Have you ever felt drawn a story you were scared to write?
I almost always feel this way when approaching a new novel (with picture books I trick myself into thinking what I’m doing is simply play). MAY B., though, brought its own special challenges. I had no idea what my story would be, and I discovered early on that the only true way the book could work was to write in a style I knew nothing about. Add to this the complexity of a character who spends most of a story alone in a place I’d never been, and you can begin to feel the intimidation I did in starting this piece.
Despite all this, I had to write about a strong pioneer girl. I knew the story had to deal with solitude. This was enough for me to begin the murky process.
Here I am again with a new idea that terrifies me. Those of you who have followed a while know I’ve been planning to write a verse novel about a Gitano girl (Spanish Gypsy) for some time.
I set aside my research last winter to work on other things. That work needed to be done, but honestly, I’ve been avoiding the hard work I know is ahead of me. Here’s why:
I’ll be writing about a culture that’s not my own. Some writers think it is impossible to speak in the voice of another people. Some think it’s wrong to even attempt it.
I must present the Gitano culture accurately and respectfully. This is a challenge in several ways:
- My research must move past stereotypes; like all characters, mine need to be complex.
- There is no one Gypsy culture. The Roma, as they are often called, live differently in every part of the world. There are cultural and linguistic similarities, but not always. While the Gitanos of Spain share flamenco, for example, those of the northern part of the country are different from those in the southern region of Andalusia. Even within Andalusia, there are differences (just compare the people of big city Granada with those of small town Gaudix).
- Gypsies have a unique, storied history filled with centuries of migration and persecution. Much of this past informs the way Gypsies are treated and treat other people.
- Parts of Gypsy culture aren’t especially attractive (for example, a deep-held belief in the superiority of their people — the word for a non-Gypsy is “gadjo” [“payo” in southern Spain], which means peasant or serf).
- Gypsy separateness and lifestyle choices continue to confound and frustrate those around them. Just look at what’s been happening in France these past few months.
I’ll discuss this further on Friday.
I’ve definitely felt that way about certain topics – esp. when it’s a different culture but I do believe it’s possible with the right research! Good luck!
Good luck! It sounds fascinating, and I bet in between the struggles you’ll have a blast with this topic and these characters!
I read something yesterday (I have no idea where) about how much historical fiction has to be accurate, and the answer was: it’s fiction. Keep the main ideas and any true life characters people would know (Like a president) close to true, but make up what you need to.
Like you pointed out, Gypsies aren’t boxed into one culture or stereotype. Treat the characters like individuals instead of a representation of a whole and you’ve got your story. 🙂
This sounds like an interesting project.
Totally understand about wanting to represent characters true to their culture while also making them authentic.
Best of luck on this project, Caroline.
Good luck, but more importantly, have fun! I wrote a story last year where the MC was a Romani teen, rebelling against the strict lifestyle of her kumpanya in the early 1900s. I got a lot of plot ideas from studying Romani culture and history, even if my character wasn’t exactly a typical Romani girl.
You can do it!
That sounds challenging, kudos to you for going for it.
I’m afraid of the project I’m working on right now for similar reasons. Ancient Rome, Gladiators, Christians dying in the arena. How to write it authentically, when obviously I can’t go back in time.
Interestingly, Hollywood has no compulsion to stay true to historical facts. I watched Gladiator last night for research and I happen to know that Commodus didn’t die fighting a gladiator. Though he did like to show off in the arenas he was poisoned by his assassins.
For some reason, as authors, we don’t have that kind of artistic license.
That sounds challenging. I think people can write about cultures outside their own as long as they do enough research. I’ve got an idea that has been stewing in my brain for a while and I’m just not sure if I want to go there or not. Thankfully, I’ve got a lot of revising to do for my WiP before I have to consider writing another book. Good luck!
It sounds like a challenging topic, but also really interesting.
I have this story idea that I’ve wanted to write for a few years now about a real person from 14th century England. All the research has always put me off, but I’m thinking that 2011 might be the year to do it.
Good luck!!
What an amazing premise! I have a feeling that once you begin your research, and see their past struggles, a storyline will come to you. I think this is a really cool idea.
Wow…I don’t have an answer, but I’d love to hear what you’re going to say! What an interesting concept!
I love this post, Caroline. I’m so thankful I’m not the only one who feels terrified by certain book ideas. 🙂
The one that’s terrified me most recently is that I’d like to write a verse novel based loosely on the early life of my husband’s grandfather. I’m scared of writing a verse novel, but I’m also scared of the research involved in historical fiction. So, I admire you so much! And I’m looking forward to your future post where you tell us your secret to diving into a project like this. 🙂
Amy