The Story

 

The Story

A story is at once a lesson, a classroom and a teacher. It makes room in the pupils mind and is created by the teacher's heart. The writer does the same on paper on purpose. Without a lesson, his writing is rambling. Without a pupil, it is nothing more than the chatter of birds. Without a classroom, there is very little learning as the pupil will be distracted by a multitude of attractions. A story without the power and force of concentration is no story at all.

 

A story has structure. It has context, character, contest, courage, conclusion and a commission. It is at once empowering and invigorating. It edifies and solidifies moral resolve. Without it, writing is formless leading nowhere. Without clarity, it is artless and not scientific. No one can "go out and do likewise". It is not possible to act on what you do not understand.

 

The nature of the story can be entertaining but always memorable. It can be short or long, but it must unfold at good pace. It could be gripping, but it must also be leading. It must also be worth telling, to be told. It can be imaginary but its nature must be real. It must be something someone can identify with. Whether it is passion or peace, the story cannot do without the ability to inspire awe, surprise, hope and suspense. It will engage readers by keeping their emotions out of balance.

 

A story lives with the people and dies with the author. It is born in the heart and mind of the breeder. And moves the soul of the reader. A story is spirit that transforms and makes anew. Think of the stories that live within you. The stories you easily recall. They are all characters. Without them no story can live.  You can only tell a story if you have a story to tell.

 

Allan Bukusi

November 16^th 2009