It was pointed out to me that when I talk about my stories I nearly always mention the questions that occurred to me while I’m writing the story. Questions are one of the main techniques I use when it comes to writing. Things like, why would she do this? What could he do in that situation? What would happen if you add this into the mix? Why, what, how, who, when, where. They are constantly running through my mind when I’m writing. Or even when I’m thinking about writing. So it’s no surprise that I mention them when I’m talking about my stories.

I’ve always been extremely curious, even as a young child. Just like then my favourite question was ‘why’. And it is such a great question. Unless of course you’re the parent of an inquisitive three-year-old and then it’s probably more like a form of torture for most people. Except for me. I loved all the questions my kids asked and still enjoy them. They make me think of even more questions that I can solve.

Now the reason I think ‘why’ is such a great question is because it raises so many important points. Why is a character doing something? Do they have a logical reason and is it something they would be likely to do given their personality and background? Why is this happening? Is it the obvious result of what occurred before or a result of the character’s actions? All through the story I’m always asking ‘why’. This is often followed by ‘what’, my second favourite question and usually followed by ‘why’ again. What should happen next? And why? What is that character likely to do? And why? What are the possibilities? And why?

Luckily those possibilities are often endless. Just like the questions. All those endless possibilities and questions lead to numerous story ideas. Which is one of the reasons why I never lack for stories to write.