At this time of year, everyone is rushing about preparing or celebrating some sort of holiday. Special dishes are prepared and far-flung families reunite around the table. It's the perfect setting for any number of stories which is why so many writers use special occasions as the impetus for their plots.
I've used this device many, many times. I've had mysteries taking place around someone's birthday or anniversary. One of my plays takes place at a high school graduation, one at a pre-Oscar party.
Special occasions can bring together people of various backgrounds who all have one thing in common. Old rivalries can flare. Old loves can be revisited. New loves can blossom. Everyone is supposed to be on their best behaviour, but what happens when a few glasses of champagne have been ingested?
I like writing plots that give a firm reason for these people to know each other and a special occasion raises the emotional stakes. For example: A wedding. A time of joy but also a time of stress and huge expectations. For every ten people with tears in their eyes as they relive their own happy love stories there's someone who's reliving a bad relationship and feeling bitter. The ideas for plot lines are endless!
Gathering people for any event gives the writer the opportunity to have characters with long personal histories. Everyone knows everyone in their high school class. Strangers aren't going to be invited to a birthday party (although unexpected house guests can be fun). Imagine yourself as the new boyfriend or girlfriend at a family event. Are you instantly accepted or do you feel they eyes of judgment upon you? It would be an interesting POV.
One of the reasons I use special occasions so often is that everyone can identify with the situation. Not all of us have been to dinner with royalty, but we've all had birthdays. The reader has to get to know all the characters and their quirks fairly quickly. Why not give them a familiar situation?
Consider the wealth of writing opportunities offered by special occasions. It's a great gift for any writer.
I don't usually begin with any special occasion, but I often have a party or get together of some sort along the way. It's interesting to see what happens when you throw everyone together.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget unhappy "special" occasions. Funerals, gatherings at hospitals for unforeseen circumstances, and jail visits can also make great settings for plots. Stress is high and time may be short. (Of course, they're not great in real life, but hey, this is fiction).
ReplyDeleteCarol; It is a marvelous opportunity for interaction.
ReplyDeleteAlan; Thanks for the reminder; unhappy situations work just as well. Now I feel rather stupid. Thanks, Alan.
Elspeth - You're absolutely right! Special occasions are a perfect opportunity to gather disparate people and put them into a situation that may be pleasant or stressful, depending on what the author wants. This also allows for a lot of interesting interactions, past histories, etc., that make for solid suspense.
ReplyDeleteThis is great advice Elspeth. So many great opportunities...
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad, Elspeth. Someone with as rosy a worldview as you have would never think of such unfortunate circumstances. Me, on the other hand...
ReplyDeleteMargot; I've always found them very useful. Glad you agree!
ReplyDeleteDeb; There are plenty of opportunities! Glad you found the advice helpful.
Alan; If you think that, then I have a lovely bridge for sale. Only used by a little old lady on Sunday. Seriously.
Using the family gathering as a means of forwarding the plot is a great idea. Life is one big murder mystery!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of it that way, but so many mysteries written DO have gatherings neatly plotted. Louise Penny uses them nicely, if you are familiar with her work. And she really needs to do so b/c her work revolves around a small village and the reader might begin to suspect the strange aura of this small, Canadian town.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the thought, especially at the holidays!
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
Alan; It's all about the love.
ReplyDeleteMichele; Think about it next time you get offered something strange to eat. Seriously, you never know.
I haven't done this yet - what an excellent idea :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, thanks. Meetcha at the chip dip.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Elspeth. Family gatherings of all sorts are full of stories and conflicts. I have a story I wrote some time ago set at a funeral. It's actually a funny story (if you can believe it) but it works the conflicts and relationships in the room.
ReplyDeleteYep, me too. I like art openings and funerals best followed by races (sailboats, horses or humans). Actually, I've never put the latter in a book but I might now that I think of it.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Elspeth. Thanks!
ReplyDelete