A short guide to writing westerns
The western genre has long captivated the imaginations of readers and writers alike, transporting them to a bygone era filled with adventure, danger, and rugged individualism. As a writer, it is crucial to understand external content genres like the western in order to craft a compelling story that resonates with your audience. This guide will explore the conventions, obligatory scenes, and tips for writing a successful western.
What is the western genre?
The Western genre is a category of fiction and film primarily set in the American Old West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It typically includes cowboys, gunslingers, outlaws, and Native Americans, and often explores themes of honour, justice, and individualism.
The western genre is one of the external content genres, which focuses on the external conflicts and events that drive the story. Understanding the external content genre helps you develop stories that meet reader expectations and deliver a satisfying experience.
When to choose the western genre
Choosing the western genre for your story can be an excellent decision if your target audience enjoys tales of adventure, danger, and moral dilemmas set against the backdrop of the American West. Consider the themes and ideas you want to explore, and evaluate your familiarity with the genre to determine if the western setting and tone will enhance your storytelling.
Conventions of the western genre
The western genre is characterized by several key conventions:
- Setting: Western stories often take place on the frontier or in the American West during the 19th century.
- Protagonist: The hero in a western is typically a lone figure, embodying traits such as courage, honor, and resilience.
- Conflict: Westerns often depict a struggle between good and evil, or law and lawlessness, with the protagonist confronting various adversaries.
- Themes: Common themes in westerns include morality, survival, justice, and redemption.
- Tropes: Expect to encounter cowboys, Native Americans, outlaws, and lawmen in a western story.
- Tone and atmosphere: Westerns often have a rugged, gritty, and adventurous atmosphere that immerses readers in the story.
Obligatory scenes of the western genre
There are certain scenes that readers expect to encounter in a western:
- The arrival of the protagonist in a new town or setting, often foreshadowing the conflict to come.
- Confrontations between the protagonist and the antagonist(s), showcasing their opposing goals and motivations.
- A high-stakes, often violent, showdown or climax where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge.
- The resolution of the conflict and the ultimate fate of the protagonist, whether it's riding off into the sunset or meeting a tragic end.
Tips for writing a compelling western story
To create a captivating western, consider the following tips:
- Conduct research on the historical context and cultural nuances of the era to ensure your story is authentic and accurate.
- Develop engaging characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and backstories that readers can connect with.
- Create a vivid and immersive setting that transports readers to the Old West, using rich descriptions and sensory details.
- Craft an engaging plot with twists and turns that maintain reader interest and build suspense throughout the story.
- Use authentic language and dialogue that reflects the time period, but is still accessible to modern readers.
To create a western story that satisfies reader expectations and showcases your unique voice, it's crucial to grasp the conventions and obligatory scenes of the genre. This involves immersing yourself in the genre, conducting extensive research, and developing memorable characters and settings. With these elements established, you can craft a western tale that captures readers' imaginations and transports them to a world of adventure and intrigue.
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References
- Coyne, Shawn. 2015. The Story Grid. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.
