Raise the Stakes...use a Bucket!
One of my favorite craft book writers is James Scott Bell. He’s a maestro in the art of writing. In his book, Write Your Story from the Middle, he categorizes stakes into three types: Physical, Professional, and Psychological. Each type embodies a form of 'death' in creating gripping obstacles for our characters.
PHYSICAL STAKES
The most primal of stakes, physical stakes revolve around the character's survival or physical well-being. Think about a scenario where your character faces a life-threatening situation, a race against time, or a battle against the elements. It’s not just about the threat of physical 'death', but the fear and tension it creates. This immediate, tangible stake can be a powerful tool to ramp up the urgency and emotional intensity from the get-go.
PROFESSIONAL STAKES
Professional stakes deal with the character's livelihood or career aspirations. Here, 'death' is metaphorical - the demise of a dream, reputation, or life's work. Imagine your character at the brink of achieving a lifelong ambition, only to face a hurdle that threatens to shatter it all. This type of obstacle can test your character’s resilience and dedication, pushing them to redefine their understanding of success and failure.
PSYCHOLOGICAL STAKES
Often the most complex, psychological stakes delve into the character's mental and emotional realm. The 'death' here is the loss of identity, sanity, or crucial relationships. It could be a personal trauma resurfacing, a deep-seated fear, or a moral dilemma. These stakes challenge the very core of your character's psyche, compelling them to confront their innermost demons or desires. Crafting such obstacles requires a nuanced understanding of human emotions and motivations.
When plotting your novel's major obstacles, consider intertwining these stakes to create a multidimensional challenge. Perhaps your protagonist is a firefighter (Physical) who is up for a promotion (Professional), but is struggling with the trauma of a past failure (Psychological). The convergence of these stakes not only heightens the tension but also deepens the character's journey.
Remember, the stakes are what keep your readers turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next. So, set them high, make them personal, and watch as your characters evolve through the obstacles they face.
Last week, we filled our content buckets with Heartbeat Moments. We can take that same content and Raise The Stakes.
Here is my ad with increased heartbeats: https://fb.me/21u3GcCp8C9MhCL
It might just be me that has a thing for a man cooking for a woman. Chefs of the world, watch out! There’s also the part where he drapes an arm around her as a sign of possession.
This is the ad that I made that raises the stakes: https://fb.me/1SkyNw9qeEregTZ
This ad is from the same story. But this time I talk about what will happen if the goal isn’t met. My hero, who has already had his heart broken before, has to get married in order to save his ranch. This is both a Professional (because he’ll lose his business) and a Psychological death (because he’s been hurt before).
The beautiful thing about Content Buckets for social media is that you can use the same copy over and over again with different visuals. So I’m going to repeat the copy with a couple, a man in uniform, a ranch house, and maybe the book cover.
You may still feel uncertain about how to identify Heartbeat Moments or Stakes. Last week, I pointed to Margie Lawson and her E.D.I.T.S. system. I use Margie’s system as one of my editing passes. And when I highlight the pink EMOTION parts and the orange TENSION parts, that’s when I know I’ve hit ad copy gold.
Here are some other ideas:
Post a gripping scene or quote where a character experiences failure. Use this as a storytelling element, adding a caption that invites followers to reflect on the role of failure in personal growth.
Create a post or a short video discussing the concept of stakes in your novel. Engage your audience by asking how they would react in a similar situation, encouraging comments and discussions.
TIKTOK
Craft creative videos that dramatize the high-stake moments of your characters. Use trending music or effects to emphasize the emotional intensity. TikTok’s dynamic format is great for quick, impactful storytelling.
NEWSLETTERS
Write a behind-the-scenes feature about how you developed these high stakes in your story. Share a personal anecdote about a failure you faced in your writing journey and how it helped shape your current project. This personal touch can create a deeper connection with your readers.
Using the Content Bucket Method to focus on character stakes and failures not only provides a wealth of engaging content but also deepens your audience's connection to your story. It highlights the emotional layers in your narrative, making your characters and their journeys more compelling. So, give it a try and watch your social media engagement soar!