Thursday, October 8, 2015

I Crafted A Character I Can't Write


First time ever event.  I crafted a character that I'm fighting tooth and nail throughout the book. 

I've always been able to muscle my way through a problem, either by writing through it or just letting the fix come to me, usually in the shower, which seems to be my muse enhancer.

But this time, I created a character who I cannot identify with on any level. I have no experience to draw on for her.  And my deadline is looming.

Granted, if I didn't have a deadline staring me squarely in the face, I might be able to think deeper and fix it, but I don't. I've hit a boulder sitting squarely in the road of my story.

So, I'm changing her a bit, and making her greatest fear is something that I, and many of you can relate to. Becoming unnecessary. The worst thing that can happen to a person who is always giving of one's self. Be it at the job, for a friend or coworker or family. Then finding out that the rug is now pulled out from beneath your feet.

That everything you've been doing just isn't good enough. Or worse, in my character's case that she is pretty much unnecessary to the continuation of the nonprofit she founded. 

The story line isn't changing, but my character and her actions/reactions are changing.  

And since the deadline is still looming, I guess I better get to writing ... the book.

Have any of you faced this issue in your writing?  Have any of you faced this in your life? What happened and how did you react?

Hugs always, 
L. A.