In the realm of storytelling, authors often start with a captivating tale and weave in lessons, subtly imparting wisdom to their readers. But when writing Once Upon A Claim, I embarked on a rather unconventional journey. The challenge? I knew the lessons I wanted to share, the pivotal “Moral of the Story,” but sometimes I had to find the right fairy tale to encapsulate each concept.
Imagine having a clear, vivid picture of a destination but needing to chart the path to get there. That was the essence of crafting some of the stories. “Bearskin” is a perfect example. I see the correlation clearly, but my proof- and beta-readers had more difficulty. It was akin to a puzzle, where the final image was crystal clear to me, but the pieces needed meticulous arranging for my readers to understand.
There were moments of doubt and frustration, of course. How do you find a tale that perfectly aligns with the nuances of, say, a specific insurance principle? But these challenges were also what made the writing process exhilarating. There’s a unique thrill in scouring through age-old tales, seeking that one story or character that clicks, resonating seamlessly with the lesson at hand. I relied on help, of course. My virtual assistant, Mary, helped identify some stories and possible themes.
This “backwards” approach, while unconventional, led to some unexpected discoveries. Tales I’d overlooked or deemed irrelevant suddenly took on new significance. Stories from different cultures or lesser-known fables became goldmines of insights, waiting to be paired with the right “Moral.”
The end result? A book that not only educates about the intricacies of insurance but does so through carefully curated tales, each chosen for its precise alignment with the lesson it imparts. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, to move forward, we might just need to think a little backward.
To all aspiring authors and storytellers, I leave you with this: Embrace the challenges. Sometimes, the most unconventional methods lead to the most rewarding tales.
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