Leveraging Design Thinking in Storytelling
How a Background in Design Helped Me Write Windborne Fate
Introduction
As a designer with nearly two decades of experience, my career has been a journey through the intricate dance of form meeting function, where visual elements align seamlessly with user needs to create harmonious experiences. This long-standing fascination has not only refined my eye for detail but has also profoundly shaped my approach to storytelling. In the 18 years I’ve spent in design, I’ve grown in my craft, shared my knowledge at conferences, and authored articles about design principles. These experiences have ingrained in me a strategic approach to problem-solving and the ability to visualize complex worlds — skills that are fundamental in crafting compelling narratives.
Now, as I venture into the realms of storytelling and writing, I bring with me a fundamental principle from my design background: the need to create engaging, intuitive experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. For more than twenty years, I’ve harbored the dream of writing a fictional series. My extensive experience in design has not only supported but has been instrumental in turning this dream into reality.
My background in design has uniquely positioned me to address specific challenges in writing, showcasing how expertise in one creative field can significantly enhance another and bring a long-held vision to fruition. The areas where my design skills have been most beneficial include understanding the problem, conducting market research, engaging in ideation and iterations, incorporating feedback and critique, formulating a long-term strategy, and applying the real-world matching of familiar elements. Each of these aspects underscores the profound impact that design principles can have on storytelling
Understanding the Problem
Story Necessity
The genesis of my venture into writing began with a cherished tradition — storytelling around the campfire. The flickering flames casting light on my children’s eager faces became a familiar, beloved sight. While these sessions were delightful, I soon realized that the spontaneous nature of campfire tales left much of the potential depth and nuance of the stories untapped. This realization sparked my first challenge: to transform these ephemeral stories into structured, captivating narratives that could engage a wider audience and make a lasting impression.
My children were particularly fond of tales about a character named Finnean. One day, they simply asked, “Why don’t you write a book so we can read it?” It was a straightforward question, but it highlighted a genuine interest in these stories, even if initially it was just from my kids. This small but significant moment underscored a desire for these narratives and propelled me into the world of writing.
Market Gap
Immersing myself in the contemporary literary landscape, I sensed a void in storytelling that resonated with both heart and mind. Much of modern literature seemed to tread a path of complex moral ambiguity and lacked the robust, impactful narratives that classics like J.R.R. Tolkien’s works offered. My goal was to craft stories that not only entertain but also carry a substantial philosophical payload — tales that challenge the intellect while satisfying the soul.
Moral Clarity
Influenced by the literary giants of the past, I strongly embraced the theme of the quintessential battle between good and evil — a narrative pillar largely upheld by Tolkien. This clarity in storytelling, where lines between right and wrong are distinctly drawn, is something I believe to be not only compelling but necessary. It’s a concept that underpins the very essence of impactful narrative — providing not just escapism, but also moral reflection, offering readers a clear lens through which to view our world. My writing seeks to restore this clarity, prioritizing stories where the forces of good triumph over adversity, reinforcing the timeless message that heroes do exist, and virtue, though often tested, prevails.
Literary Inspirations and Niche Creation
In much the same way a designer embarks on benchmarking and inspiration gathering at the start of a project, my exploration into the realms of classic literature served a similar purpose in my writing process. By delving into the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Andrew Peterson, I was able to assess and draw from their effective storytelling techniques, mirroring the design practice of studying successful models to inform innovative creations. This research not only deepened my understanding of narrative excellence but also helped pinpoint opportunities to carve out a unique space for my series in the crowded literary landscape.
Delving into the realms created by some of literature’s most cherished authors, I embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery. Works like J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”, C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia”, and Andrew Peterson’s “Wingfeather Saga” have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of effective storytelling. These masterpieces, each unique in their narrative style and thematic depth, provided a foundational blueprint for crafting engaging and meaningful tales. Tolkien’s intricate world-building and epic storytelling, Lewis’ ability to weave profound moral and spiritual questions into compelling narratives, and Peterson’s blend of whimsy and weight in adventure storytelling, all influenced my perception of what makes stories resonate with readers across ages.
While these books set high standards in fantasy literature, I was determined to carve out a unique niche for my own series. My goal was to blend the classical elements of these inspirational works — such as a richly detailed universe and a clear moral compass — with a fresh perspective that reflected contemporary issues and sensibilities. This involved creating a world that, while completely fantastical, contained echoes of the familiar, addressing themes relevant to today’s readers, such as environmental stewardship, societal structures, and the complexities of personal growth and responsibility.
Ideation and Iterations
The creation of The Elemancer Chronicles was anything but linear. It involved a rigorous process of ideation, where multiple storylines and character arcs were conceived, only to be reworked or discarded based on their alignment with the overarching theme of the series. Drafting and redrafting became a staple of my daily routine. Each chapter of the first book underwent up to 26 revisions, a testament to the iterative nature of my design background where refining and polishing are crucial to achieving clarity and impact.
Feedback played a critical role in this process. Early drafts were consistently shared with a group of beta readers whose insights were invaluable. Their critiques helped identify weaknesses in character development, plot progression, and thematic expression. This iterative cycle of writing, receiving feedback, and revising was instrumental in refining the narrative. The feedback was not merely about correction but about evolution — pushing the manuscript from good to great. This approach ensured that each element of the story was polished, compelling, and, most importantly, resonant with the intended audience.
Feedback and Critique
The development of my manuscript was profoundly shaped by feedback, which served as both a compass and a sculptor’s chisel, refining and defining the narrative’s path. My beta reader group, a diverse ensemble of avid readers and aspiring writers, provided essential critiques that were pivotal in this process. These readers were encouraged to dissect the plot, challenge the character development, and critique the coherence of the magical system I had created. Their insights helped me identify not only what resonated but also what faltered, allowing me to recalibrate elements that were initially overlooked.
I placed a high value on specific, constructive feedback over generic praise. General comments like “It was good” were less helpful than detailed critiques explaining why parts of the story worked or did not. This detailed feedback was crucial because it went beyond mere validation; it pushed the narrative toward a clearer, more engaging, and impactful direction. My preference for this kind of critique stems from my design background, where effective solutions come from understanding and addressing detailed user feedback to enhance the user experience.
Among all my critics, my wife was particularly instrumental. Her feedback was brutally honest, and I am immensely grateful for her candor. She had no hesitation in telling me if an idea was bad or too mature for my intended audience. She kept me grounded, often reminding me when I was becoming too engrossed in my own ideas or when my ego was starting to overshadow the project. Her insights were invaluable in keeping the story accessible and relatable, ensuring it would resonate well with its readers. Gentlemen, a good woman’s support is priceless — find someone who challenges and complements you, and never let them go.
Long Term Strategy
Strategically planning The Elemancer Chronicles was akin to designing a complex architectural structure, where every element serves a purpose and supports the overall integrity of the building. I meticulously mapped out the entire series to ensure continuity and coherence across multiple books. This mapping included detailed character arcs, major plot points, and the evolution of key themes that would unfold throughout the series.
Foreshadowing was a critical technique used in the first book to set the stage for later developments. By planting subtle hints and seemingly minor details early in the narrative, I aimed to enrich the reading experience, allowing the audience to uncover deeper layers and connections as they progressed through the series. This approach not only enhances engagement but also rewards attentive readers with a more immersive and satisfying experience, as earlier elements gain significance in later stories.
Familiarity and Real-World Matching
In creating the fantastical world of Etheria for The Elemancer Chronicles, I applied a key design principle: the heuristic of matching the system to the real world. This design approach, crucial in making interfaces intuitive and user-friendly, was adapted to enhance the relatability of a high fantasy setting. By incorporating elements familiar to the reader — such as everyday foods, sports, and universal hobbies — I bridged the gap between our world and Etheria. For instance, while Etheria boasts exotic landscapes and magical creatures, its inhabitants partake in feasts featuring dishes reminiscent of medieval European cuisine or engage in archery. These familiar details not only make the foreign feel homely but also deepen the reader’s engagement and empathy, making the narrative more immersive and believable.
Conclusion
My ongoing transition from a designer to a writer serves as a powerful illustration of how creative skills can be both versatile and adaptable across different disciplines. The strategic and empathetic methodologies developed through my design career have proven invaluable in crafting narratives that are not only engaging but also deeply resonate with audiences. This journey highlights how varied professional backgrounds can significantly enrich storytelling, providing unique insights that captivate and resonate in unexpected ways. I encourage fellow writers to tap into their own diverse experiences and skills. Leveraging these personal and professional assets can greatly enhance your creative projects, leading to richer and more nuanced literary works.
Buy Windborne Fate, Book 1 of The Elemancer Chronicles today
