We just had an interesting discussion at our Fiction Writer's Circle. (Only 3 people here - when it's a small group to start with, all it takes is a few vacation plans.) After we read and discussed our writing with suggestions ranging from minor corrections to structural reorganization, we got talking about what we read and how that relates to what we write.
I think we read (and therefore must write) things which have characters which people have to be able to relate to. Whatever the genre, whatever the plot, whatever the action details, the characters must approach what they encounter with persistence, fortitude, cleverness - or whatever characteristics people find appealing, because they think (or wish) they have those characteristics themselves. So Joe or Sue (or whoever the character is) approaches his/her problem - saving mankind or whatever - with the same characteristics people want to have when they approach a gossipy co-worker spreading rumours or whatever more mundane problems in their own lives there are.
But there are many very angry people out there, so does that mean we have to write so characters approach problems with violence since that is the way all those people would like to respond to every minor inconvenience? I'm not just talking about the obviously angry either - it's scary to discover how many apparently calm, stable people have built-up rage inside.
What do you do if you realize you are out of step with the masses? I often feel that way, and am quite content to be. But does that mean I will never write something with broad appeal unless I sacrifice my values to give my characters characteristics which run contrary to my authentic self, which I do not want to do.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Writing Fictional Characters
I recently returned from a marvelous vacation in Newfoundland where I encountered an incredible variety of extremely rich people. Someone in my writing circle (there are 6 of us, all writing fiction of various kinds) suggested they might be a great source for characters in my writing. My reaction was that I wasn't sure they would be. Since I am not part of that culture, I don't think I could write realistic dialogue, understand motivation for behaviour, etc for such creations. - Not unless I immerse myself in that culture for an extended period of time. Anyone willing to pay for me to spend a few years there?
That started me thinking about the whole issue of creating realistic characters. One of the maxims of writing is to write about what you know. So how divergent from ourselves can those characters be? For example, I think I can create a character who is mean, insensitive, and macho in a negative way, and that is all very unlike me. But I'm not sure that I could create that character in other than a stereotypical way if he was to come from the inner city of a large metropolitan area, something I am not familiar with. (I have never lived in a large city.)
Any comments? When you create characters, how do you do it if they are quite outside your culture or experience?
That started me thinking about the whole issue of creating realistic characters. One of the maxims of writing is to write about what you know. So how divergent from ourselves can those characters be? For example, I think I can create a character who is mean, insensitive, and macho in a negative way, and that is all very unlike me. But I'm not sure that I could create that character in other than a stereotypical way if he was to come from the inner city of a large metropolitan area, something I am not familiar with. (I have never lived in a large city.)
Any comments? When you create characters, how do you do it if they are quite outside your culture or experience?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Another posting from Authors Promoting Authors
Here is another posting taken from Authors Promting Authors, primarily comments from reviews and comments about the novel. You can check it out for a synopsis, excerpts, etc. at the link at the bottom.
"Our 14-year-old granddaughter loved it! She said she couldn't put it down. Then she told her friends about it as well. So it seems like a great hit with her freshmen friends."
~Annie Warmke, Founder and Advisor, The League of Extraordinary Girl Scientists (LEGS), Founder and Past President, Women’s Peacepower Foundation (& Earthship Builder/Owner, Blue Rock Station, Ohio)
******************************************************************
"The first thing that struck me about No Shadows Left Behind was that it was written almost exclusively in the present tense. With the exception of memories and flashbacks, this present tense brought all the thoughts and actions to an immediate forefront. Because of the consistency maintained in this, however, it soon fades into the story line, making for a seamless and effortless reading. A beautiful technique!The story was difficult for me to read; but then, it was meant to be that way. As the story unfolded, I found myself anxious for the moment when Christy's secret would be discovered. How would that be accomplished? Will she finally break down and tell someone?... When it finally is revealed, I was taken aback by how it was done... In my opinion, this couldn't have been presented in a better way!...While the entire story moved me greatly, I was not able to cry until the very last page. At that point, I broke down and wept for the extraordinary characters that have become very real to me."
~Lidia Tremblay
************************************************************************************************************************
"The story is both informative and inspirational. The characters are very real and their struggles can be felt through the pages. For victims of abuse it encourages seeking help without ever being pushy or blind to the attached emotional struggles. For non-victims it offers insight into an ugly reality of our world and how others can gently help and support those caught in abuse and its aftermath. A book much needed and long overdue!"~Elke Rose, homeschooling mother & book evaluator
To order No Shadows Left Behind, please visit Harris Innovations at: http://www.harrisinnovationspublishing.com/index.html
"Our 14-year-old granddaughter loved it! She said she couldn't put it down. Then she told her friends about it as well. So it seems like a great hit with her freshmen friends."
~Annie Warmke, Founder and Advisor, The League of Extraordinary Girl Scientists (LEGS), Founder and Past President, Women’s Peacepower Foundation (& Earthship Builder/Owner, Blue Rock Station, Ohio)
******************************************************************
"The first thing that struck me about No Shadows Left Behind was that it was written almost exclusively in the present tense. With the exception of memories and flashbacks, this present tense brought all the thoughts and actions to an immediate forefront. Because of the consistency maintained in this, however, it soon fades into the story line, making for a seamless and effortless reading. A beautiful technique!The story was difficult for me to read; but then, it was meant to be that way. As the story unfolded, I found myself anxious for the moment when Christy's secret would be discovered. How would that be accomplished? Will she finally break down and tell someone?... When it finally is revealed, I was taken aback by how it was done... In my opinion, this couldn't have been presented in a better way!...While the entire story moved me greatly, I was not able to cry until the very last page. At that point, I broke down and wept for the extraordinary characters that have become very real to me."
~Lidia Tremblay
************************************************************************************************************************
"The story is both informative and inspirational. The characters are very real and their struggles can be felt through the pages. For victims of abuse it encourages seeking help without ever being pushy or blind to the attached emotional struggles. For non-victims it offers insight into an ugly reality of our world and how others can gently help and support those caught in abuse and its aftermath. A book much needed and long overdue!"~Elke Rose, homeschooling mother & book evaluator
To order No Shadows Left Behind, please visit Harris Innovations at: http://www.harrisinnovationspublishing.com/index.html
Monday, August 11, 2008
Life Is Like Making Chocolate Chip Cookies by L. Sue Durkin
Life is Like Making Chocolate Chip Cookies uses stories and metaphors to inspire and inform readers on how to deal with life situations.
The insights shared come from personal experiences, as well as from others.
Life is Like.... addresses mind, body, and spirit.Insightful views on meditation and dealing with self, others, and relationships help people caught up in disappoints, negativity, anger, and fear.
Help is here now!
Authors Promoting Authors - a great idea
I got home from a lengthy vacation (first in years) late last night, so if I'm a little rambly and not terrible clear or concise, please understand. (What a great excuse - maybe I should go away more often.) Anyway, before I left, I became aware of what I think is a great idea, and joined Authors Promoting Authors.
The basic idea comes from the fact that marketing and publicizing books which are self-published or published by small firms is often difficult. The skill-set to write with quality is not the same skill-set needed to promote and sell. So any opportunity to reach beyond the local audience (particularly for those of us who live in remote areas where that audience is very small) is welcomed.
There are interesting new books posted on that site every few days, reinforcing my belief that there are more articulate, skilled people writing that ever before (and I suspect there are fewer people reading with the growth of electronic media, though those who read probably read extensively!).
Anyway, I want to here include the posting before the description of one my novels, but there is a poem posted between the previous book and mine, and I want to be sure which I should show.
Check back later.
The basic idea comes from the fact that marketing and publicizing books which are self-published or published by small firms is often difficult. The skill-set to write with quality is not the same skill-set needed to promote and sell. So any opportunity to reach beyond the local audience (particularly for those of us who live in remote areas where that audience is very small) is welcomed.
There are interesting new books posted on that site every few days, reinforcing my belief that there are more articulate, skilled people writing that ever before (and I suspect there are fewer people reading with the growth of electronic media, though those who read probably read extensively!).
Anyway, I want to here include the posting before the description of one my novels, but there is a poem posted between the previous book and mine, and I want to be sure which I should show.
Check back later.
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