Has your character’s journey ever taught you something?
We spend months (or, if you’re like me, years) with our protagonists, poring ourselves into their lives, problems, strengths, weaknesses, and the like. I draw a lot of comfort from watching my characters stumble, wander, hesitate, and ultimately succeed.
Having spent most of my time lately with my historical novel-in-verse, MAY B., my character, May, has been on my mind. She reminds me to deal with the present, not live in the past or future. She encourages me to keep working toward goals, especially those I might not ever achieve.
I realize this sounds like I’m confident my work is brimming with insight or that I think I’m brilliant. That’s not it. Really, believe me! I think, though, the slow, steady process that is writing has forced me to think intentionally about my characters, to see the options presented to them and watch, at a bit of a distance, how they choose to react.
The fact a character stumbles around makes their ultimate choices all the more significant, don’t you think? I’m thankful for the courage I glimpse May. I’ve grown as a person by spending time with her.
Does anyone else watch their characters at a distance, gaining insight along the way?
My agent call is tomorrow at eleven. Courage and confidence needed!
My main character is braver than I am. She’s the kind of kid I wished I could be when I was 12.
And May is such a great character! I love that she doesn’t give up, despite her obstacles.
Good luck tomorrow!
Oh yes, this definitely happens for me too. My characters encourage me to be courageous.
Great post!
I find my characters are more impulsive than I am, which can get them into trouble but it also allows them take risks. I’m usually so busy worrying about outcomes, I let chances slip by. So while I don’t want to be reckless, being a bit less of a worrywart might not be a bad thing. 🙂
Praying for you about your agent call! I can’t wait to hear all the good things that are unfolding.
My character teach me a lot about the layers I wear. Learning to shed past hurts and insecruities.
Thanks for a great post!
My character is dealing with a lot more grief than I had to at her age, but she’s growing and learning. As am I.
Good luck tomorrow!
Definitely! My favorite is when my character ministers to me. I didn’t expect that to happen!
I hope it’s a GREAT conversation for you!
Best, best wishes!! I want to hear about that call!!! 🙂 Lots of encouragement and support sent your way!
As for my characters-they are all much more courageous than I!
You’ll do great!!
Oh My gosh! I can’t wait to hear what was said!!!!!!! Ack. Hurry up and post the details!
My protagonist is still rather flat, but I’m excited to get to the point where she becomes more independent and starts ruling the book. That’s so exciting about your letter. Can’t way to hear more.
My protagonist is still rather flat, but I’m excited to get to the point where she becomes more independent and starts ruling the book. That’s so exciting about your letter. Can’t way to hear more.
eagerly waiting your news!!
I think really good characters – interesting ones – are terribly flawed somehow. It’s great that you are growing by spending time with your characters… we spend so much time with them it would be a shame if we didn’t get something out of the relationship!
I hope the agent call went well!
I’ve been enjoying getting to know my characters better recently. It’s like a light has gone on.
I think I do gain insight from my characters.
Regarding the agent call, I’m hoping for the best!