Do you know this essential thing about your novel?
What would you say is the most important thing to know about your story?
Your ideal reader?
Your main character?
The plot?
The end?
All of those are important elements, but they come second to one element—your story’s point.
(Psst. If you don’t have time to read, listen to this podcast episode instead. We talk all about the point and why it matters.)
What is a point?
In her simple and stellar book Blueprint for a Book, Jennie Nash (from whom I learned this concept) says, “Every book is, at heart, an argument for something—for a belief, a way of life, a vision for the future, a way to solve a problem, a way to make a friend, a way to lose your soul. The point is what the entire story drives to. It’s the thing your reader will come away from your book feeling.”
Your point is the message of your story, the emotional core.
It’s the tree trunk from which all other story elements grow—character, plot, tone, worldbuilding.
If defining your point feels restrictive or like you’re going to beat your reader over the head, you can think of it as your book statement, theme, concept, or story’s heart.
Your point will often sound reductive and simplistic, like a bumper sticker, and that’s okay. Here are some examples of points:
Life is only worth living when you live it in love.
Not everyone deserves your trust, but some people do. Find those people.
Love conquers all.
The earth is our most valuable possession
How will your point help?
Defining your point is the most important thing you can do for your story because it impacts so much. Once you know your point, you can use it as a filter to evaluate each element of your story.
Your point will shape the:
Protagonist’s arc — They’ll learn some iteration of your point
Antagonist — They’ll be the antithesis of your point in some way
Plot — The story events will put your point into action
Secondary characters — Each character can mirror a different facet of your point
Worldbuilding — Your government, magic system, beliefs, and social structures can be designed to support your point
Knowing your point is immensely helpful whether you’re planning your novel or revising, because it gives you something concrete to shape your story around. You don’t have to go off of intuition, what you think agents will like, or the most recent bestseller; the point can be your guide.
Knowing your point will keep you from getting lost in your story.
How do you find your point?
I love helping writers find the point of their novel. It’s one of my favorite things to do.
There are three questions I ask writers to help them find their point:
Why does this story matter to you?
Imagine your ideal reader has just finished your book. How do you want them to feel?
What message do you want your reader to come away with?
Go ahead, grab a piece of paper and write down your answers.
Once you’ve done that, look for recurring themes and words and try to sum everything up in one or two sentences.
Is that your point?
Finding your point takes time. It’s not always clear and is often buried in your past and passions. Sometimes, you need help to discover what you’re really trying to say. (If that’s you, check out the Rooted Writers Mentorship.)
Finding your point isn’t easy, but it is oh so worth it.
Want to hear me talk about the point?
I was on the #amwriting podcast with Jennie Nash and KJ Dell'Antonia talking all about the point. We talk about everything from how your enneagram type influences your point to nonfiction points to how not to beat your reader over the head with your point.
Go give it a listen and let me know what you think.