How "What If?" Can Super-charge Your Writing

Use "what if?" to re-examine, not for regret.

I really struggle with asking, “What if…”

But recently, I've learned there's 2 ways to handle “What if” questions:

Regret…

Or…

Re-examine.

Many times, I admit I default to Regret:

+What if I hadn't turned down that opportunity…?
+What if I’d never taken that one job…?
+What if I’d started writing sooner…?

Anyone else?

But “what if” you use it to re-examine the book idea you keep tossing around your brain? After all, “What if” is the basis of a lot of fiction/film:

+“What if there were witches and wizards in real life but we just never notice them?” (Harry Potter)

+“What if you could travel back in time to see what your parents were like as teens?” (Back to the Future)

“What if” is also powerful motivation in nonfiction:

+“What if my ideas could help others be successful in their work?” (Business)

+“What if my story could encourage others?” (Memoir)

Re-examine “what if.” Instead of using it for regret, what if your “what if” could be your breakthrough?

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