Every Story Needs GMC

Whether you’re writing a full-length novel or short fiction, there is something you must have within the piece. It’s called the GMC or Goal, Motivation, and Conflict. These three things are typically developed through your characters.

For example, let’s say you have a story about a woman trying to locate her father after years of estrangement. We’ll call her Sheila. Sheila’s goal is to find her father. Depending on the length of the story, Sheila may have other goals as well that will play out through the story. Maybe she’s always wanted to learn sign language.

Now we can take a quick look at Sheila’s motivations. Why is she trying to find her father at this particular time in her life? Well, let’s give her a reason, her motivation. Maybe Sheila’s young son has been diagnosed with a rare disease and needs a blood donor. Doctors have tested all of Sheila’s relatives, and no one is a match. Desperate to save her son’s life, she is willing to reach out to her father. However, it’s not such an easy thing to do.

This brings us to conflict. Sheila hasn’t spoken to her father for more than a decade, and she has no idea where he’s living now. And the last time they did speak, the conversation ended in a heated argument. As a writer, you can pile more conflict on to keep the reader engaged in the story. The argument between Sheila and her father stems back to when she was a teenager. Sheila believes her father was involved in an extra-marital affair, and that’s the reason her mother committed suicide. Sheila’s father denies ever being unfaithful to his wife.

Sheila’s conflict is internal as well. She’s angry with her father because she views him as a liar and the reason her mother is dead. She’s angry with her mother for killing herself because she might have been a donor for Sheila’s dying son.

Before we close, let’s take a look at Sheila’s other goal. She’s always wanted to learn sign language. As a single mother of three, it’s been years since she’s been able to do something for herself (motivation). A few weeks after her son is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, she learns that she won the raffle prize for free sign language lessons. But as the ever dutiful mother, Sheila feels guilty about taking the course when her son is so ill. Once she comes to terms with her guilt and decides to take the class, more conflict arises for her when she learns the teacher of the course is a man she’s had a crush on for a very long time.

Once again, I hope something I’ve written has been helpful. Find more about goal, motivation, and conflict in books on writing and online articles, too.

Until next time…write well,

Mata

Tips for Aspiring Writers/Authors

I started this blog on the foundation of practical writing tips for fiction writers. And since I love fiction and writing, this is how the blog will continue—with us taking a look at the basics. It is my hope you will continue to gather helpful tidbits.

One of the questions I’m confronted with most often from aspiring authors is, “Where do I begin?” Below are six points that have helped me with my journey (but remember I’m still learning too).

1.     Familiarize yourself with your genre.

This means if you’re writing suspense, read what’s popular in suspense. If you’d like to write a children’s book, go to the library and read a bunch.

2.     Study the craft.

When writing fiction, it’s important to know some of the basics about point-of-view, characterization, setting, plot, pacing, etc. A great website for learning about these areas is www.fictionfactor.com. There are many other sites and books available too. Also, consider attending a conference or taking a class. Some of the most helpful information I gained was from a free class at my neighborhood library.

3.     Become knowledgeable about the writing/editing/publishing industry.

The Internet has loads of articles on these areas. Check out some of the free online magazines for writers. Visit the website of an agent or publisher. They often list what they are looking for and their guidelines for submission.

4.     Write the story of your heart.

Don’t attempt to be just like another writer, but be yourself. Yes, as writers we can learn from each other but each writer’s voice is unique. Your writing voice, your writing style will enfold as your story progresses. Embrace your individuality.

5.     Stay connected with other writers.

Ask any serious writer: writers need writers. Another writer understands things about writing and the writing process that perhaps close friends or even family may not. So join a writer’s group—in person or online. I suggest again, take a class and meet other writers in your community.

6.     Stay prayerful.

Do not dismiss the power of prayer. Ask God for guidance and strength and to give you the words to write, the story to tell.

Until next time…Happy New Year and Happy Writing!