Writing is fun! But why? How can anything this frustrating also be enjoyable? It's that feeling of creating something magical out of nothing. Blank canvas or blank paper,when you create and construct an idea you didn't think you could, there's always a feeling of elation and accomplishment. What you compose may turn out totally different than what you started with. It's a journey, and it's interesting (and sometimes frustrating) to see what you end up with. Characters have a tendency to surprise you, and a new idea may send the plot in a new direction.
For example, in my current project I have a male character any girl would love to hate, but I realized through my critique group that he needs to be more well-rounded. I was really reluctant to give him more depth because, when I write him it's amusing to see how bad he can get. To create some tension, and to keep the reader guessing he needs to be nice though, sometimes.
I like giving myself time to write, and being able to act on an idea that's coming to the surface. When you have a family, it's important to have some "me" time, and writing is mine. I feel the time spent is also purposeful. Okay lets face it, I could be working out instead, I just choose not to. I am indulging myself, but why not, who knows what may come of it?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think you are right in your decision to make Blake a more mulitdimensional character. I think that sometimes as writer's we are drawn to stereotypical characters, situations, etc (because that is the familiar; and it takes us a moment to step back and evaluate what we've written in order to create more interest.
ReplyDeleteThere is a such thing as a multidimensional bad boy. Girls wouldn't fall for them if they are all bad.
We are the beneficiaries of your "indulgence" - until the right publisher introduces you to the world!
ReplyDeleteYou're working out mentally! But it feels like emotionally, too, doesn't it? My goal for you is to like Blake. You can still see how nasty he gets, but make him have some things that appeal to you. In my longer story, this female villain does some horrible things but she amused me so that I was sad when she had to be killed off! Remember, you can write scenes about Blake or background on him that does not necessarily appear in the story--just for you to help get his character where you want it.
ReplyDeletealso, now your post title is stuck in my brain--isn't that a song? like from moulin rouge but also by elvis or something?
ReplyDeleteI like that you touched upon the element of surprise so much can come from the act of writing!! I love it!
ReplyDeleteSome of the best developments in plot or character can be the most surprising, especially to the author him/herself.
ReplyDelete