Discovering the Impact of Discouragement on Your Story

People enjoy reading a variety of genres, such as historical, romantic, and crime. But nothing hits the right spot like a tragic story, one of disappointment and regret coupled with pain. Even the most positive stories use hardship and discouragement when looking to add a twist to the plot. 

After all, a story that only focuses on love, happiness, and good moments might as well be a fairytale. But even fairytales have highs, lows, joys, and hardships. These elements make the perfect story.

A story about a discouraging event—be it the writer’s own or someone else's experience—can help readers reflect on their own lives, become more empathetic, and see all the things that they can be grateful for. Discouraging stories awaken the humanity in us. So, if you are a writer, don’t be afraid to add real “day-to-day” living into your story.

And remember: As you write about your characters’ moments of discouragement, show—don’t tell—readers about your characters’ resilience. Let your readers see how your characters overcome their discouragement and triumphant over their adversities.

Resilience is birthed in the most difficult of situations. So, the takeaway from a discouraging story is the art of being resilient in the face of adversity. Achieving this goal requires writing an interesting story that allows readers to see how they can learn and grow from discouraging moments.

Keep in mind that every discouraging story should have a plot twist of change and hope. If you have had this experience, why not share your story so that others can experience it as well?