6 Reasons Why ‘What If?’ Is The Most Important Question You Can Ask as a Writer
How does that question affect your plot and characters?
I love to ask “What if” when thinking of a story or novel. What if? This and What if? That.
This is a question that can take you to many places, depending on your genre? It is not just for SciFi and fantasy.
What if my relatives I found in Warsaw had left? What if the others had stayed? What if I chose a different major in school? What if my protagonist killed his neighbor?
It goes on and on. So what are the benefits of asking “What if?”.
‘What If?’ — is a question to trigger fiction. What if?’ is a framework for the ideas spilling from your overactive brain. It can go in so many different directions you might get stymied.
I’m using this same question in my new book. What if allows me much more latitude with my characters and I can consider alternative plots. It can also solve a problem.
Whatever gets you going, you will realize ‘What if?’ is the most important question you can ask of yourself as a writer.
6 Reasons Why ‘What If?’ Is The Most Important Question You Can Ask as a Writer
1) Generate Multiple Ideas
When you have multiple of ideas, it is clear to spot the good ones and weed out those that may not work for the story or novel. Of course, it is always more effective to have more than one to choose from.
2 ) You Will Sidestep The Clichés
Our ideas may not always be the best or original. Often the idea is a \ a simple “bastardisation” of something you saw streaming on Thursday, or read in a novel last month. You don’t want to be that lazy writer reaching for the low-hanging fruit and using clichés instead of original writing.
3) Form Good Writing Habits
The more write, the stronger your creative skills will work for you. Original ideas you create will be fresh and exciting. As you continue to write, you’ll find it easier to generate good ideas in a short space of time. This is how you create good writing habits.
4) How to Stimulate Creativity
When you begin a ‘What if?’ journey, you can’t help but stimulate your muse. The right brain, creativity, become engaged and imagination takes over. You will start to see new possibilities.
5) You Get It All Down at Once
Rather than stumble along, sit down and brainstorm and just write.. The beauty of this practice is you let your creativity fly.
6) You Will Come up With New Ideas and Scenes
Use this opportunity to brainstorm. Set a timer. See what you can come up with in 5 to 20 minutes. Don’t worry if most of the ideas are nonsense or obscure. Just write
The Key To Success
In order for ‘What if?’ ideas to work, you have to do your brainstorming. You will find an idea to explore and go with it.
