When a writer sets out to write fiction, he or she will encounter this question. Perhaps it will appear in a forum discussion. At first, the responses will seem useful, but then the forum trolls get involved, pointing out the various dictionary definitions or the post-modern deconstructionist interpretations. There’s lots of definitions of “story,” but which ones are most useful to a writer?
Well, actually, let’s step back and define “writer” first. A “writer” is someone who tries to translate thought into words on paper (actual or virtual). Some writers may write only to experience the unfolding of a personal fantasy. I believe such writer’s are actually rare; most are just suppressing a desire to show the work to someone else out of fear. But even without the conscious desire to communicate with an audience, the very nature of language, grammar, and its visual representation _assumes_ an audience — even if it’s only oneself at a later date. So the moment you write, you assume an audience. What is the point of interacting with an audience? ….

(Continued next blog.)