THE PENCIL'S PHILOSOPHY - THURSDAYS
Welcome to The Pencil's Philosophy, my Thursday focus on writing as transformation. Here you'll explore how writing connects to deeper understanding, how questioning leads to growth, and how stories transform both writer and reader. Whether you're seeking truth or finding your voice, these posts guide your journey of discovery.
The Power of Asking Why
Every compelling story begins with a question. As someone who spent sixty years accepting answers, I’ve discovered that asking “why” transforms not just our writing, but our understanding.
Questions That Transform Stories
Character Motivation
Don’t just accept what your characters do—ask why:
- Why does she stay in that relationship?
- Why does he risk everything for this goal?
- Why does this matter so deeply?
Each “why” leads to deeper character truth.
Character Motivation Example:
Initial Character: Sarah returns to her hometown.
First Why: Why now?
– Because her mother is ill.
Second Why: Why does this matter?
– Because they haven’t spoken in ten years.
Third Why: Why the silence?
– Because Sarah chose career over family expectations.
Fourth Why: Why was that choice so devastating?
– Because it exposed the family’s generational pattern of sacrificing dreams.
Result: A story not just about coming home, but about breaking cycles.
Plot Development
Question every turn:
- Why does this happen now?
- Why does the character choose this path?
- Why are the stakes so high?
The answers often reveal surprising story directions.
Plot Development Example:
Simple Plot: Tom finds a mysterious letter.
First Why: Why does he open it?
– Because it’s addressed to his late wife.
Second Why: Why does this matter now?
– Because he’s about to sell their house.
Third Why: Why is selling significant?
– Because the letter reveals she never wanted to live there.
Fourth Why: Why did she stay?
– Because Tom’s entire identity was wrapped in this house.
Result: A story about identity, compromise, and hidden truths.
Theme Exploration Example:
Basic Theme: Forgiveness
First Why: Why can’t Mary forgive her sister?
– Because the betrayal changed her life path.
Second Why: Why did this change matter so much?
– Because she lost her chance at her dream career.
Third Why: Why was this dream so important?
– Because it was her escape from family patterns.
Fourth Why: Why does she need escape?
– Because she’s becoming what she feared most—her mother.
Result: A story about breaking free while learning to forgive yourself.
Story Truth
Dig deeper:
- Why do readers need this story?
- Why does this theme resonate?
- Why are you the one to tell it?
From Questions to Story
Example: Weak Scene: John leaves his job.
- Why? Because he’s unhappy.
- Why unhappy? Because it’s not fulfilling.
- Why not fulfilling? Because he’s living someone else’s dream.
- Why someone else’s dream? Because he never questioned his father’s expectations.
Strong Scene: John packs his desk, each item a weight lifting as he finally chooses his own path, his father’s disappointment a price worth paying for truth.
Today’s Exercise
Take your current scene and ask:
- Why does this matter to your character?
- Why now?
- Why this choice?
- Why these consequences?
Let each answer lead to another question.
Remember: Story depth comes not from having all the answers, but from asking better questions.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
Need help developing your story’s deeper questions? Schedule a consultation to explore your novel’s potential.
Note: If this is your first appointment, you do not have to pay. I offer a FREE—initial consultation.
The Pencil Driven Life 