelling. To be a successful author you have to tell a great story and tell it well. The 'well' is the most important part. You could have a super interesting story but if you tell it in a boring way it will not translate. That's why I truly believe the best authors are the best storytellers because they can craft something in a way that really resonates. They build the excitement accordingly and drop in the plot points at the perfect moment. They allow you to 'be on the edge of your seat' and know how to set the pace of the story while highlighting the important parts but easing you through the background layers. 

Think about your friends or family, is there one person who is particularly funny or exciting or both? They are the people who start off a coffee date by saying, "Do I have a story for you?" Or "You will not believe this." And then they continue to hold your attention. Natural storytellers, you know them when you hear them.

The best part about storytelling is that you could be anywhere at any time and be entertained by the simple elegance of a fantastic story told well. Think about that this weekend. Anyone you are seeing that is particularly entertaining? Do you have an exciting story to share? Sometimes the ordinary cadence of life takes over and nothing particularly extraordinary happens but that's why we rely on good books, with stories told well.

Happy weekend, all! 
Jessica

Walsh Wednesday, post #3