Writers never ‘need to’

Nobody ever needs to do anything.

What about if I hold a gun to your head and demand you give me access to your super-secret codes?

Even then, you have a choice – give the codes or be shot. There is no ‘need to.’ People want to avoid a consequence or achieve an ambition, and in the process choose to take action; either way, nobody ever needs to do anything.

Writers often miss this critical point. “They needed to updgrade their software.” Oh No They Did Not. There was, and is always, a choice.

What are the consequences of not upgrading, and what are the benefits of upgrading.ย Now write the story.

Nobody ever needs to do anything.

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