Deconstructing Narrative
1 Exercise to Keep This Newsletter Going
Dropping the ball, it seems like that’s what I do here on Writing Streak. Maybe I’m just showing you how to recover when you lose your own writing steak? Ehh? Are you buying that excuse? No?
Okay, truth is, I’m in a period of transition. First of all, I’m spending less time online so I can reclaim my time for writing. Secondly, I’m rebuilding my own writing streak which is taking up a lot of time and focus. And third, this intense focus has me re-evaluating exactly how these exercises I publish should be constructed. Am I creating anything useful?
I want to put more emphasis on creating valuable exercises for you, the reader/writer, by validating the effectiveness of each exercise. This newsletter started as a way for me to deliver writing exercises to my own inbox. It was for my eyes only.
I want to adjust that process. Move my own writing practice up front. Trial the exercises. Refine them. Then deliver them to your inbox.
Even though I have some exercises ready to go in the queue, I’m going to pause on posting that set of exercises and do what I normally do (use the exercises myself), but this time with an eye towards validating their effect and refining them.
This week, though, I’m going to give you my favorite writing exercise. This exercise is my masterclass. You’ll need a story to use as a model, but because of that you can repeat it as often as you like and learn something new each and every time.
This Week’s (Singular) Streak Saver 🪦
⋙ Break Some Eggs, Make an Omelet
Part 1: Deconstruct a Page
Setup: Select a random page from any story (preferably one you respect). Read it carefully, paying attention to how events, dialogue, and descriptions unfold.
Goal: Analyze and summarize the structure of the page without naming specific characters, locations, or plot points.
Constraints:
Write a brief summary of what happens on the page, focusing only on content and structural elements (e.g., "An argument escalates until one character leaves, prompting the other to reflect on their emotions").
Note any patterns, such as shifts between dialogue and description, the use of sensory details, or moments of tension and release.
Identify one interesting technique the author used (e.g., pacing, perspective shifts) and consider its purpose.
Modification: For an additional challenge, summarize the style of the text. Is it clear, lyrical, logical, or highly descriptive? What audience is it written for and how do they write for that audience?
Reflection: What patterns or techniques did you notice that you typically wouldn’t think about while reading? How do these choices affect pacing, mood, or character development?
Part 2: Recreate the Pattern
This part can be done immediately following Part 1 or separately at a later time.
Setup: Use the summary you wrote in Part 1 to construct a new passage. Brainstorm your own characters, setting, and story events to apply the pattern to.
Goal: Experiment with how structure shapes a narrative by writing a new passage inspired by the page you deconstructed.
Constraints:
Use the structure and pacing from your summary to guide the new scene.
Maintain the pattern's key elements (e.g., if the original scene opened with dialogue and transitioned to action, follow that progression).
Experiment with how the content shifts when you focus on different details or tones.
Modification: Flip a key element of the pattern (e.g., replace a character's reflective moment with an unexpected interruption) and see how it changes the scene’s emotional impact.
Reflection: How closely did your scene align with the original pattern? What elements felt natural to you, and which ones challenged your instincts as a writer?
Some Examples of Summaries
As a bonus, I put together seven examples you can use on your own.
Example Summary 1: Suspense and Revelation
The scene begins with the POV character sensing something unusual. They proceed cautiously towards it. Their movements and observations add tension. The POV character experiences a strong emotion as the text describes an unexpected character in a dire situation.
Effect: Pacing slows to maintain tension, while each detail heightens anticipation of what’s to come.
Example Summary 2: Reflection and Decision
A character, now alone, reflects on a recent event. The narrative shifts from their thoughts to subtle details of the environment. The reflection reveals something important about their current emotional state. The page ends with a small but significant action that signals a shift in their mindset.
Effect: The balance between introspection and environmental description builds emotional depth, culminating in a meaningful turning point.
Example Summary 3: Action and Urgency
The page starts in the middle of fast-paced action. Sentences are short and direct. The character looks at an object that suggests an urgent event. They focus on their goal, and then an obstacle that put is just out of reach. After an attempt to advance, a new obstacle or threat suddenly appears.
Effect: Rapid pacing keeps the reader engaged, while brief moments of internal thought reinforce the stakes and urgency.
Example Summary 4: Subtext in Dialogue
Two characters converse, but the surface-level topic refers back to an important point of tension. Dialogue reveals differing goals or perspectives. Brief gestures hint at deeper conflict. One character deflects, and mirrors this dismissal with an action, leaving the situation unresolved but charged with unspoken meaning.
Effect: Subtle shifts in dialogue and body language create a layered, emotionally complex scene.
Example Summary 5: Discovery and Mystery
A character explores an unfamiliar space. Each sentence reveals new sensory details. Their attention shifts from the surroundings to the object they were searching for. As they study the object, they encounter something unexpected that raises questions.
Effect: Gradual discovery immerses the reader in the setting and introduces intrigue through unanswered questions.
Example Summary 6: Humorous Mishap
A character attempts a simple task, but fails because of a small error in judgement. The character makes a gesture and focuses their attention on the task. Then an external complication escalates the situation. The character now expresses a feeling of helplessness. A final gesture suggests the character has found a solution.
Effect: The combination of escalating complications and character reaction creates a comedic rhythm, offering levity and relief.
Example Summary 7: Contrasting Perspectives
Two characters enter the scene. A description shows each character noticing a different detail. In dialogue each character expresses a different priority. Finally, the POV character thinks about how they feel and what vibe they're getting about the other character's feelings. The text gradually reveals a shared point of focus, where the characters' perspectives momentarily converge.
Effect: The contrast between viewpoints adds complexity to the narrative, offering multiple angles on the same moment.