UNEARTH YOUR PROTAGONIST’S TRUE GOAL.
By Alayne Kay Christian
In my picture book writing course, Art of Arc: How to Analyze Your Picture Book Manuscript, I talk a lot about consequences. What does the protagonist stand to lose if he does not solve his problem or reach his goal? Why is it important to him on a personal level? This is one way to get your readers to connect with the protagonist on an emotional level. That connection makes the reader want to keep reading.
Sometimes, writers have difficulty giving their protagonist a strong goal that will carry the story and engage the reader. I often fall back to my life coaching days when I think about story characters, and I’d like to share how I relate character goals to coaching clients’ goals.
Very often, clients come to a life coach with surface goals. One of the first things I do with new clients is work to get to their deeper goals. The goals that really matter. The goals that will motivate the client and drive her to take action. If after exploring and digging, the client can’t unearth her true desires, I try a different approach. I ask the client what she doesn’t want. It seems that it is much easier for most people to identify and express what we don’t want. And this brings us back to our story writing. When searching for a strong goal, try asking yourself, “What is my main character trying to avoid? What does he NOT want?”
One more little tip along the same lines. A main character’s goal can be something he doesn’t want. And that is what I will leave you to think about today. Now for some exciting news.
AWARD WINNER, A MORNING WITH GRANDPA HAS BEEN RELEASED!
Books that we authors write often feel like our babies. Books that our critique partners write can sometimes feel like nieces and nephews. Today, I would like to welcome my new little niece into the world. The winner of the Lee & Low New Voices Award, A MORNING WITH GRANDPA was written by my friend and critique partner Sylvia Liu. The fabulous illustrations were created by Christina Forshay.
REVIEW
By Alayne Kay Christian
Inquisitive, bubbly Mei Mei watches Grandpa “dance slowly among the flowers in the garden.” He moves “like a giant bird stalking through the marsh.” His arms sway “like reeds.”
“What are you doing, Gong Gong?” Mei Mei asks. And this starts a dance between inquisitive, bubbly Mei Mei and patient, loving Gong Gong. Every page walks the reader through this beautiful, playful relationship. Mei Mei’s creative attempts to follow her grandfather’s tai chi moves bring smiles when I read and explore all there is to see in the illustration. While I keep smiling, the end tugs at my heartstrings as the dance continues with a fun but touching role reversal.
Sylvia Liu and Christina Forshay are perfect dance partners as well. Liu’s wonderful storytelling with lovely lyrical language paired with Forshay’s lively, flowing illustrations create a dance of their own. It’s a winning combination! As a mother, grandmother, author, and picture book writing teacher, I highly recommend this beautiful book.
MORE REVIEWS AND SOME GREAT INTERVIEWS
I considered interviewing Sylvia, but there are already some excellent interviews and other reviews out there, so I thought I would share the links to them.
Lin Gong offers a review and a great interview.
The Reading Nook Reviews gives an extensive review.
Kirkus Reviews offers their praises of A MORNING WITH GRANDPA.
Publisher’s Weekly offers their views here.
Yvonne Mes interviews Sylvia with questions about winning the Lee & Low New Voices Award and much, much more.
Sylvia Liu was inspired to write this story by the playful and loving relationship between her children and their Gong Gong. Before devoting herself to writing and illustrating children’s books, she worked as an environmental lawyer at the U.S. Department of Justice and the nonprofit group, Oceana. She lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with her husband and two daughters. This is Sylvia’s debut picture book. Visit her online at www.enjoyingplanetearth.com.
Christina Forshay is a full-time illustrator known for her colorful images and joyous style. Born and raised in sunny California, she was inspired to become an illustrator by her many visits to Disneyland and by watching hours of cartoons as a child. Today, she still watches cartoons for inspiration for her illustrations! Christina lives with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs in California. Visit her online at www.christinaforshay.com.
Yes, Alayne…you are so right…we often don’t dig deeper. I know in my picture book manuscripts, that is often the problem. Sometimes I fail to correctly identify what is at stake…what will happen if my hero doesn’t overcome the obstacle or solve the dilemma.
And hurray for Sylvia and her lovely new book…thank you for the review…this is one story I definitely need to read.
Thanks for stopping by to read and comment, Vivian.
I know I wrestle with identifying what is really at stake for my character. I will take your strategy of identifying what my character is avoiding into my WIPs. Thanks! I am glad to know of this lovely new book!
Thanks for stopping by to read the post. I’m happy to know that my little tip might help you with your WIPs.
Thank you Alayne for featuring A Morning with Grandpa! And for all your support!
It is my pleasure, Sylvia.
Terrific review of a terrific book! I’m giving a copy to my favorite little ones of Chinese heritage. 🙂
Nice post about the MC’s goals, too!
Thanks, Teresa. A Morning with Grandpa is a beautiful gift for your favorite little ones.
So thrilled to see this book come to fruition, Sylvia. Congrats.
Alayne, you’ve nailed my problem with a chapter book protagonist. I’m going to try your “what does he NOT want?” and see if that helps. I think it will! Congratulations, Sylvia and Christina, on what looks like a beautiful book!
It truly is a beautiful book, Jane. Fingers crossed that the NOT want question helps with your chapter book protagonist issue.
Thank you for your tips for helping attain an emotional arc with our characters, Alayne! And great review for Sylvia’s book!
You’re welcome, Tina. And thank you!
Often the best way to solve a nagging problem is to reverse the question. I have a feeling most writers begin by asking “What does my character most want?” In a chapter book I’m working on, I wasn’t able to answer that question. However, I found I had no problem identifying what my MC didn’t want. Turning a question around can often reveal the solution. Thanks for another great post.
You’re welcome, Leslie. Thanks for stopping by.
Smart writing tip, smart book review. Thanks Alayne!
Thank you, Cathy.
Always learning about picture books. Great review for Sylvia’s book too. Thanks
Thanks for stopping by Rita!
Great post, Alayne. You got me thinking about MC goals and I love the double page spread from Sylvia’s gorgeous book.
I’ve been away dealing with life and did not see your comment, Kaye. I’m glad I got ya thinking about MC goals. Syliva’s book truly is gorgeous.
“…consequences: What does the protagonist stand to lose if he does not solve his problem or reach his goal? Why is it important to him on a personal level? This is one way to get your readers to connect with the protagonist on an emotional level. That connection makes the reader want to keep reading.”
This is one of the problems I am having with one of my WIPs. I’ve come up with several scenerios but none of them seem strong enough of a consequence to cause worry and/or don’t seem believable. It is frustrating, because I know that before I figure that out, this manuscript will be lacking.
Sylvia’s book looks nice and the wording sounds poetic. I can’t wait to get my hands on this one. Congrats to Sylvia.
Linda Hofke
I’m so sorry that I overlooked your comment, Linda. I know it can be frustrating to find that emotional core. The good news is you know what you are looking for, so it will come to you at some point. Most likely in the middle of the night, or in the shower, or while driving, etc.