BLIND Spots and Promises
The BLIND Spot Every Storyteller Must See: Writing for Age-Specific Audiences. I've crafted a memorable framework so you can stay in service to your reader, being generous in a ego-driven world.
Ah, the blissful idealism of believing that great storytelling is universal. It's a beautiful thought—that your words will float into the cosmos, reaching every human heart. But while stories might be the universal language, it's clear that not every tale is suited for every age.
Think about it: Does a toddler find joy in Kafka? Would a teenager ponder over the symbolism in a Dr. Seuss book? Probably not. Here's the irony: as storytellers, we must intentionally "blind" ourselves to the myth of universal audience appeal to truly see our readers. This is where the BLIND framework swoops in to remove the wool from our eyes.
The Promise of Storytelling
When you commit to writing a story—a novel, a comic, or a screenplay—you're essentially making a promise. A promise to deliver an experience that will provoke thought, arouse emotion, or, at the very least, entertain. That's a commitment not to be taken lightly. Imagine a romantic partner promising eternal love and then vanishing at the first sign of conflict. In the same way, you can't seduce readers with an irresistible blurb and then deliver a narrative that's ill-fitted to their developmental stage. You're in a relationship with your readers; like any relationship, it requires understanding and communication.
Enter BLIND: A Framework for Age-Appropriate Storytelling
BLIND is an acronym for Basic, Linear, Interwoven, Nuanced, and Deep. It provides a lens—oh, the irony!—through which to focus your storytelling, calibrated to your target age group's cognitive and emotional development.
Basic
Applicability: Preschoolers (3-5)
At this age, storytelling is like LEGO building—keep it basic. Simple shapes, colors, and linear plots. Your audience is just getting their feet wet in the expansive ocean of narrative.
Linear
Applicability: Early Elementary (6-8)
These youngsters are riding bikes now—no training wheels, thank you very much—but they still prefer a clear path. A causes B, which leads to C. It’s storytelling in its most direct form.
Interwoven
Applicability: Tweens (9-12)
Life is getting complicated—school projects, friendships, the onset of individuality. Your stories should mirror this, with interwoven plots and characters that offer a richer texture.
Nuanced
Applicability: Teens (13-18)
Ah, adolescence—the roller coaster phase. Your readers can handle ups, downs, twists, and turns. Add layers of complexity and nuance that challenge them to think critically.
Deep
Applicability: Young Adults (19+)
It's time for full immersion. Deep characters, intricate plots, complex themes. You're not just providing a story; you're delivering a narrative abyss for them to plunge into. Aim for the intellectual stars, but remember not everyone in your readership holds a doctorate (I sure don't).
Why BLIND?
Because you've promised your reader an experience. Your responsibility is to deliver that experience in a language they can comprehend, using syntax they can follow, with images that they can grasp, wrapped up in suitably resonant messages. If that means blinding yourself to the lofty ideal of "universal storytelling," so be it.