As a writer, you’re not just a teller of tales. You’re a director, a cinematographer, a set designer, and an editor—all combined. Harnessing the cinematic techniques used by screenwriters can make your fiction zing off the page, pulling readers in with a vivid reality that they can “see,” “hear,” and “feel.”
So, get ready to yell “Lights! Camera! Action!” for your stories.
Cue the Perspectives
Much like directors choosing the best angle for a shot, writers must find the perfect perspective for their story. Instead of settling for the predictable, stretch your creative wings and explore innovative viewpoints.
For instance, imagine writing a romance from the viewpoint of the couple’s beloved pet. The nuances that the pet observes could provide a fresh take on a traditional genre. Meanwhile, an epic fantasy might benefit from the perspective of a seemingly insignificant character—an innkeeper or a soldier—providing a ground-level view of world-altering events.
Remember that not all perspectives will serve your story well. For instance, imagine a murder mystery told from the perspective of an inanimate object, like a clock on the wall. The clock can’t offer insights into the characters’ motivations or thoughts, potentially making the story flat and unengaging. Therefore, choosing a perspective should be a careful, thoughtful decision that aligns with the story’s goals and reader engagement.
Examples of
