Defending Your Choices

Using life choices as a writing tool

Have you ever made a choice that wasn’t popular among your peers? Do you hold onto a deep-seated belief that no one can talk you out of believing? Do you carry strong convictions about a thought or theory that many others refute? If so, why not use that to your writing advantage?

Think about some of the choices you’ve made in life. Focus on the ones others found implausible or just plain nuts. This doesn’t have to be about politics or religion, just something you chose to do or say that wasn’t well received. Now, defend your choice.

Focus on the Facts

What are the facts behind your choice? How did you come to make your choice? Is it something you’ve always believed or something that just came to you? Think of as many questions surrounding your choice as possible. Even the more off-the-wall ideas. Those are usually the most fun.

Think about the atmosphere at the time. Was it a crowded room? Were you alone? Did you see or smell anything? What emotions were you feeling at that moment? Dig deep into your soul; allow your readers to feel your words.

Cause and Effect

What caused you to make your choice? Was it due to something you’d said or done, or did someone else bring about the choice? What might have happened had you made a different choice? Try to remember all the little things about what led up to your decision.

How did your choice affect your life afterward? Was it just a moment in time or did it change you? Did your choice affect others around you? How? Let your readers know all the reasons behind your choice. Show it to them from your perspective.

The End Results

Where has your choice led you in life? Is it something in which you still believe or have you found a better option? Do you wish you had made a different decision? What would you tell others facing the same situation? Be as honest as you can without adding too much fluff.

Pick out the best 2 or 3 points to summarize your piece. Give the reader a chance to make a choice for themselves. Why should they accept your choice? What other options are there? What could come of them making the opposite decision? Defend your choice.

Using this technique as a writing tool works for the writer in two ways. 1.) You can come up with several ideas based on your personal choices in life. 2.) It can help get rid of some of the negative energy clogging up the brainwaves. Therapeutic writing in your own voice. Give it a shot. It’s just an idea.

© Christine Graves 2020