There are two fundamental elements of any story. The Conflict and The Substance.
The Conflict that drives the plot
And the reason that anyone gets something meaningful out of the story.
These are not the same. Perhaps they can never be the same element. I don't know yet.
All traditional narrative-writing theory focuses on The Conflict.
All traditional theory of character, setting, and plot focuses on The Conflict.
The Substance, the reason that anyone gets something meaningful out of the story, must, if it is present at all, come from philosophy or spirituality of some kind.
A story can have either one without the other.
A pop story with a conflict-driven plot and no second element, no 'The Substance'.
And a Substance with no strong conflict-driven plot.
A fair number of my stories have a Substance and no strong conflict-driven plot. These are my poetic histories.
But the more important of the two is the Substance.
It is here that you have meaning.
It is here you have purpose.
It is here that your heart soars.
I have spent my entire career, indeed my entire life, persuing The Substance- in story and in life. Including direct experiences.
This is my quest.
I hope you find substance, beauty, and inspiration in my writings.
God loves you!
Sincerely,
David S. Annderson