Mostly I write because I want to explore, usually something that someone did, or an event. How? Why? What was in their mind? Even the last novella-draft I did for the 3 day novel writing contest was an exploration of family dynamics that blew apart all the good they had.
You're doing the 3 day novel contest? I did it last year, and that was a crazy weekend I won't likely forget. What's cool is that I didn't read the story for the better part of a year, but then I did and liked it a lot, and revised it somewhat. Now that story is the first in a series called The Favor Faeries that I am serializing here on Substack (it's the paid section of my newsletter), and it kickstarted a whole new series for me. This year I'm hoping to knock out the bones of book 3 of the series, but I only have the premise, so I'd better get busy with the planning! :)
Reaching the 'inter-land' edges of minor characters is just the advice that I needed. The biggest challenge for me in writing these days is developing characters that are attractive or appealing to the audience. I use my personality/thoughts to create the protagonists' life and characteristics. The problem is that I am not a very social, happy, brave type of person. Naturally, I find my protagonist gloomy, sad, and sometimes too sensitive, just like me, which is a huge minus for making progress in writing/outlining.
I have the advantage over other readers of your comment here, as I have read some of your work. And this--your take on your characters--was not mine! I know I saw bravery and connection. What you might think of as gloomy and sad came across as people who are aware of the world as it is, the positive and the not-so, who are putting pieces together in life-affirming ways.
I think about the type of reception that met "Harriet the Spy" when it was first released in '64. People were horrified that a main character was not likeable. But the writer, Louise Fitzhugh portrayed a real girl with real thoughts... and in the end, both Harriet and Fitzhugh spoke to something in the readers; the book has been in print for almost 60 years, and other writers followed with authentic portrayals of young protagonists.
If we care deeply about our work and the people who live in it, I believe that care comes through. If we're trying to write something for someone else's expectations, it's going to fall short. Your stories that feel to me to be coming from within you--those are strong.
There are only so many "positive, love-everybody, Barney-dinosaurs" we can take! We need stories about real people, feeling truth, and saying real words.
I have not read work of yours that is overly humourous. But I have read such whimsey in your work, and that lightens words, too.
"If we're trying to write something for someone else's expectations, it's going to fall short:" such an important message, and it's just the one that I needed. Thank you so much for your kind words!
Mostly I write because I want to explore, usually something that someone did, or an event. How? Why? What was in their mind? Even the last novella-draft I did for the 3 day novel writing contest was an exploration of family dynamics that blew apart all the good they had.
Yes--thinking in terms of "event" is a great starting place. Human choices. And consequences.
Yes, love this.
Love the idea of exploring...
You're doing the 3 day novel contest? I did it last year, and that was a crazy weekend I won't likely forget. What's cool is that I didn't read the story for the better part of a year, but then I did and liked it a lot, and revised it somewhat. Now that story is the first in a series called The Favor Faeries that I am serializing here on Substack (it's the paid section of my newsletter), and it kickstarted a whole new series for me. This year I'm hoping to knock out the bones of book 3 of the series, but I only have the premise, so I'd better get busy with the planning! :)
Using the 72 hours to pull out a first draft is a good approach.
Sounds great!
Wonderful Alison! This is getting my brain all excited! Thank you so much.
Good to hear!
Reaching the 'inter-land' edges of minor characters is just the advice that I needed. The biggest challenge for me in writing these days is developing characters that are attractive or appealing to the audience. I use my personality/thoughts to create the protagonists' life and characteristics. The problem is that I am not a very social, happy, brave type of person. Naturally, I find my protagonist gloomy, sad, and sometimes too sensitive, just like me, which is a huge minus for making progress in writing/outlining.
I have the advantage over other readers of your comment here, as I have read some of your work. And this--your take on your characters--was not mine! I know I saw bravery and connection. What you might think of as gloomy and sad came across as people who are aware of the world as it is, the positive and the not-so, who are putting pieces together in life-affirming ways.
I think about the type of reception that met "Harriet the Spy" when it was first released in '64. People were horrified that a main character was not likeable. But the writer, Louise Fitzhugh portrayed a real girl with real thoughts... and in the end, both Harriet and Fitzhugh spoke to something in the readers; the book has been in print for almost 60 years, and other writers followed with authentic portrayals of young protagonists.
If we care deeply about our work and the people who live in it, I believe that care comes through. If we're trying to write something for someone else's expectations, it's going to fall short. Your stories that feel to me to be coming from within you--those are strong.
There are only so many "positive, love-everybody, Barney-dinosaurs" we can take! We need stories about real people, feeling truth, and saying real words.
I have not read work of yours that is overly humourous. But I have read such whimsey in your work, and that lightens words, too.
Onward...!
"If we're trying to write something for someone else's expectations, it's going to fall short:" such an important message, and it's just the one that I needed. Thank you so much for your kind words!