I spent a few days trying to figure out what to do and then it hit me: WRITE FROM THE HURT. Instead of writing based on trends and preconcieved notions, craft the story inspired by a tragic event in your life and translate that into the character. And that's what I was missing. Nora didn't have enough depth to carry the story and pull in the reader but her new circumstances are sure to tug at their heart strings.
The fact of the matter is, I'm good at writng stories where people in unfortunate circumstances rise up from their folly. Mansions, sports cars and millionairs, while fun to think about, really isn't my forte. I guess it's true what they say: when the going gets tough, write what you know.
And Touchdown goosling agrees.
 |
| WOOT! |
9 comments:
So true. Let's face it. No one likes reading a book where everyone is happy all the time. So even when fast cars and expensive clothes are the scene you'd like to write from, there has to be something wrong, or something that needs to change.
Otherwise there's no reason for the reader to read the story.
:-)
"Write from the hurt." <=== love this and you are absolutely right.
Now, I was all ready to write an in depth answer to your post, and then you went a put a cute duckling at the end of it! How am I meant to concentrate now? :p
I love touchdown gosling.
Yes, all of my books have been a form of therapy for me. My main character's baggage is all right out of my experience and what I've worked through. I figure my readers will be in the same position (although I did have one character who was dealing with postpartum depression and some readers saw her as whiny).
Misha: Perfection is broing. No one is perfect (a cliche saying) so it's futile to create characters as such.
Elise: Maybe I should trademark that saying. LOL.
Kyra: Don't let cute baby goosling stop you from preaching the truth. Preah sistah! PREACH!
Erin: I don't know why people would find postpartum depression "whiny"? Get a life!
You should TM that phrase. My poor MC is forced to work through some of my baggage plus a whole bunch of stuff I added to make it even worse for him. You can't help but cheer for him with all that.
That little gosling reminds me of myself in a 6th grade basketball game when I dove for the ball, slid through my coach's legs and he raised his arms in that classic football gesture and said, "SCORE!" *grin*
I love to read your posts so much!
I can really relate to this- I battle with insecurity and am riddled with doubts. I am my own worst enemy, convinced all my work is crap..until I have to kick my own butt, push through it and make myself move on.
"Writing from the hurt" is all I know, and what works for me. So glad you were able to make it through. In the words of Touchdown Goosling- Woot!
Very true :) Love the duck, too :)
Happy writing!
M.J. Wille, romantic sci-fi author
Post a Comment