Apex and Nadir: The Peak and Valley of Story

All fictional stories have a high point and a low point. To make sure that enough happens within the story from beginning to end, writers should assess these points in the story to determine whether they’re different enough from each other.

Whether a writer uses a chapter outline, a three-act outline or just notes, most writers find a way to plot their stories. One reason for writers to do this is to assess the story’s pacing — the speed at which the moves forward — and its progression — the degree to which the plot unfolds along the way. But it’s also important to compare the story’s apex and nadir.

Apex, in this context, could be the story’s climax. But a more interesting and deeper way to consider the apex is to find the story’s most complex and interesting point. That means the nadir is the story’s lowest point — the point at which all seems or is lost.

Here is a list of what to consider when assessing whether there is enough differentiation between and development of these two points.

For the apex:

• Describe what is happening in the story at its most complex and interesting point.
• List the major theme and subtheme present at this moment.
• Briefly outline how the reader might expect the story to unfold afterward.
• Also briefly outline how the story does unfold.

For the nadir:

• Describe what is happening at the story’s darkest moment.
• Consider whether the main theme is adequately addressed.
• Briefly outline how the reader might expect the story to unfold afterward.
• Also briefly outline how the story does unfold.

Once you’ve followed these steps, compare the apex and nadir to see whether there is sufficient differentiation between the two points. There should be enough emotional and actual distance between the highest point in the story and its lowest point to make the story a real journey, not a just plot that makes readers feel they’re running in place. Then look over the story’s individual plot points to see if there are other possible outcomes at any or all of these points. And make sure to include the setting in your consideration.

Since this approach also works for characters, the writer can follow the same approach for the primary and key secondary roles to see if there is enough development in each of the characters. Writing students can use this approach for literary analysis and criticism to understand how writers bring stories and characters from the start of a work to its completion.

What are the highs and lows of your story?

How to Fall Back in Love — With Writing

If you’ve fallen out of love with writing — and everyone does at some point — here are some ways to rekindle the fire.

Whether or not you’ve been published, or been published recently, there’s a sense in which all writers should retain an amateur standing. The word amateur can mean anything from one who has a taste for something to a lover of something. It can also mean a dabbler, as opposed to a professional. Regardless of a writer’s status or list of writing credits, all writers ought to remain continual amateurs, as it frees us to always keep learning from others and ourselves.

Rekindle the joy of writing. With the many challenges facing us these days, it’s easy to lose the joy of living let alone writing. But the French have a saying: Eating builds appetite. So, too, writing can stimulate a taste for more. Forget (for now) the deadlines, the self-imposed restrictions and goals. Sit down to the page and begin. If you’re in doubt or stuck for a way to get back into writing, write a journal entry about writing. Ask yourself what first drew you to write, what prompted you to write that first poem or journal entry. Once you begin, you’re writing again, and as you reread what you’ve written, you’ll find that you’ve validated your perspective by putting it into words.

Don’t be afraid to dabble. You don’t have to be a professional writer to enjoy writing. Many writers say they enjoyed writing a lot more before their work moved into the public eye. Sometimes a writer’s underlying fear is that their work won’t measure up—either to what they expect of themselves or what others expect of them. Forget the haters, no matter who they are. Get out your favorite pen or stylus or whatever, and go back to doodling. One way to begin is to go to a window and describe the scene beyond the glass. This is especially helpful now, when a view through glass is the closest many of us can come with the outside world. Writing like this offers a way to get back in touch with that world.

Rediscover the joy of learning. Regardless of your writing status or list of writing credits, all writers are continual amateurs, because we’re always learning from other writers and ourselves. Think back to the first time you felt your pulse race when you read your favorite poet’s or writer’s work, and go back to that piece. See it with fresh eyes. What is it about the work that captivates you? What technique(s) did the writer use to create that effect? How might you emulate the writer’s method(s)? Not only do we learn from other writers, but we also learn from ourselves. Go back and reread something you wrote a while ago. What still moves you about the piece? In what ways have you grown in your writing since then? As a next step, go to something you wrote recently. Where does the piece engage you? Where are the opportunities for development? Either way, you’ve reminded yourself, “Yes, Virginia, I am a writer.”

One way to squeeze the love out of a relationship is to make it more about obligation than enjoyment. This is as true of our relationship with writing as it is of our relationships with other people. After all, one way to define writing is the relationship of the writer to words. And while there are nearly as many reasons to stop loving the craft and art of writing as there are writers, most reasons relate to disappointment or failed expectations (reasonable and otherwise), whether with self, others or the process. Regardless of why the love of writing has ebbed or been lost, one way to rekindle it is to take the pressure off. When in doubt, open a page and lament. At least the words will be there. Regardless of the words, reawaken the pleasure of writing by writing, even in a grousing journal entry well-written.

What’s keeping you from your love of writing?