Wednesday, March 5, 2014

ISWG Emotions and Characters

Today is another addition of the insecure writer's support group or ISWG, brain child of Alex J. Cavanaugh. To read other post go here.

In am a writer. I lay claim to this title by right of my abilities and talent and by the fact that I have written and are still writing. If you are reading my post you are probably also a writer. Why? What drives us to write?

Excellent questions but I'm not going to answer them this time. Rather I want to talk about emotions, both mine and my characters. Some people don't care much about characters. But for me it is the characters that drive the story. If I'm going to invest my time in writing or in reading I want to have interesting characters.

In case you don't know, I am too honest and haven't hidden the fact that my personal life has been difficult and continues to be a challenge both medically and emotionally. I believe this very fact is what makes me a good writer. I have experienced so much sorrow and disappointment coupled with triumph and joy. So in light of all this I am going to make a little fun with a few emotions.

Can you guess the emotion, the health, or the attitude?

1. My gray shades have all turned black.

2. What's the point of trying?

3. I need a nap.

4. Arrgue

5. Interrupted by meaningless tattle.

6. The T.V. is on all day.

7. Pain...pain...go away.

8. Did you see that? Or that? Or what about that?

9. I heard this, because someone said that, because I did this, because, I don't know why.

10. What the heck am I supposed to do now?

The bottom line is that we all have things happen whether we are clear headed, rattled brained or in pain. Sometimes we are all the above. Dust yourself off and type away anyway.

Nancy

In case you didn't notice I have two e-books available. The Treasures of Carmelidrium, an epic fantasy and The Magic of Windlierwoods. Just click on the link below the picture of the book on the side-bar to buy and please remember to leave a review. Thanks, Nancy

14 comments:

Suzanne Furness said...

I think writers are generally sensitive people who can tap into these emotions both good and bad. I find sometimes writing about the tougher emotions of life is quite therapeutic.

A thoughtful post, Nancy :)

N. R. Williams said...

Thanks Suzanne.
Nancy

Shah Wharton said...

You are correct. Like actors, writers need to harness emotion, and to manipulate it in their characters, and in their readers.

Thanks Nancy.

shahwharton.com

H. R. Sinclair said...

Plot and characters are both so important, you can't have one without the other. They motivate and drive each other or make them come to a crashing halt. Just like real life.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I have stayed with a not-so-original plot because the characters captivated me with their dialogue, humor, and attitudes.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Characters are the most important part of any story.
You have a great attitude to draw upon your struggles to write.

Elsie Amata said...

I'm so sorry you're having medical issues. I feel your pain. Literally. I hope things improve for you.

Many hugs,

Elsie
AJ's wHooligan in the A-Z Challenge
co-host IWSG


Chrys Fey said...

All writers should care about their characters because readers most often read stories for the characters. They want to feel a connection to them and emotions make characters real. I feel that an amazing plot is useless if you don't have excellent characters to carry it.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry it's so frustrating for you, Nancy, but I love the honesty. It's such a struggle isn't it? But. Must. Keep. Trying. (Blergh.)

N. R. Williams said...

I agree Shah, we must harness our characters.

So right Holly, plot is essential and characters drive it.

Hi Roland
It has been said that there are no original plots, so I think we remain because of the characters.

Thanks Alex.

I hope things get better too, thanks Elsie.

I agree Chrys.

Hi Lexa
I am mostly just tired all the time. Sigh.

Thanks everyone for coming by and leaving a comment.
Nancy

Denise Covey said...

If i'm not interested in the character I won't continue reading. And on emotions...I read once that all serious writers suffer from depression to some extent. Probably right...
Hope your life is improving Nancy. x

N. R. Williams said...

Thanks Denise
Nancy

Pat Tillett said...

My wife would say (at least in her case), that it's the unholy Trinity.
A.D.D/menopause/fibromyalgia.
All at the same time...

N. R. Williams said...

Good one Pat.
Nancy