I’m away for a few days, but I offer you this outline that I recently offered a writing class that I am teaching for writing your own parable. If you follow it, I think you might be surprised how we can use parables to generate productive discussion around often difficult issues.
Pick one area of concern—ethical, social, local, worldwide.
Quickly write 2-3 short sentences describing the issue. Don’t overthink this. Simply identify an issue and then describe it in a couple of sentences.
Pick TWO FICTIONAL characters (can be same or mixed genders)
Give each a name:
1.
2.
Describe each characters physical appearance in 2-3 short sentences. Make sure you identify at least one unusual characteristic — eg. she had green hair, or he had large ears that stuck out from his head.
Describe one event early in life of each, pleasant or painful, that has affected their outlook on life.– eg her uncle gave her lots of gifts but once molested her.
Choose a setting where the characters meet.
Include at least three senses in description– the atmosphere smelled musty, or it had thick rugs that absorbed lots of the sound.
Identify the weather condition in which the events take place.
Describe in 2-3 sentences an incident that brings the two together.
Other people might be present, but these two characters are the center of your stories action.
Set aside one hour to write about what happens to the characters in the setting.
You can edit and revise later, but this first time through, restrict yourself to an hour. Set a timer if it helps.
THIS MAY NOT BE YOUR WRITING STYLE, BUT I ENCOURAGE YOU TO GIVE IT A TRY JUST AS I HAVE DESCRIBED. SOMETIMES COLORING WITHIN SOMEONE ELSE’S LINES CAN RELEASE YOU FROM YOUR INNER CENSOR AND RELEASE YOUR CREATIVITY.
