The Popes are in the Pool

Every story needs some exposition; the story simply won’t make sense and can’t really get started without it. Ideally, we would weave all the reader needs to know seamlessly into the narrative, doling out bits as the protagonist begins his or her adventure. Sometimes, however, it’s better to just get it all out as quickly as possible. The problem is that info dumps such as these are boring; now the story has become school and the reader might feel like they need to take notes. What’s more, a bored audience is a distracted audience, and so probably won’t absorb all the info you’re dumping anyway. What to do?

In his screenwriting guidebook Save The Cat, Blake Snyder recommends “putting a Pope in the pool.” This refers to a political thriller Snyder had seen in which all the exposition we need is delivered to the Pope while he swims laps in the Vatican pool. Did you know the Vatican had a pool? Of course you didn’t. So that’s interesting. Then there’s the sight of The Holy See in his Speedo and goggles. That’s funny. By the time the audience has adjusted to all these interesting and surprising visuals, the exposition was complete. Job done.

In some ways, everything I write is a Pope in the pool. I’m philosophical by nature; it’s where my mind goes when left unbothered by worry or chores. Why are we happy and unhappy? What is inspiration? What is fear? Such are the questions I most want to answer in my work. I do not, however, trust philosophy alone to hold anyone’s attention. It often doesn’t hold mine. My favorite spiritual teacher is hilarious. As good as her teachings are, I don’t think I’d have been as drawn to her without the jokes.

But I also wouldn’t have cared as much about the jokes without the teachings. I think everyone wants to be entertained, and everyone also wants to know why life is worth living. I find a good story to be the perfect vessel for what can seem like these disconnected desires. We should never have to choose between meaning and fun; between humor and learning. Writing continues to teach me that they are wrapped up together already, that world is full of all the pools and swimming Popes I’ll ever need to help share what seems worth sharing.

Check out Fearless Writing with Bill Kenower on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.

Everyone Has What It Takes: A Writer’s Guide to the End of Self-Doubt
You can find William at: williamkenower.com