Writing Tip — Learning From Twilight Zone

May 11, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Writing Tip

outer space Writing Tip Learning From Twilight Zone If you’re feeling like someone is watching you or that your child’s doll is watching you, it may interest or comfort you to know that today is National Twilight Zone Day.

I remember growing up as a kid watching episodes of Twilight Zone, a little frightened and not sure what to expect. That was part of the fun of Twilight Zone. It surprised you, it made you laugh, it frightened you, sometimes all in one episode. A writer can learn some valuable lessons from Twilight Zone.

The success of the show was undoubtedly the writing. The writers succeeded admirably in being able to tap into those archetypes and the feelings of the collective consciousness. Can’t we all relate to feeling angry when we’re not believed? We know we saw that creature out on the plane’s wing. Or haven’t we held a fear that if we indulged in a vice like gambling, we may never stop? The Twilight Zone did shun these fears, rather it challenged us to face them. Sometimes the outcome was expected. Other times, our fears drove the story.

Writers can learn from it. By exposing those universal feelings, you can connect with your audience in new ways. Your work can become more personal. Your work can become the Willoughby that your readers long for.

Photo by johnlemon

Tags: twilight zone