Pages

Monday, May 28, 2012

Writing Lessons from Angry Birds: Goals


Angry Birds is one of my favorite writing distractions. Nothing like destroy green, smug-faced pigs to get the creative juices flowing or to relax after writing an intense scene. I think you can learn a thing or two about writing from the simple game.
First lesson: Goals. Your hero should have them and they should be worthy goals. That means they should be something the reader cares about too.
In Angry Birds, the birds are angry (well obviously) and are determined to destroy the green pigs. By itself, that is sort of blah. I’m sure the game would still be entertaining, but would I get as angry at the pigs as I do? (Well, technically yes, because I am angry at the stupid green pigs because they always defy gravity and balance on an impossible ledge or they get nestled safely under rubble that should’ve crushed them, but that’s beside the point).
Why should we care about the birds?
Their goal: Not to destroy the pigs, but to get back their eggs. That’s right! The mean old pigs stole the poor defenseless baby birds. It’s a much better goal. Suddenly, those slingshot birds have our sympathy and attention.
A worthy goal will draw the reader in. It will make them sympathize with your hero and want them to succeed.

11 comments:

  1. Can you believe that I have never even seen a game of Angry Birds!?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Angry Birds rocks, and you made a very good connection. It's a great way to de-stress, but gleaning a nugget of wisdom while you're playing is golden indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You made some very good points here! Who knew Angry Birds could be compared to writing? :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. So, next time Hubby disturbs me by playing Angry Birds at bedtime, I'll get inspired instead :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I so love that your getting lessons from Angry Birds :) Good one too! Great post :)

    Sarah Allen
    (my creative writing blog)

    ReplyDelete
  6. i gotta get in the loop--i still am not sure what this game it all about--glad it helped!

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is so very true. I'm working out the plot for my Camp NaNoWriMo novel. The story line is like something from a Twilight Zone episode, but yesterday I had to ask myself: What is the point of all that will happen in the story? It should have a goal, the main character needs purpose. I think I have a good idea of what that is going to be and I'll be ready when the second camp starts in August.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Should the hero always reach his goals? Should the goals always be attainable? Does it add or detract if goals are worthy but too easy or too hard to reach?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Most interesting post. Most enjoyable to read.


    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow. You actually managed to relate writing to Angry Birds! Well done!

    ReplyDelete