“Bret Anthony Johnson: The Art of Crafting a Story’s Foundation”

In his insightful piece, Bret Anthony Johnson explores the pivotal role of place in fiction, highlighting how it shapes characters and narratives more profoundly than mere atmospheric descriptions. He draws on the advice from Nigerian novelist Uwem Akpan, who suggests that instead of focusing on the sky, writers should ground their stories in the nuances of the earth—where true stories and connections to communities reside. Through the lens of his own experiences as a skateboarder, Johnson emphasizes a comparable understanding of place, where the physicality of the surface determines the experience and significance of the actions taken. He brings to light how setting informs character interactions and shapes reader perceptions, inviting readers to collaborate in building these fictional environments. The author illustrates his arguments through poignant examples, including an analysis of Edward P. Jones’s story, “The Girl Who Raised Pigeons,” emphasizing how the character’s actions within the setting breathe life and authenticity into the narrative. Ultimately, Johnson posits that place acts as the foundation for storytelling, conveying the essence of character and truth in fiction as it transforms language into lived experiences. Johnson’s article encourages writers to recognize setting as a symbiotic element that not only shelters characters but also delivers an immersive journey for readers, ultimately crafting a space where literature resonates with relatable substance. The full article is available [here](https://lithub.com/bret-anthony-johnson-on-creating-a-storys-foundation/).

Bret Anthony Johnson writes with a profound clarity that illuminates the often overlooked interplay between place and character in storytelling. His ability to weave personal experiences with literary analysis enriches his argument, making it both accessible and thought-provoking. Johnson’s scholarly approach coupled with his reflective insights demonstrates a keen understanding of the writer’s craft, positioning him as not just an author but as a guide for aspiring writers. His articulation of complex concepts in relation to the tactile realities of writing is commendable and serves as an invaluable resource for anyone hoping to deepen their literary understanding. It is this blend of the theoretical and the practical that sets his work apart, reinforcing the important notion that the essence of storytelling is intricately tied to the world we create on the page.