Start any writing by telling a truth.
The dictionary says a “truth” as a noun is anything true or factual in accordance with reality. A lesson learned becomes a truth in one’s life, as one example.
This “truth factor” is what I’ve lived by in my fiction and in journalistic writing.
The “truth” works to fix any form of fiction, especially if your work isn’t selling or resonating with readers or your critique group. Or, maybe you just can’t figure out how to begin your novel or memoir. Give us a truth.
A “truth” is what your material is about in a soulful, heart-felt way. A truth can seem thematic, or not be the theme at all.
A “truth” might be a problem that is serious or worthy of a plot—disaster movies are famous for such truths.
A “truth” can be funny!
Here’s how I started Hot Fudge Frame-Up:
Everything and everyone has a purpose in life, and a place, my grandmother Sophie always said. “And everyone and everything can be good and then go bad. Lloyd Mueller is like beer fudge. Enjoy it now because it only has a shelf life of about three days.”
Readers know from that passage that my character Ava is in search of her purpose. She states it! And the search leads to plenty of trouble.
Any character bad or good can have their own “truth” they live by like a motto, but a story also has its own truth.
Truth sets a story in motion. Usually the ending will circle back around to the truth. (What becomes of Lloyd Mueller? Of Ava? Of the beer fudge?)
In all my novels readers find a truth on page one that is plot or pursuit for the truth.
The suspense for any book is how that truth will pan out.
A character’s truth can change, of course. Beliefs can change by what they learn as the plot goes along.
What is your book/story/screenplay/poem about? Why should we care?
What does your character need and hope for?
Remember—tell the reader on page ONE. Maybe line one of the poem.
Expert Maggie Smith agrees with me.
She wrote Dear Writer, subtitled Pep Talks & Practical Advice For The Creative Life (2025).
Smith starts her books with something true about herself or the situation. She “sets the stage.”
What is true in your life? What bugs you? Write it down. Use it.
Being true to the truth can make writing simpler and more professional. Don’t waste a reader’s time, right?
Put a truth into dialogue. Who says it with the most power? An antagonist or protagonist? A secondary character? Revise some dialogue.
Questions for your group or yourself:
What is this character/poem/etc. really about in a few words?
What is the core need of the character or situation?
What is the lesson in life that might come out of this?
Do I begin with that truth in some form on the page?
Don’t fear that you’ll spoil the ending by telling us a truth on page one. Plenty will challenge that truth all along the way.
Things to try:
- You might try focusing on a facet of the truth in each new chapter.
- Label each chapter with short observations about the truth in the story or characters, or about yourself in your memoir.
Stating a truth early—especially page one or line one of anything—can release the writer to relax and be more creative. Just follow the truth.
Christine DeSmet: Author 