Narrating Tales through Possessions
Mindy Halleck, a Pacific Northwest author and award-winning writer, penned a novel in 2011 and set it aside for a year. This author, who also blogs at Literary Liaisons and is an active member of the local writing community, would later find her work in the limelight.
Halleck's novel features a protagonist named Theo Riley, defined by a series of storytelling objects. These objects, such as a toy soldier, a stack of blood-stained returned love letters, and a photograph of Korean Orphans, serve as backstory shorthand, eliminating pages of narration while providing readers with a deeper understanding of Theo's character.
However, overuse of storytelling objects can be detrimental to a story. It's essential to strike a balance, ensuring these objects enhance the narrative without overwhelming it. Clark Kohanek, a screenwriting and storytelling expert, discussed this importance during a workshop at the Willamette Writers Conference.
Halleck's short story, "The Sound of Rain", placed in the Writer's Digest Literary Contest, later blossomed into her first novel, "Return to Sender". In her quest to rewrite the novel, Halleck sought advice from books and workshops. She found a useful technique in chapter 14 of "The Weekend Novelist Re-Writes the Novel" by Robert J. Ray. This technique involves using storytelling objects (plot-devices) to tighten a story by repeating a single object.
Storytelling objects can establish a character's values and inform and enhance the story. For example, in the film "Die Hard", the teddy bear represents John McClane's resilience and determination. Similarly, in "The Notebook", the leather-bound book contains the characters' love story, mirroring their unwavering commitment to each other.
In "Forrest Gump", the chocolate box on his lap is a metaphor for the story to come, symbolising the unexpected journey that Forrest embarks upon. Other stories using storytelling objects include "Lord of the Rings", "Cinderella", and "The Notebook".
Interestingly, Halleck's new edition of "The Notebook" did not use Nicholas Sparks' original book as a source, likely due to copyright restrictions or a focus on presenting a unique adaptation rather than a direct reproduction.
In conclusion, storytelling objects play a crucial role in Halleck's work, providing a concise and effective means of character development and narrative enhancement. Whether it's a toy soldier, a love letter, or a leather-bound book, these objects serve as tangible representations of a character's journey, helping readers connect with the story on a deeper level.
