Shutterstock / IgorZh©For this week’s story starter, I have chosen the topic of different weather conditions. I like the enclosed image as it encapsulates a range of moods.
Thunder and lightning is far removed from sunshine and a gentle breeze. However, both weather conditions can help with story writing.
You automatically think of tempestuous emotions with thunderous skies, but maybe such conditions signify a clearing of the air between characters and the sign of a new dawn.
When it comes to fiction, you don’t have to portray the most obvious choices.
Storm ahead
An interesting fact about lightning is in relation to how far the storm is from you. This is achieved by counting the number of seconds between the lightning and following thunder. Thereafter, this number is divided by five, equating to how far a storm is from your location.
How can you work this fact into a story? What strikes me (apologies for the pun) is the association between nature and science. Maybe a character is fixated with mathematical equations and lives her or his life by probable circumstances. For example, a character won’t leave the house without an umbrella.
What happens when that umbrella is forgotten, or a stranger picks it up by mistake? Go and buy another umbrella, I hear you say. Maybe the umbrella is a treasured item, though, handed down from generation to generation.
Like ever-changing weather conditions, adding different dynamics to your fiction can put a spin on simple, everyday occurrences.
Sunny days
What about sunshine? Everyone loves a sunny day. Think picnics on beaches and in parks. This naturally conjures up relaxation and possibly romance.
What if (a good way to start any story scenario) the sun doesn’t stop shining – the weather is unbearably hot and humid and this has an impact on a character’s life?
In life, is there such a notion as too much of a good thing?
Figuratively speaking, whether it’s facing impending sunshine or rain, turning a character’s life on its head can make for good reading.
Alan Spink I am a member of the “Friend” Fiction Team. I enjoy working closely with writers and being part of the creative process, which sees storytelling ideas come to fruition. A keen reader, I also write fiction and enjoy watching football and movies in my spare time. My one tip to new writers is “write from your imagination”.
