When telling a story, make sure things change.

*The evolutionary process of the sun and moon | Created by Jay W. Austin & DALL•E*

When communicating about a character, show how they’ve changed for better and for worse. Show how their desires change, how their outside conditions influence them. And show ways they are resisting that change.

These are the things that make compelling narratives.

One of the reasons stories about change work so well is because the audience rarely loves change in real life (regardless of how much they might desire change).

In theory, we can control change. In reality, we struggle to do so. Without some serious self-work, we have a tough time being cool with our inability to control change.

Seeing a character change in a story can be inspirational—oh, I can change too. It can be threatening—oh, I can change too. And it can be confronting—oh, I wanted to change like that but haven’t.

All of those thoughts led to feelings, and not every thought does that.

Just explaining facts—even facts about change—doesn’t get folks there. Give them change and let them be compelled to support the change you want to see.

Aye, I’m Jay. You’re on my personal site where I post things I make about interrupting mass incarceration, protecting migration, environmental justice & sustainability, language, communications, storytelling, creativity, and tech.

Learn about my ventures here, check out my non-profit initiative here, or explore my consultant services here.