Paul Simon’s song, “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover” came to mind as I was thinking about this blog– because there are so many ways to say the same thing. That makes perspective and point of view very powerful tools for the writer.
So let’s try an exercise to see how bias can change a story and alter what we reveal.
WRITTEN AS A NOVEL
(Anytown, USA)
Sunday morning, Jane Doe, left her home on Loveya Lane, revved up the engine of their prized Miata, and never looked back. She and John had been together for eight years, not formally joined but living the life of a married couple. Yet, over the years, Jane and John had drifted apart. He had started a successful entrepreneurial company and was raking in the dough while she was giving away her worldly belongings in search of Enlightenment.
Just as Jane crossed the state line with radio blaring and hair flying in the wind, John woke up and saw the note she had left on the nightstand. “Dear John,” it read in Jane’s quick hand. “I love you, but I’ve got to leave. Thanks for 8 great years. Don’t try to find me. Treat Fido well.” John sat on the edge of the bed, too stunned to move. Fido looked up imploringly, as John absent-mindedly scratched him behind the ear.
WRITTEN AS A NEWS BROADCAST
(Anytown, USA)
(Medium shot, anchor) I’m standing on the lawn with John Doe in front of his empty garage. (camera pulls back to reveal garage) After an eight year relationship, it appears that his partner, Jane, has taken the car and headed toward the highway, leaving their dog, Fido, behind. John is the owner of the highly successful Capital Ventures Company and says he didn’t see this coming. (cut to John holding a folded note) “Jane and I have had a great life together. She’s been my friend, lover, and soul mate. We’ve had some differences of opinion about money, but I never expected her to leave for a commune. Guess it’s just me and Fido now.” (camera pans down to dog who barks on cue)
WRITTEN AS A SOCIAL MEDIA POST
Hey, guys. Jane’s gone. Went to a commune near Taos. John’s bummed. He’s got the dog but she took the car. You can text her but don’t call.
WRITTEN AS A BUSINESS STORY
John Doe, the successful owner of Capital Ventures, is looking for a red (year and model) Miata to replace one that was recently stolen. The car will be garaged at his home in Anytown USA, close to their corporate headquarters in Anycity, USA. “We’ve had a record year,” said Doe, when interviewed after the fourth quarter Board Meeting. “We’ve gotten product out ahead of schedule and have great new things in the pipeline. I’m considering the car a personal reward,” he said with a smile. Doe wouldn’t talk about the pipeline projects but promised a press conference once he and his longtime partner, Jane, return from a trip abroad. “Sorry, guys, gotta fly,” Doe told the throng of reporters pressing him at the airport. “Where’s Jane?” someone from the Financial Sun called out. “She’s already there,” Doe assured. “For safety sake, we don’t travel together anymore.”
WRITTEN AS A MEMOIR
I’m Jane Doe, and I’ve been with John for eight wonderful years. Each day as I watch him get ready for work, I am envious of his enthusiasm. He is certainly a man consumed by his passion to succeed, while I on the other hand, am trying to find success in simpler things. The days for me are long as I read quietly in the study, with Fido at my side. I see such greed and discontentment in the world around me. People compete for things they will never use and don’t really need. I’ve decided to give most of my material belongings to charity and am seriously considering joining a commune. I don’t want to hurt John, but I see no other way.
WRITTEN AS AN AD
Sunny room for rent in expansive house at the outskirts of Anytown, USA. Formerly a study for an aspiring writer and philosopher, this charming hideaway features beautiful Victorian moldings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an atrium filled with ferns. Quiet neighborhood. Access to all common areas, including garage. Monthly rent $$$. Property owner is a single corporate executive who travels frequently.
What’s the take-away here? There’s more than one way to leave a lover – or tell a story. None of these versions is wrong, but each offers a distinctly different “take” on what happened. We might conclude that what a writer chooses not to say is just as important as what he says.
Tags: Paul Simon, perspective, themes
Categories: Creativity, Writing