From a very young
age, I have loved getting lost in stories, especially those of people’s lives
or of pivotal moments in history. Growing up, my family would travel to spaces
and places around the world, learning about these stories I often never heard in
school or read in books—about extraordinary people and moments rarely
spotlighted. Curious me, would always ask my parents how come I’d never heard
of these events or individuals and was often disappointed by their answers.
Then one day my mom said because people rarely look beyond the frame. At the time, I didn’t exactly understand what she meant, but now, no matter what I am writing, those words remain at the forefront of my mind.
Much like a picture frame creates a border, which contains or houses a specific scene, the scope of our stories are generally framed too. And because of this, we need to remember there are people, histories, and experiences beyond the frame of the story that is centered and shared. Perspectives that can add depth and richness to the moment or people discussed or highlighted. When I write, I always try to look beyond the frame of my story and ask myself various questions to help me get started when exploring broader perspectives. First, I’ll identify groups and experiences that surround the frame of my story. Those that would also be affected by what occurs within the frame.
Then I ask:
- How does/did the event play a role in their everyday?
- How and when can including their voice and perspective enrich the main focus of the piece?
- Does the inclusion shift or distract from the focus of the work? If so, are there ways to still note the perspective?
- Have I captured authentic (or varied) perspectives by what is included in the overall work?
- Am I able to give an accurate voice to the often overlooked?
Every question
may not serve every piece you write, but for me something in them always help
to expand my thinking on a topic and I hope the same may be true for you.
Meet the Author:
Leah is a writer, mentor, and teacher. You can learn more about Leah and her writing at www.leahhendersonbooks.com
I appreciate the insightful lens and questions you've given us to think about when writing nonfiction, Leah. (And I'm a huge fan of TOGETHER WE MARCH.)
ReplyDeleteThat simple "beyond the frame" phrase is incredibly powerful—what a fabulous way to remember to look for more than the history we are told, the stories that we are shown. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove this and I added 'beyond the frame' to the quote list in my writing planner.
ReplyDeleteLEAH: "Beyond the frame" is yet another border we ALL MUST cross in order to tell the stories that matter most--that NEED to be told the most. THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION to ALWAYS keep in mind the questions you've raised in order to give a voice to the voiceless and bring to life--and light--those who are often forgotten or left out of the main frame. A POWERFUL LESSON! THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteYou simple questions lead to very deep thought. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. I try to remember to find the unexpected -- what a great mom to explain things to a kid that way!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice from your mom to her curious child: "Look beyond the frame." It's sort of like coloring outside the lines. Thank you so much for reminding us to be curious and look further, deeper, beyond!
ReplyDeleteThis is equally true for fiction, though the frames may differ. How did events affect secondary characters? How can we fit their perspectives? Do the events have implications for the larger world of the story? How can we show that? Should we? I love when ideas work for more than on type of story.
ReplyDeleteLove this challenge. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteFantastic perspective, Leah and Mom. You've blown my mind a little today :)
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ReplyDeleteSmart questions. Ty, Leah.
"Outside the Frame" would be a great book title! Maybe it already is. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThat first question, "How does/did the event play a role in their everyday?" is intriguing. Thank you, Leah.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of looking “beyond the frame.” Thanks for sharing, Leah!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and great reminder to really go beyond the story to figure out the best way to tell it. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love thinking about "beyond the frame" - it's like when I take photos and I remind myself to look "beyond the viewfinder" - maybe back up or go wide-angle and see what was missed in that first, framed shot. Framing is one of the tools we use to tell stories (who is telling this story? what POV?). I like to think about it like a zoom lens: now and then zoom out to see the broader perspective
ReplyDeleteLeah, thank you for these questions and the suggestion to think beyond the frame.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many ways to look beyond that are important. One that I make sure to consider is the names of places, events, objects, etc. We mostly know how something is named by the dominant culture, but often there is a rich(er) story from an earlier time. Thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leah. I like the idea of looking beyond the frame.
ReplyDeleteThat really makes me think. Thank you, Leah!
ReplyDeleteInsightful and helpful. Thank you, Leah.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice - thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leah, for sharing your thoughts about searching *beyond the frame.*
ReplyDeleteSuzy Leopold
I love this! What a beautiful way to express the idea - beyond the frame.
ReplyDeleteThis is great food for thought. I'm going to remember your phrase, "beyond the frame". Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLeah - thank you for this perfective - I will remember your advice to look behind the frame!
ReplyDeleteThese are very interesting and eye-opening questions. Thank you so much for encouraging us expand our visions of our stories.
ReplyDeleteYour questions are very insightful Leah! Thank you for encouraging us to look beyond the frame:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for a thought-provoking post. I like the "beyond the frame" idea.
ReplyDeleteI believe that people become easily overwhelmed by new information/ new stories. So many stick to what's inside the frame. It takes curiosity to go "beyond the frame of the story."
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas to make me think even further. Thanks Leah!
ReplyDeleteThe demand for NF in the classroom is increasing per the NCTeachers of English request this January (2023). Thanks for reminding us that events and people need to be integrated into the authentic voice of the character. As a newbie, that POV can be challenging! Appreciate all you do!
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions, Leah! I will definitely try to look beyond the frame on my next project.
ReplyDeleteLooking beyond the frame is a powerful concept. We so often box ourselves in. Thanks for the encouragement to look for broader perspectives.
ReplyDeleteYour mom was a wise woman! I love how you've used her insight to do your research. It's amazing what you find (and helpful for understanding a more broad perspective) when you do this. Thanks, Leah, for sharing this part of your process!
ReplyDelete"Look beyond the frame." Such an important thing to do--and not only in writing. Many thanks to you and your mom!
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