7 - Writing Narrative

Summary

This chapter focuses on the kind of writing that takes shape as story, writing that is made up in the sense of being composed. It argues that this kind of writing matters to us because it is an expression of narrative consciousness. It is important, and has a distinctive quality, drawing us in, entertaining and instructing us. And sometimes it has a particular kind of magic that is both compelling and immersive, enticing us into the written. To a greater or lesser extent, this sort of writing is crafted. This is because writing a narrative involves a range of different kinds of decisions – decisions about what to focus on, what things to emphasise, what to hint at or to leave out, the order of telling and more subtle effects like the relationship of the narrator to the events described. Although this chapter focuses on literature, it also includes a consideration of micronarratives on social media. It concludes with a consideration of more problematic literature – writing in which unhelpful attitudes and prejudices are rehearsed and spread.