Find Your Talisman

Each book has a central idea or theme that carries the story. This idea may be something abstract like love, faith, freedom, truth, or adventure. As you work, this idea will develop its own narrative arc.

• longing for a mother
• discovering the “truth” about oneself
• searching for home
• finding a religion

In a way, the whole story is a hide-and-seek game. The protagonist is trying to hunt, seek, uncover, discover, and arrive at some “thing.” The best way to communicate that thing is through metaphor: a central image that can tie your book together. It should be something packed with possibility.

Examples of Talismans in Literature

In Pete Hautman’s Godless, a group of teenagers decides to create a religion devoted to worshipping the town water tower. This water tower becomes a powerful symbol of rebellion, belief, and identity.

In The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, a honey jar serves as a clue to the protagonist's past and a symbol of the sweetness and sting of family and memory.

In Janet Lee Carey’s The Double Life of Zoe Flynn, a glass doorknob carried by the protagonist symbolizes her longing for home and stability. The glass doorknob serves as a tangible connection to her lost house and her sense of self.

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the One Ring is a central talisman representing power, corruption, and the heavy burden of responsibility. The Ring's presence drives the entire plot and influences the fate of all characters involved.

In Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, the rose symbolizes love, beauty, and responsibility. The Little Prince's care for his rose reflects his inner emotional journey and personal growth.

In Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, the gold fish crafted by Colonel Aureliano Buendía represent the cyclical nature of history and the solitude that haunts the Buendía family. These talismans are symbolic of both creativity and the futility of trying to escape one's fate.

Making Use of Your Talisman

Each of these books features multiple scenes with the talisman. In fact, for each book, the talisman is often featured on the original cover art, emphasizing its significance.

Janet Lee Carey actually carries her book’s talisman with her as she works on the manuscript. During the writing of The Double Life of Zoe Flynn, she carried a glass doorknob in her voluminous bag. While passing through airport security, her talisman was picked up by the x-ray machine. When the security staffer pulled it out of the bag, all Janet could think to do was stammer, “I’m a writer!” (If you ever meet Janet, ask her to tell you the rather mysterious story of how she found the glass doorknob.)

Steps to Finding and Using Your Talisman

1. Identify Your Talisman: Determine the central metaphor or image that symbolizes your book’s theme. What object can represent the core of your story?

2. Plan Three Scenes: Focus on incorporating your talisman into three key scenes in your book. How does this object influence your protagonist? What emotions or revelations does it evoke?

3. Write One Scene: Draft one of those scenes, ensuring the talisman plays a crucial role in the narrative and character development.

4. Carry Your Talisman: Find an object that symbolizes your central metaphor. Carry it around with you as you write your novel. This physical connection can help keep you focused and inspired.

5. Prepare an Explanation: Be ready to explain your talisman to curious onlookers, especially if you encounter airport security or inquisitive friends.

By weaving a talisman into your story, you create a powerful symbol that can enrich your narrative and provide deeper connections for your readers. What is your talisman?