Winter or Spring?
Monday Musings
I’ve started seeing Robin themed merchandise popping up in stores around Bristol. Â We are not anywhere near Spring and the robins are often perched on snow covered branches, or on the red berried bushes of Winter. Â That’s because the robin is a Christmas symbol in the UK, adorning masses of Christmas cards, Christmas wrap, and Christmas ornaments.
In the US the Robin is a sign of Spring. “The first Robin” is alway a joyous and exciting sight. They are depicted on flowering branches or fruiting bushes.  They are a sign that Winter is over.
Aside from an interesting fact about cultural and bird species differences, this is an example of how a simple clue might be misread or become a “red herring” in a mystery. Â A detective or investigator or curious citizen might be mislead because of cultural assumptions leading to false conclusions.
A robin means something completely different in the US and UK. Â Simple misdirection like this can be infinitely more satisfying than convoluted twists and turns. What are the assumptions characters make (cultural or otherwise) that lead them to a false conclusion or bad result in your story?
Create a visual map for a character’s emotional journey. Pull stories from character rather from rote story structure beats. Some of the largest international media companies, use this in story and character development.
A clear concise guide for writers and producers to have by their side as they embark on a project. It gives a really vital reminder of what is key for story success.
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