Tangrams and Writing

Tangrams are a collection of shapes, mainly triangles, in different sizes. These shapes are arranged to create or match a picture. When building with tangrams, one must see all of the possible ways a shape can be used to make new shapes. A triangle is not just a triangle. It can also be half of a square. Next, the shapes have to be translated into imagery. Two triangles can be placed point to point to make an animal's ears. Three triangles can be placed in a line to create the bottom of a boat. If one wants to match a picture, one must see beyond the shapes.

This is how I approach writing. The elements of the story are the building blocks that create the picture. Each character has a role to play. They are the tricky parts of the image that can only be built with the right turn of the shape. The plot points are the connecting pieces that fill out the image. As it becomes clear, sometimes the shapes need to be adjusted. One edge sticks out too far, showing that the piece does not fit properly. This is the revision process. I rethink the orientation of the pieces and shuffle them around. Sometimes a scene needs to be rewritten or removed. Sometimes the dialogue requires pruning to enhance character development and forward the scene. Regardless of the adjustments, it takes a shift in perspective to see beyond the full image without losing sight of the pieces themselves.