Rule № 1 of Fiction Writing

Photo: Cristian Newman

This article can also be found on Medium.

Today, I am discussing Kurt Vonnegut’s first rule of writing fiction/short story. There are eight of them. I will be discussing the remaining seven in future articles.

1. Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted.

Who is a total stranger? And why would an unknown person want to read, watch, or listen to anything you have to say?

That is the fascinating thing about human beings, we congregate in groups. You call them clubs, associations, tribes, communities, or even, societies. We are all looking to share common interests. There are all kinds of things that entice us. Some of us enjoy reading, others relish sports, and some of us love building model trains. The variety of interests are limitless. If someone can think it up, there will be a group of enthusiasts to follow. Then, there are the links that bind us, such as race, language, creed, and the such.

There are groups of people are all around us. Which do you belong to? You might mingle in a multitude of clusters. Most of us actually belong to a variety of networks. We tend to separate our lives into categories such as work, hobbies, and friendships. There are also the activities of our loved ones, which also engulf us into other tribes.

So, what does all this have to do with the first rule of fiction writing?

Actually, it represents everything. If you have an idea for a poem, an article, or a book, you have to know who you are writing it for. When I was an advertising copywriter, I used to play a little game with myself to write the first word. I would think of several friends and colleagues that might show interest in my story. Yes, at that time I was peddling goods and services. Nonetheless, it was important to have reference individuals to focus on. The ultimate goal was to choose one.

Their names would get written on a small piece of paper, folded in two, and put into a glass mason jar. I had many of these jars in my office — I filled them with all kinds of knick knacks. Some contained marbles. Others harbored colorful stones. A few protected small toys, such as little-green army men. And then, there was the empty-magic jar with the sole purpose of finding me an audience. The total stranger, that was never a stranger would go into this jar. He or she was obscure at that moment, but would soon appear.

Let’s face it, whenever we want to tell a story, we envision someone in particular. I have often wondered why most people cancel this image out of their thoughts. And instead, search for an unidentifiable person. Mind you, I did not have this problem. I would shake the jar around, drink a cup of coffee, and draw a single piece of paper. The discovery always excited me. When I unfolded the parchment and read the name, all kinds of emotions would surface. Sometimes they were pleasant and other times murky. But what was important was that I had started the process.

Once I had my name, I would delve deeper into my sentiments and ponder if I had a clear understanding of this person. Was it my biased perception or a true representation of this individual? It was a curious moment indeed. I would email the person and say hello. While waiting for a response, I would continue my investigation. Remember, I had scribbled his/her name into the glass container for a reason. I had followed my gut instinct, as it had served me well many times before. My story was in motion and I was getting some clarity.

I would also use these initial feelings as markers to attach parts of the story to. These indicators were very important in constructing my story. They made me ask deeper questions. Why had I chosen this individual? Why would he/she want to read my story? What did I know about him? These questions and others would soon find answers. Next, I would send out emails to friends that were close to this particular person. The inquiry had begun and I was definitely in sleuth mode.

This was a process that worked for me. As I am reminded of this, I will start using it again. I am sure you will develop a method that suits you.

Let’s give this person/stranger a name, Tom. And, what is your story about? Let’s say your story is about self improvement. In the jar you put five names. They had given you past indications of interest in this subject. For example, Tom had mentioned that he was reading a Tony Robbins’ book. He had quoted the author on several occasions. So, you know he is a good candidate for the material you are writing. The other four candidates had also given similar clues. They might not be Tony Robbins fans, but they had given other telltale signs.

There you have it, you are writing a self improvement story curtailed for Tom. You know he has interest in the subject. How do you begin to speak to him? And, how do you persuade him to keep reading the paragraphs, and turning the pages? The purpose of course is to make him read the complete story in one sitting. And, to inspire him to share it with friends and colleagues. That would be, as they say it in soccer, a “GOOOAAAL!”

By now, Tom has emailed you back and so have your friends. It is amazing how connected people are these days. They are always checking their emails, texts, etc. Respond to Tom’s email. Go through the expected greeting ritual, but keep it short. You have an assignment with a deadline to complete. Ask the initial question. “Tom, are you still reading Tony Robbins?” His response is vital. If he answers ‘yes’, you are on the right track. This will of course puzzle Tom and he will ask questions. In response, you ask him a second question, “do you read any other material of the sort.” If he responds ‘yes’, before he has time to think, ask him to read an outline of the story you are writing. Make him feel important, because he is. Let him critique it. Aren’t you writing this story for him anyway?

Remember, you are conducting research. You are making sure that your story will speak to Tom with the proper tone and context. Always thank Tom for his participation, it is good karma. Get him the story outline ASAP. Always be respectful of his time. This is a major part of Kurt Vonnegut’s #1 rule. This person should find value in your story and with his help, he will. He is the source and the audience in one.

Now, respond to your friend’s emails. Ask them to assist you as well. Here is an opportunity to get more insight on Tom. Ask them direct questions about Tom’s take on self improvement. Some might have information and others might not, but not to worry, this is good exercise for you. Ask them what they think of Tom in general and why. Don’t torture them, but get answers. All this data will help you analyze the responses that come back from Tom on your story outline. These trivial pieces of the puzzle will fall into place to write a solid story. A story that will capture your audience and not waste their valuable time.

The ‘why’ answers of Tom’s character are key to making sure your selected audience will read your story. And, if they find value, they will share it. Remember, it’s not about the number of people that read your words, but the select few that will recommend it. If they have influence, the value of your content will multiply through social media. The internet can elevate your writing to unheard reaches of distribution. You can only do this if you stay true to your story and to its recipient — Tom.

As Chris Anderson mentions in The Long Tail, there are niche markets that should be your main focus. To compete in the mass market you will have to water down your content and lose your story in the process. Tom values self improvement, and so do millions of others. When you write to him about this particular issue, you are writing to all the Toms of the world. They might seem insignificant in number at first. But, if your story rings true and carries knowledge and purpose it will spread. It might take some time. Your solid bit of prose needs to entertain and motivate, so that it’s not discarded.

The world of storytelling is not a popularity contest, it’s about true substance. Have the patience to research your audience before you even start writing. As Seth Godin states in his book, Purple Cow:

Find the market niche first and then make the remarkable product. Not the other way around.

At this point, you have your audience and you have conducted your initial research — now the fun begins. Tom has reviewed your outline and given you his notes. Check his comments and ask him for more insight on each. Also, research specific points of interest. Remember, Google is your fact finding assistant — so use it.

Your friends have also given you insight into the psyche of Tom. Do their perceptions of Tom match his persona — does yours? Knowing the true nature of your audience and their desires will help you write a solid story.

You must be able to see through their eyes to crave their yearnings and thus, write for them. You are being empathetic to your audience’s perspective. With all this information, you can write with a sense of confidence and authority.

As you develop your narrative, you must continue to research. Your words must carry weight and a sense of truth. Once again, Google is there to help. Knowing how to use the algorithm of the search engine is quite simple. Type in exactly what you want to know and look at the list of links that appear. Find the articles that are most accurate to your query and learn, absorb, and understand. Use this knowledge to continue your story. Be appreciative of the reader’s time. Experience the world as he or she does. Become attuned with your public and their surroundings. Daniel Pink states in his book, To Sell is Human:

Perspective-taking is at the heart of your ability to move others.

It all comes down to salesmanship. You found an audience, because you sought them out. You interacted with them and listened. You wrote a great story that is in tune with them. Now, you have to reach out to them again and let them know where to find your words. This interaction is key in today’s world. If you are not in constant communication with your fans, they will soon forget you and your message.

Take a lead from Pearl Jam. They are a successful story in the art of storytelling. They are musicians, storytellers, and leaders to a community of fans. They understand their audience and give them exactly what they want — great music.

When you write, create an influential fan and watch your single seed sprout into a crop that feeds many.

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