Each year Southern Magic hosts a Romance Reader's Luncheon. This year's event will take place tomorrow at the Homewood Public Library.
I have handled the registration for the last two years and I am happy to report that many of the people registered this year attended last year's event. Obviously they enjoyed themselves last time.
What's not to like? For the cost of admission you will get a great lunch, sit with an author at a table they host, where you will find a goodie bag awaiting you filled with several books and promotional material from well-known authors. Top that off with our keynote speaker, Anne Stuart, and you have a day guaranteed to please. Did I mention that there will also be a book signing by the authors in attendance?
You're out of luck this year if you don't already have a ticket. This year's event is sold out. Start watching for next year's event on our website during the summer of 2010. You wouldn't want to miss it again.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Hurts So Good
This year has been one of several “firsts” for me. My first request for a full manuscript. My first contract. My first book release. And my first negative review.
Ouch. The reader didn’t like my characters and isn’t sure she will read anything else by me. After wondering if maybe I had stolen her lunchbox on the playground when we were younger, I quickly did what any person would do…I became defensive. And then I started doubting my writing ability and questioning how I could have made the characters and the story better. Regardless that three other people had reviewed and really liked the book, I allowed the one negative comment to kick my confidence and joy of writing out from under me.
Now this self-doubt only lasted a few moments, but I was reminded of something that stayed with me much longer. Count it all joy. Everything—the good, the bad and the ugly—has purpose. The positive and the negative comments make me a stronger and more prolific writer. Both sharpen me—one just feels better than the other! But the negative accomplishes something the positive cannot. It reveals where I am. The bible cautions beware if all men speak well of you. I’ve always viewed that verse in a certain way. Now, as I’m experiencing these “firsts”, my eyes are opened to another aspect of it. If men only spoke good of us, how would we know we are strong enough to handle criticism? Would we be shipwrecked on the shores of self-doubt never able to find the courage or esteem to set sail once more? How would we discover whether our identity and joy is based on something more than our jobs? How would we find out that in the face of adversity we have the fortitude and strength to press forward? Yes, accolades uplift us, but it’s the disappointments that challenge us to rise in the first place.
Ouch. The reader didn’t like my characters and isn’t sure she will read anything else by me. After wondering if maybe I had stolen her lunchbox on the playground when we were younger, I quickly did what any person would do…I became defensive. And then I started doubting my writing ability and questioning how I could have made the characters and the story better. Regardless that three other people had reviewed and really liked the book, I allowed the one negative comment to kick my confidence and joy of writing out from under me.
Now this self-doubt only lasted a few moments, but I was reminded of something that stayed with me much longer. Count it all joy. Everything—the good, the bad and the ugly—has purpose. The positive and the negative comments make me a stronger and more prolific writer. Both sharpen me—one just feels better than the other! But the negative accomplishes something the positive cannot. It reveals where I am. The bible cautions beware if all men speak well of you. I’ve always viewed that verse in a certain way. Now, as I’m experiencing these “firsts”, my eyes are opened to another aspect of it. If men only spoke good of us, how would we know we are strong enough to handle criticism? Would we be shipwrecked on the shores of self-doubt never able to find the courage or esteem to set sail once more? How would we discover whether our identity and joy is based on something more than our jobs? How would we find out that in the face of adversity we have the fortitude and strength to press forward? Yes, accolades uplift us, but it’s the disappointments that challenge us to rise in the first place.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Relevancy
“I’m not reading any more young adult paranormals,” announced my mother recently.
“Why?” I was aghast, I write paranormals and YA.
She gave a sniff of disdain, “because in the last book I read, it was obvious that the writer doesn’t have children.”
Curious, I asked “really? Give me more specifics.”
She proceeded to tell me about a book she’d read, where the heroine was in her very early teens having the freedom to go out late at night (My mother didn’t allow me, did yours?). Then came the worst thing in her opinion, the characters “had no reaction when they killed others.”
I pondered on what she said, and found it made sense.
As writers, we create worlds, light and dark, which we have to make relevant to the reader. We also have to justify the actions of all of our characters in this world. For example, if the heroine from the story my mother read had a severely dysfunctional family life, than most readers would have accepted the late night wanderings. As for killing, if there had been a reason that those who killed had no reaction, whether it was compartmentalization, revenge, sociopathic tendencies, etc, than the reader could understand (maybe not accept, but they’d go with it).
Imagine if you will, writing about a police officer. Perhaps he comes upon a deadly motor vehicle accident, what do you think he would do? Is this is first one? Or twentieth? Do you think he’d joke around, act nonchalant? Would you? If he does, how would you, as a writer, justify his behavior? This applies to every character and situation. I know when I give my manuscripts to my critique partners; I request that they tell me where the story stops them or where it doesn’t make sense. My greatest fear is to lose the reader, or to turn them away because they don’t believe my reality that I have created.
What do you think? Have you found a story where you could not identify nor believe what was going on? Did it ruin the story for you?
As for me, I am going to continue to write my genres, but now, I wonder, will my mother read it?
“Why?” I was aghast, I write paranormals and YA.
She gave a sniff of disdain, “because in the last book I read, it was obvious that the writer doesn’t have children.”
Curious, I asked “really? Give me more specifics.”
She proceeded to tell me about a book she’d read, where the heroine was in her very early teens having the freedom to go out late at night (My mother didn’t allow me, did yours?). Then came the worst thing in her opinion, the characters “had no reaction when they killed others.”
I pondered on what she said, and found it made sense.
As writers, we create worlds, light and dark, which we have to make relevant to the reader. We also have to justify the actions of all of our characters in this world. For example, if the heroine from the story my mother read had a severely dysfunctional family life, than most readers would have accepted the late night wanderings. As for killing, if there had been a reason that those who killed had no reaction, whether it was compartmentalization, revenge, sociopathic tendencies, etc, than the reader could understand (maybe not accept, but they’d go with it).
Imagine if you will, writing about a police officer. Perhaps he comes upon a deadly motor vehicle accident, what do you think he would do? Is this is first one? Or twentieth? Do you think he’d joke around, act nonchalant? Would you? If he does, how would you, as a writer, justify his behavior? This applies to every character and situation. I know when I give my manuscripts to my critique partners; I request that they tell me where the story stops them or where it doesn’t make sense. My greatest fear is to lose the reader, or to turn them away because they don’t believe my reality that I have created.
What do you think? Have you found a story where you could not identify nor believe what was going on? Did it ruin the story for you?
As for me, I am going to continue to write my genres, but now, I wonder, will my mother read it?
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
CHECKING IN
Sometimes we get so busy with our writing, work, and family that we forget how much is going on around us, especially when we’re waiting for that special email or phone call. We're so focused on that one thing that each day can seem like forever. In fact, some days (like TODAY) it feels as though time has stopped.
So.
I’m in the moooood again to generate a bit of momentum among the Southern Magic Bloggers. Consider this another shout-out asking all of you to share what you’re doing with your writing career. This is the time of year the publishing houses and agencies get into full swing. Let’s jump in and take advantage. Get that book done. Get those submissions out.
Me? I’m writing and waiting. My two favorite things. Obviously writing is something I love, but you may be questioning my sanity on the waiting. Simply put, I think of waiting the same as I do rejection letters. I’m putting myself out there and I’m submitting. Which is better than doing nothing.
I’m writing at least 5,000 words a week (and will be finished with this current book by Thanksgiving). I’m waiting to hear results on two contests (maybe you’ve heard of The Linda Howard AoE? Of course you have). I still have to send two entries into the Golden Heart. I have full manuscripts with two agents and two editors. I have a partial with another. So when I’m not writing, I’m waiting. And waiting.
And waiting.
Waiting is a good thing.
It is.
No, really.
BUUUUUT, on days like today when waiting feels like slogging through life in slow motion, I need a little help from my writing friends. So I’m counting on my writing peeps today to give me updates. Fuel the blog fire! Let me know what you’re doing!
I want EVERY morsel. Contest hopes. Agent submissions. Editor requests. Conference plans. Reeeaaders Luncheon???
(SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT: Southern Magic Readers Luncheon / November 7, 2009 at the Homewood Library / Please see http://southernmagic.org/luncheon.html for further details.)
Okay, let’s have it. I want details!
I’ll wait.
So.
I’m in the moooood again to generate a bit of momentum among the Southern Magic Bloggers. Consider this another shout-out asking all of you to share what you’re doing with your writing career. This is the time of year the publishing houses and agencies get into full swing. Let’s jump in and take advantage. Get that book done. Get those submissions out.
Me? I’m writing and waiting. My two favorite things. Obviously writing is something I love, but you may be questioning my sanity on the waiting. Simply put, I think of waiting the same as I do rejection letters. I’m putting myself out there and I’m submitting. Which is better than doing nothing.
I’m writing at least 5,000 words a week (and will be finished with this current book by Thanksgiving). I’m waiting to hear results on two contests (maybe you’ve heard of The Linda Howard AoE? Of course you have). I still have to send two entries into the Golden Heart. I have full manuscripts with two agents and two editors. I have a partial with another. So when I’m not writing, I’m waiting. And waiting.
And waiting.
Waiting is a good thing.
It is.
No, really.
BUUUUUT, on days like today when waiting feels like slogging through life in slow motion, I need a little help from my writing friends. So I’m counting on my writing peeps today to give me updates. Fuel the blog fire! Let me know what you’re doing!
I want EVERY morsel. Contest hopes. Agent submissions. Editor requests. Conference plans. Reeeaaders Luncheon???
(SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT: Southern Magic Readers Luncheon / November 7, 2009 at the Homewood Library / Please see http://southernmagic.org/luncheon.html for further details.)
Okay, let’s have it. I want details!
I’ll wait.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
LOOKING FOR A HERO
I watched a movie the other day with some of my peeps. No, this is not a movie review, but this particular movie got me thinking about writing. What a surprise, right? The movie was a romantic comedy remake of Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol." It was cute, but unremarkable. Now I am usually pretty easily amused, but this movie left me feeling dissatisfied and grumpy. Why? I wondered. And then it hit me, and this is where the writing part comes in. I realized I did not like the ‘hero,’ not at the beginning of the movie or at the end. The guy was attractive, but a real jerk, a play-yah hound dog male hoor. He started out that way and, to my way of thinking, he stayed that way. Oh, sure, the screenwriter tried to redeem him in the last five minutes of the movie. But, it was too little too late, and so the love story did not work for me.
Now, I know what you’re saying. But, Scrooge doesn’t repent until the end of the story, so what’s the diff? I will tell you. The difference is "A Christmas Carol" is not a romance. For a romance to work, you have to believe in the love story, and at the end of this movie I remained unconvinced. Bottom line, the hero was not sufficiently redeemed and/or redeemed too late to invest me in the love story. He was a jerk at the beginning of the movie, and he was still pretty much a jerk at the end of the movie, in my humble opinion.
In Mary Balogh’s historical romance "At Last Comes Love," you are led to believe that Duncan, the hero, is a libertine and a scoundrel of the worst order. Now, having read all of Ms. Balogh’s delightful books, I was introduced to Margaret, the heroine, in two previous romances. Having faith in one of my favorite writers, I knew all could not be as it seemed. I kept moving forward, even though Duncan lacked much to be desired as a hero. Sure enough, midway through the book, the reader learns not only is Duncan not the scoundrel he has been painted, he is a noble, self-sacrificing knight in shining armor, a hero of heroes and an-all-round-swell guy. He is totally redeemed, the love story makes you sigh with envy, both as a woman married to a mere mortal and as a writer, and you completely, absolutely and without a doubt believe in the love story.
So, do our heroes and heroines have to be Pollyanna perfect? Of course not, that would be boring. I love flawed characters. They are interesting. But, at the end of the day, I believe they have to be lovable in order for the reader to become invested in the romance, to believe in their happily-ever-after.
Now, I know what you’re saying. But, Scrooge doesn’t repent until the end of the story, so what’s the diff? I will tell you. The difference is "A Christmas Carol" is not a romance. For a romance to work, you have to believe in the love story, and at the end of this movie I remained unconvinced. Bottom line, the hero was not sufficiently redeemed and/or redeemed too late to invest me in the love story. He was a jerk at the beginning of the movie, and he was still pretty much a jerk at the end of the movie, in my humble opinion.
In Mary Balogh’s historical romance "At Last Comes Love," you are led to believe that Duncan, the hero, is a libertine and a scoundrel of the worst order. Now, having read all of Ms. Balogh’s delightful books, I was introduced to Margaret, the heroine, in two previous romances. Having faith in one of my favorite writers, I knew all could not be as it seemed. I kept moving forward, even though Duncan lacked much to be desired as a hero. Sure enough, midway through the book, the reader learns not only is Duncan not the scoundrel he has been painted, he is a noble, self-sacrificing knight in shining armor, a hero of heroes and an-all-round-swell guy. He is totally redeemed, the love story makes you sigh with envy, both as a woman married to a mere mortal and as a writer, and you completely, absolutely and without a doubt believe in the love story.
So, do our heroes and heroines have to be Pollyanna perfect? Of course not, that would be boring. I love flawed characters. They are interesting. But, at the end of the day, I believe they have to be lovable in order for the reader to become invested in the romance, to believe in their happily-ever-after.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
And The Speaker Is...
Some years ago, I sat on a committee that oversaw extra activities for the company’s employees. My special activity was the Toastmasters meetings. I didn’t join in the meeting itself, but mainly attended a few times, making myself available for questions or complaints from the members.
I found so much of what they did fascinating. At each meeting, two or three members would stand up and give a speech about anything. It could be about the best method of mowing their grass to the last time they went deer hunting. After the speech the others members would give critiques, such as whether the speaker used “ahs” or stared down at a sheet of paper or read from notes or slouched, etc. Of course, they also mentioned positives like speaking clearly and at the right tone, smiling (unless it’s a sad or negative subject) and using moderate hands movements.
You know me and lists. Something to keep in mind.
1) Be prepared and know the subject. Practice your speech.
2) Show enthusiasm for what you’re talking about. Smile. You will be surprised how it will relax you. The crowd will be attentive as they want to know what has gotten you so excited.
3) Stand up straight. Not scared stiff, but more of "I’m so proud to be standing in front of you."
4) Don’t play with your notes. The audience will watch your hands instead of your face. That’s not good.
5) Pretend you’re talking with a roomful of friends. They want to hear what you have to say so they can learn something.
You’re asking, why am I telling you all this? I believe as writers, there may come a time someone will ask you to stand up and talk about your book or your special way to plot or whatever strength you possess. You better be prepared. I recommend either joining the Toastmasters or purchasing a book about the subject.
To promote your books, you want to present yourself in the best light. If a speaker rambles on, tells you nothing and varies from high to low tones with lots of ahs, would you wonder about her writing? I would.
Just warning you...LOL!
Side note about practicing your speech: My lunch buddies at work have heard a few of my speeches and they probably know more about writing now than they ever dreamed of.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Giving Up
I used to spend a lot of time listening to other people talk (no, really). Leonard Lopate (my absolute favorite), Dr. Oz, Jean Chatzky, NPR, and BBC filled my non-reading, solitary time. I had a whole spate of podcasts on everything from lean manufacturing to grammar. I listened while I walked the dog, drove the car, mowed the lawn, painted a room, worked out, got ready in the morning…you name it.
Then one day, I decided to try writing again, and suddenly all of that listening material got in the way. If someone else was talking, I couldn’t hear myself think about my story and my characters. I dropped all of my podcasts and radio shows in favor of using that precious solitary time to think about my writing.
The downside is that I’m no longer exposed to the thoughts and ideas that actually might provide more fodder for my books. And, I miss the interviews with authors, curators, politicians, performers, lexicographers, grammarians, chefs, financial gurus, scientists, and heroes.
Hmm.
Maybe it’s time to stop listening only to myself and start listening to more interesting people again.
Maybe a fantastic story idea is actually lurking in the next podcast.
Maybe I can find a way to catch my favorite topics without consuming all of my spare time.
Hmm.
“Honey! What’s that iTunes password again?”
---
What have you given up for your writing, and could you find a way to get at least part of it back?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Moving Past the "NO"
I've had a busy week. As you know, I've been rejected. Well, not in a bad way. But after the lovely letter was dissected, and I had properly thrown myself an amazing personal pity party involving copious amounts of wine and 80s music, I had to get back on track before the weekend arrived.
Getting past a "no" isn't easy, even if it is a very positive "no."
"No" just plain sucks.
But in order to write, one must get past it. How do I get past a "no?" Here are my techniques (not in particular order, except for the first two):
1-I call my CPs and dissect the letter. They counsel me and say they're sorry, but then admonish me to send out more queries and hook an agent with this book.
2-I throw a wonderful Personal Pity Party. Wine, songs and FB comments are flowing all night.
3-I get up the next day and force myself to start again. A to-do list is a wonderful thing for me.
4-I polish my first GH entry and get it ready to send off to the RWA Offices
5-I force myself to research agents on line via the RWA website and their websites. I write a blog about how much I despise this type of work. At last, you all know my achilles heel: I loathe administrative work and I am horrible about worrying about the formatting and so forth of each query letter and submission. Blah--
6-After I yank the nails out of my eyeballs, I go to Kinkos and copy my MS for the GH entry. I also run boring errands. They remind me that I'd like to be super wealthy one day and hire someone to do all this stuff (another thing I loathe to do is waiting in lines).
7-I query the agents via email and record them in my PRO binder query grid.
8-I make a writing plan for my next GH revision.
9-I clean the house top to bottom, warn the family I will be writing A LOT during the next 6 weeks, and I allow myself to breath and enjoy this final writing free weekend.
10-I tell myself I am glad I got the rejection. It was a good one, and it solidified for me that I have a strong voice. I need time to hone this voice of mine, time to keep writing at my pace, and time to build my back list so when I get that elusive call from an agent/publisher, I am ready to roll.
After all this, I am ready to return to my writing cave. I am eager to start my revision. I am anxious to get the work done. And I can't wait to start!
I love being a writer.
How do you move past the "no?"
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Viva la romance!
This blog post isn't about writing, but it is about falling in love.
Once upon a time, a Committed-to-Being-Single Young Woman was introduced to a Single Young Man. She thought he was cute and seemed nice, so she agreed to go on a date with him. On a Sunday afternoon, they went to a movie at the local art museum. The small theater was almost filled when they arrived, but two seats on the aisle were vacant. "Do you mind if I sit on the end?" he said with a smile. "I'm a bit claustrophobic." She nodded and scooted into the inside seat.
They chatted for a few minutes as they waited for the movie to start, discovering each other's likes and dislikes. But soon the woman became distracted by a little girl who was running up and down the aisle, laughing loudly. Her feet made a persistent ear-ringing clack every time her shoes hit the uncarpeted floor. The annoyed woman huffed out a breath. Where are her parents? she thought with a frown. And why aren't they controlling her?
Suddenly the little girl stopped right beside the Single Young Man. Silent, she gazed at him. The woman waited to see what he would do. Would he fuss at her? Tell her to be quiet and sit down? She hoped so because she was tired of listening to the unruly child.
The man simply reached out and caressed the little girl's cheek. Just one gentle, lovely touch -- and she was gone, back down the aisle and into her seat beside her parents.
The Committed-to-Being-Single Woman's heart melted and a feeling washed over her that she had never felt before. She gave a little gasp and stole a glance at the man. He gave her the most beautiful smile, and she knew.
First date, and she knew.
On October 17, 1981--28 years ago today--they got married.
Happy anniversary to my husband. Seems like yesterday, doesn't it?
Once upon a time, a Committed-to-Being-Single Young Woman was introduced to a Single Young Man. She thought he was cute and seemed nice, so she agreed to go on a date with him. On a Sunday afternoon, they went to a movie at the local art museum. The small theater was almost filled when they arrived, but two seats on the aisle were vacant. "Do you mind if I sit on the end?" he said with a smile. "I'm a bit claustrophobic." She nodded and scooted into the inside seat.
They chatted for a few minutes as they waited for the movie to start, discovering each other's likes and dislikes. But soon the woman became distracted by a little girl who was running up and down the aisle, laughing loudly. Her feet made a persistent ear-ringing clack every time her shoes hit the uncarpeted floor. The annoyed woman huffed out a breath. Where are her parents? she thought with a frown. And why aren't they controlling her?
Suddenly the little girl stopped right beside the Single Young Man. Silent, she gazed at him. The woman waited to see what he would do. Would he fuss at her? Tell her to be quiet and sit down? She hoped so because she was tired of listening to the unruly child.
The man simply reached out and caressed the little girl's cheek. Just one gentle, lovely touch -- and she was gone, back down the aisle and into her seat beside her parents.
The Committed-to-Being-Single Woman's heart melted and a feeling washed over her that she had never felt before. She gave a little gasp and stole a glance at the man. He gave her the most beautiful smile, and she knew.
First date, and she knew.
On October 17, 1981--28 years ago today--they got married.
Happy anniversary to my husband. Seems like yesterday, doesn't it?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Accept or Reject?
Recently, I've been watching the new fall tv shows that have made their debut. I'd like to say that I give them a fair chance before either accepting or rejecting them, but I don't. If they don't catch my interest by the end of the first show--they're doomed. I don't give them as long as the network who hopes they will build an audience. In the words of the Donald, You're fired!
I have found many correlations between these rejected shows and books that I haven't enjoyed. Most of the time they both have a plot that is either boring, too slow paced or unbelievable. Sometimes marginal shows/books are rescued by the charm of their characters but that is a heavy burden to place on even the most gifted actor/actress or hero/heroine.
Engaging writing, whether it be in a book or prime time viewing, is wonderful. Why else would we watch a show about teenage dweebs in a glee club? Well, if you have great stories, funny lines and likable talented individuals, you're bound to find an audience. So count me in for Glee.
The same applies to books. Give your readers a solid story, engaging characters and stories that show more than tell, and you'll have a hit. As I continue to work to become published I look everywhere for examples of writing that works.
What makes you reject or accept books or shows for reading/viewing? Do you agree with my reasons or do you have other things that matter more to you?
I have found many correlations between these rejected shows and books that I haven't enjoyed. Most of the time they both have a plot that is either boring, too slow paced or unbelievable. Sometimes marginal shows/books are rescued by the charm of their characters but that is a heavy burden to place on even the most gifted actor/actress or hero/heroine.
Engaging writing, whether it be in a book or prime time viewing, is wonderful. Why else would we watch a show about teenage dweebs in a glee club? Well, if you have great stories, funny lines and likable talented individuals, you're bound to find an audience. So count me in for Glee.
The same applies to books. Give your readers a solid story, engaging characters and stories that show more than tell, and you'll have a hit. As I continue to work to become published I look everywhere for examples of writing that works.
What makes you reject or accept books or shows for reading/viewing? Do you agree with my reasons or do you have other things that matter more to you?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sweet Ultimatum
Caitlin Madison has returned home after a self-imposed exile. Haunted by the erotic memories of the man she once loved and abandoned, Caitlin is unprepared to come face-to-face with Selig Richardson and the hunger resurrected under his golden gaze. Even as her body craves his touch, she denies him, realizing her reasons for terminating their relationship so long ago are as valid now as they were then.
Six years have passed since Selig Richardson left New Eden, WA disillusioned and bitter after Caitlin Madison’s cold denial of him and his love. Now he’s returned, demanding retribution for her cruel rejection. The payment: her body.
Unknown to Selig, Caitlin has harbored a deadly secret all these years. And as love awakens with each passionate encounter, so does the danger that has simmered for almost a decade. Once again, Caitlin is forced to make a choice between a future with the man she's never stopped loving or crush his heart...and save his life.
Sweet Ultimatum by Naima Simone
Coming October 23, 2009 from Ellora's Cave Publishing, http://www.jasminejade.com/
Friday, October 09, 2009
INSANITY
As writers, we are crazy.
Really.
What? You say, not me. Oh yes you are.
I see your face, brows lowering, eyes narrowing and your mouth opening in preparation to argue with me.
Think about it, we create our own worlds. Mine tend to be dark. I have a friend who makes a much lighter, amusing world. Still…they are our own creation. We “create our own reality”. Usually this may get you sent to see a psychologist.
Still don’t agree?
The next thing we do is create characters, we give them personalities, likes, dislikes, we know what they look like and how they will act. Then we give them a voice—this is where we step off to the deep end. We let them talk to us.
Now, don’t tell me you don’t listen. For me, this is when they tell me their names, and how they will respond to any situation I put them in. Sometimes I talk back.
I know you talk back, we all do! How many times have you been stuck in the scene, and in a fit of frustration do another task, such as the dishes. There, as we do a mundane physical task, we talk to ourselves. We mutter, and murmur and before you know it a conversation unfolds. It was this sort of self talk that revealed to me that my main character was a real jerk (but that’s another story).
How about when you write the scenes with your characters? Ever had angst about what you were putting them through? You didn’t want to push them to the limit, did you? Ok, well there are those of us who enjoy doing that. Writers become attached to the characters we create, and when they suffer, we suffer.
Truthfully by now, you no longer need a psychologist, but a psychiatrist for medication. I mean really, we are hearing voices and seeing people who don’t exist...except for us.
Before you start picking up the phone and contacting your nearest psych doc, don’t. Our therapy is the written page. We get it all out in the story, because once it’s on paper than its ok. We are sharing it, showing our story.
Do you think Writers are crazy?
Note: I’d like to thank Vonda Frampton, member of the El Paso Writer’s Association for inspiration on this blog. I recently read her article, about “stirring the pot of craziness”, and her take on how we as writers like to dredge up those dark and varied emotions in our writing is delightfully witty.
Really.
What? You say, not me. Oh yes you are.
I see your face, brows lowering, eyes narrowing and your mouth opening in preparation to argue with me.
Think about it, we create our own worlds. Mine tend to be dark. I have a friend who makes a much lighter, amusing world. Still…they are our own creation. We “create our own reality”. Usually this may get you sent to see a psychologist.
Still don’t agree?
The next thing we do is create characters, we give them personalities, likes, dislikes, we know what they look like and how they will act. Then we give them a voice—this is where we step off to the deep end. We let them talk to us.
Now, don’t tell me you don’t listen. For me, this is when they tell me their names, and how they will respond to any situation I put them in. Sometimes I talk back.
I know you talk back, we all do! How many times have you been stuck in the scene, and in a fit of frustration do another task, such as the dishes. There, as we do a mundane physical task, we talk to ourselves. We mutter, and murmur and before you know it a conversation unfolds. It was this sort of self talk that revealed to me that my main character was a real jerk (but that’s another story).
How about when you write the scenes with your characters? Ever had angst about what you were putting them through? You didn’t want to push them to the limit, did you? Ok, well there are those of us who enjoy doing that. Writers become attached to the characters we create, and when they suffer, we suffer.
Truthfully by now, you no longer need a psychologist, but a psychiatrist for medication. I mean really, we are hearing voices and seeing people who don’t exist...except for us.
Before you start picking up the phone and contacting your nearest psych doc, don’t. Our therapy is the written page. We get it all out in the story, because once it’s on paper than its ok. We are sharing it, showing our story.
Do you think Writers are crazy?
Note: I’d like to thank Vonda Frampton, member of the El Paso Writer’s Association for inspiration on this blog. I recently read her article, about “stirring the pot of craziness”, and her take on how we as writers like to dredge up those dark and varied emotions in our writing is delightfully witty.
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