“The story isn’t there to expose the writer’s brilliance or her intricate interpretations. It, the novel, is there to drain her lifeblood, to challenge her morals, and say that there exists a more vital life than her own. To that end, when the Voice of the novel asks, Why not take this detour and see if we can get something out of it?—you should listen.” (Walter Mosley, Elements of Fiction)
Writing Exercise: Following the Detour
Techniques Illustrated by the Quotation:
1. Listening to the Story’s Voice: Mosley highlights the importance of letting the narrative guide the writer, even if it takes them in unexpected directions.
2. Emotional and Moral Investment: Writing that challenges the writer’s own beliefs and vulnerabilities creates deeper, more authentic work.
3. Embracing Discovery: Detours in storytelling often lead to revelations about characters or themes that would not emerge from rigid planning.
Writing Prompt:
Write a 500-word scene where a character makes an unexpected decision that alters the trajectory of the story. Begin with a clear goal for the character, but as you write, take a “detour” by introducing an unplanned choice, event, or revelation that challenges the character’s priorities, morals, or sense of self.
Constraints:
• Do not plot the detour in advance. Let it emerge naturally as you write.
• Ensure that the detour reveals something unexpected about the character or their circumstances.
• The narrative should feel organic, as though the “voice of the story” prompted the turn rather than the writer imposing it.
Example Setup:
A journalist intent on exposing a corrupt politician stumbles upon a folder of personal letters that suggest a hidden tragedy in the politician’s life. Do they pursue the story as planned or grapple with an ethical quandary about compassion versus justice?
Evaluation Criteria:
Strong Responses:
• Authentic Detours: The shift in the story feels natural and rooted in the character’s motivations or the world’s logic, rather than forced for drama.
• Emotional Depth: The detour challenges the character in ways that reveal new layers of their personality, fears, or desires.
• Writer’s Engagement: The writing reflects a sense of discovery, where the writer explores unfamiliar emotional or moral terrain.
Weak Responses:
• Forced Turns: The detour feels contrived, failing to align with the story’s internal logic or character motivations.
• Superficial Impact: The detour does not deepen the reader’s understanding of the character or narrative.
• Predictable Outcomes: The unexpected event or decision is too obvious, lacking the surprise or complexity that makes detours impactful.
Follow-Up Questions for Workshop/Revision:
1. Does the detour feel organic to the narrative, or does it seem imposed by the writer? How could it feel more natural?
2. What does the detour reveal about the character that wasn’t apparent before? Could this revelation be expanded or clarified?
3. Does the story remain cohesive after the detour, or does it lose focus? How might you balance the new direction with the story’s original intent?
4. How did the detour challenge you as a writer? Did you lean into discomfort or shy away from exploring deeper emotional or moral stakes?
Recommended Reading:
• “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin: The narrator’s journey is shaped by unplanned moments of empathy and understanding, which redefine his relationship with his brother.
• “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri: A detour in the narrative brings unexpected revelations about the characters’ inner lives.
• “Beloved” by Toni Morrison: Morrison masterfully allows the narrative to take haunting, unexpected turns that deepen the emotional and moral complexity of the story.
This exercise encourages writers to let go of control, trust their instincts, and allow the story to demand more of them than they originally intended—a challenging but vital practice for authentic storytelling.
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