What If?
For an author, that can mean the difference between a good idea and a great idea. It can spur us to look beyond the obvious and even beyond the unobvious.
Since there are only so many basic storylines, we need to explore the ‘What If’s’ to make our story original and our own. There are so many ways we can twist a story around and stand it on its head. (And whenever someone stands on his head, loose change falls out, so that’s even more story nuggets!)
What If…?
The main character was the opposite sex?
We tried a different setting?
Time travel was involved?
The killer was someone different?
We changed the time period?
The main character had an allergy?
What if a monster emerged from the lamp and not a genie?
There are thousands of questions we could ask ourselves. Each answer leads down a different path. Brainstorming a ton of options often leads to that one thing that propels the story forward in a unique direction.
I had a lot to consider for my latest book, Dragon of the Stars. What If…?
The qualities of Earth’s toughest animal, the Tardigrade, were in a much larger creature?
The greatest ship could not be controlled?
Failure wasn’t an option but there was no way to win?
Someone had to make an unheard-of sacrifice?
Those questions helped bring the story to life and gave it twists most never saw coming.
What are some ‘What If’s’ you could ask to take your story in a new direction?
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
What Are the Kargrandes? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/
The ship of legends…
The future is set for Lt. Commander Aden Pendar, son of a Hyrathian Duke. Poised to secure his own command and marriage to the queen’s daughter, he’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
But when the Alliance denies Hyrath’s claim on the planet of Kavil and declares war on their world, Aden finds his plans in disarray. Entrenched in battle and told he won’t make captain, Aden’s world begins to collapse. How will he salvage his career and future during Hyrath’s darkest hour?
One chance remains–the Dragon. Lost many years prior, the legendary ship’s unique weapon is Hyrath’s only hope. Can Aden find the Dragon, save his people, and prove he’s capable of commanding his own ship?
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Stars-Alex-J-Cavanaugh-ebook/dp/B00S0DPUYU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1420814971&sr=1-1&keywords=dragon+of+the+stars
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-of-the-stars-alex-j-cavanaugh/1121069418?ean=2940046510720
ITunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon-of-the-stars/id957912496?mt=11
Kobo - http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dragon-of-the-stars
Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragon-Stars-Alex-J-Cavanaugh-ebook/dp/B00S0DPUYU
Amazon print – http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Stars-Alex-j-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844061/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1427824785&sr=1-1
Overdrive - https://www.overdrive.com/media/2130736/dragon-of-the-stars
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23521766-dragon-of-the-stars
And just released –
CassaSeries
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
The Amazon Best-Selling Series!
CassaStar - CassaFire - CassaStorm
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZAP5PV4?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ZAP5PV4?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cassaseries-alex-j-cavanaugh/1122097909?ean=294015196217
Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/cassaseries
Goodreades – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25705316-cassaseries
About the Author:
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design, graphics, and technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm.
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh
19 comments:
I've often felt that the greatest question a writer of fiction can ask is "What if?" I personally like to have other people ask me 'what if' questions just to keep me on my toes. Great post.
What if can sure take us a long way. adds all kinds of neat ideas that usually bring on more what ifs
Thanks again for hosting me!
Toi, sometimes other people can ask even better what if questions.
Great post. The 'What If' question does get your mind to wondering and sparks the imagination.
What if questions are the foundation for almost all my stories.
I used 'what it' a lot to put my characters in tough situations for my current WIP.
Susan Says
what if questions certainly help me focus on a plot and goals for my characters.
Let me tell you, Alex's "what ifs" will tear you up. I loved Dragon of the Stars. He really dug deep and the emotional pay off was worth it.
'What ifs' keep the magic flowing.
"What if?" is the perfect question for writers to ask!
What ifs are good for writer's block! I've gotten ideas for stories from specific what if questions. Great post!
Thank you, Charity!
Love the what if questions that keep the story ideas going strong!
Love the what ifs.
Especially the monster coming out of the lamp instead of a genie.
I read an old story about a book with the picture of a hungry monster. Anytime someone read the book and left it open on the page of illustration, the person reading the book vanished and the monster looked less hungry.
Wish I could find that short story again
"What if" questions have helped me when I'm writing an outline or if I'm stuck on a scene.
I need to add more 'What if' questions to 'turn up the heat'.
Thanks for the reminder.
Huntress, you'll have to track down that story.
I haven't played that game before with my novel. But a thought popped into my head. My stories center around African Americans. What if my stories and characters centered around a different ethnicity. That would be very interesting. Thanks!
Stephanie, there you go!
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