Even if we don’t want to admit it, we read stories to learn about the world by living through another person’s experience of change (don’t believe me? Read Lisa Cron’s Wired for Story). A story that sticks with us is ones with a strong point — a specific message about how the world works.

Is it important for your story to make a point? Yes, we think so. Is it necessary? No, nothing is required. Do all great and beloved books have points? Yes, absolutely.

We cling to Harry Potter because of its message that there are things worse than death, that love is worth fighting for. Pride and Prejudice has survived generations because it teaches that love can overcome the obstacles of class. Recently, R.F Kuang’s The Poppy War stole hearts with its point that destiny is a myth and we are fully responsible for our decisions, good and bad.

Many writers explore their story’s point through discovery writing or pantsing. These writers often learn what they’re trying to say when they reach the end of their first draft. This is a totally valid approach, but knowing your point from the get go can help you focus your story and save you a lot of time revising.

How does knowing my point help me draft my story?

First and foremost, your main character’s inner journey should make your point. The major choices they make should confront the point directly, ultimately leading to a major climax moment when they themselves have to accept it (We’ll expand more on this in another blog post this month).

You can also use subplots to make or challenge your point. World building and magic systems can serve as metaphors for your message. When you deeply understand your point you can (and should) weave it in almost everywhere.

A Case Study: Conflicting Points

I once had a client who hadn’t given much thought to the point of her story, even though she’d been working on it for many years. We talked through why she was writing her story and in doing so she realized something game-changing: While working on her story over a period of years, the point of her story had shifted.

This writer had started out writing a story about power dynamics: what happens when people with exorbitant amounts of power are tempted by corruption? Over time, however, the story had turned into an exploration of emotions — how the ability to interrogate one’s emotions, and empathize with those of others, is what makes a good leader.

Two totally different ideas, but she’d been trying to tell them both at the same time. Recognizing this obstacle freed her from years of frustration. She is now committed to her new point and is deepening her main character’s arc by forcing her to make choices that bring her face to face with a fear of strong emotions. She has built a magic system that responds dangerously to emotions, in order to further test her main character.

Ask yourself these questions to develop your point:

Why this book? Before you nail your point, spend some time thinking about why you want to write this story, why you’re dedicated to the time and energy that writing a book demands. What brings you back to the page, again and again?

What do you want readers to take away? Get specific here, what specific message do you want your reader to take away? How do you want their view of the world to change? Imagine that your book is finished and published — what do you want people to tell their friends about it?

xo, Emily

This story was first published at goldenmayediting.com. We provide book coaching & editing to fiction writers. If you’re interested in our other blog posts or in checking out our services please visit us there!