I’ve harped enough on the subject of stories being all around us. The truth of this hit home when I read an article in the midst of the investigation of the jetliner that was shot down recently.
The report revealed the identities and hopes, dreams, and accomplishments of many of the passengers of the fated flight. Also mentioned, in groups, were schoolchildren, families, sports teams, and many others. No, the story did not individually eulogize every passenger, but it drove home the meaning of the headline:
298 Stories Ended On Malaysia Flight 17
Wow.
For a moment, I didn’t need to read further than this headline. There are many reports of the tragedy of Flight 17 on the internet. This headline reminded me that, more than news, they are tales of lives. The person who penned this title GOT it. He or she truly has the soul of a writer.
Add to Flight 17 the missing Flight 370, and other vehicular (planes, trains, trucks, and cars) deaths each year, as well as lives taken by weather and other natural disasters such as earthquakes, and then fold in the deaths by human hand – whether homicide, accident, or war. Then consider those who pass away from natural causes, after having lived long, eventful lives (and all lives have events that are important in their own circles). How many times have we heard ‘Everybody has a story’? The number of untold stories is unfathomable.
On the other end of the spectrum, figure how many births occur each day. These are stories that are just beginning.
Given the number of true, unvarnished tales out there, it seems a little presumptuous for fiction writers to think that we can, or need to, create stories of viable, believable personalities with problems and solutions. But writers have always said that fiction has its basis in truth – we take truths we already know and manipulate them to tell a story that could happen.
I don’t understand people who claim writers’ block. Pick up a newspaper, turn on the television, open up a website.
Then get busy telling somebody’s story.
Very thought provoking post. Hits home.
I’ve been thinking about all those lives and all the families grieving over them. It’s funny. Your blog is at least the 4th and maybe 5th time lately, I’ve read or heard someone say everyone has a story or I want to hear your story. Enjoyed your post.
Thanks DJ. I always look forward to your response!