#9 Add the ELEMENT of AIR

Add AIR to Your Hero/Heroine’s Wings So They Can Fly

Add A.I.R. to your hero/heroine’s wings so they can fly, and then…

• Allow them to fail over and over.

• Insist they initiate action to fulfill their weakness/need. And then…

• Ruin their efforts to reach their goals once again.

In the realm of creative writing and storytelling, innovative approaches can often lead to the most captivating narratives and well-rounded characters.

I created the ELEMENT as an easy to remember writing technique that harnesses the timeless power of the natural elements—air, fire, water, earth, and metal—reimagined as acronyms for distinct writing templates.

In this post, use the AIR technique, examples, and writing prompts to:

• deepen your characters’ development and emotional arc

• create compelling, dynamic stories that show your character’s motivation and willpower

• craft a SETUP that will have a satisfying PAYOFF, especially when your hero/heroine finally succeeds at their goal

Add AIR to Your Hero/Heroine’s Wings

Let’s begin with a deep breath of AIR…and now exhale! Let’s get writing.

Examples and Writing Prompts:

A: Allow them to fail over and over.

Example:

Joanne, an aspiring musician, auditions for numerous music schools but faces rejection after rejection. Her performance falters under pressure each time, and she questions her talent and dedication.

Writing Prompt:

Create a scene where your protagonist is attempting a crucial task for the third time; each previous attempt has ended in failure. How do they react to the recurring setbacks? What emotions do they experience each time?

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I: Insist they initiate action to fulfill their weakness/need.

Example:

After countless failures, Joanne realizes she needs professional coaching to improve her technique. She decides to seek out a renowned but strict music teacher who pushes her to confront her weaknesses and insecurities to develop her true potential.

Writing Prompt:

Write a scene where your protagonist takes a bold step to address their core weakness. What motivates this decision? How do they feel and what do they do as they take this step, and what initial challenges do they face?

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R: Ruin their efforts to reach their goals once again.

Example:

Just as Joanne begins to excel under her new teacher’s guidance, her teacher becomes her enemy, sabotaging her novel efforts. Her progress is derailed, and she must find the strength to persevere through this new and unexpected obstacle.

Writing Prompt:

Develop a plot twist where, just as your protagonist starts making headway towards their goal, an unexpected event ruins their progress. How do feel and how do they react to this setback? How do they plan to overcome it, if at all?

Why you should use the AIR Techniques

• This approach breaks the mold of standard writing practices and stimulates your imagination, fostering a deeper connection to the essence of your characters and story.

• By integrating THE ELEMENT of AIR, you’ll explore new dimensions of your craft, unlocking a richer, more vibrant creative potential in your characters and story that resonates with authenticity and depth.

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  Have a question about storytelling, structure, genre or character development?

• Hit reply and let me know. I will email you back!

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I look forward to reading your stories and connecting in 2024!

Best wishes,

Kelly E. Keough