Well, not really, but sometimes, I swear I think like one. A man, that is. What brought this on? My WIP. I had a phenomenal writing weekend. I kicked major butt as my fingers soared across the keyboard. My word count meter climb. Phew! I needed that. My inspiration? My hero. I click with him. I know him inside and out. His scenes are always super easy, well easier, for me to write and in my opinion, they are some of the best in the story.
This weekend I decided to channel that. I started out a scene writing in his POV knowing that would get my momentum going. I wasn't wrong. When I switched to my heroines POV, I still kept the hero in mind. Is that wrong? Quite possibly, but it really seemed to work for me. I was afraid that when I went back and read over it, Meera (heroine) would have developed some of Ghanem's (hero) traits. She didn't. I think I just used him to push me, make me want to get back to his scene, but I couldn't do that until Meera got her fair share.
By doing this I propelled the story forward. I need to go back and add a few "scenery" details here and there, but for the most part, the bones, organs and muscles are all there. I just need some pretty skin to cover them.
Which brings me to one of my favorite parts of writing. Adding flavor. Layering. It's amazing how just a couple of descriptive sentences here and there can really give the reader a better view into the environment I've created. Whether it be a mossy canopy of trees over a moonlit road, or a dumpster in the back alleys of Chicago. Those details set the tone, add the flavor for all the dialog and emotion we've sweat out. And yes, I do mean sweat. Writing is a workout. Not only for the brain, but for the soul. Writing takes every creative gene I have and wrings it out over and over again, extracting all the juices until I'm all dried up for the day. A break now and then, whether it be 5 minutes or overnight rejuvenates my entire system allowing me to get right back on the bull and ride the heck out of him. Hold on tight! This is one wild ride.
So what is your favorite part of writing? Reading? When is the last time you rode a bull?
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
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23 comments:
Elle,
Never rode a bull. When I was young enough to do so, that wasn't in vogue. I'm sure all my nieces have though. :-)
First draft I write mostly to get the plot scenes done and the protagonist's POV prevails. Then the fun part--layering and adding other POV's as necessary to add depth to the story. I'll be starting that process today.
Great post, Elle. I've read your writing from your hero's POV and it is indeed very strong. I'm not sure what inspires a writer to feel most at ease where POVs are concerned.
I remember when I first noticed that my one-time writing partner, long time friend tended to write in the male POV whenever she wrote a short story. I'm not sure it was a conscious choice, just where she naturally went. As it turns out the solo novel she's working on is strictly from a male POV. As someone who leans toward the female POV, that's quite interesting to me.
As for layering... Oooh. I am all about layering. I think it's my favorite part of the process!
SIS Beth
AS for
My favorite part of writing? Being finished. *g* Seriously, I love coming up with story ideas and playing around with them in my head. But as soon as I start trying to write them down, my head wants to explode. :)
Since I'm not an aspiring novelist at the moment and haven't really written anything of interest as of yet, there's only one thing I can think of to share, but I think you might find it interesting.
There is a belief among some Native American tribes that there are people who manifest both masculine and feminine spiritual qualities. They are called "Two Spirits", and many tribes once revered them, viewing them as a third gender with a special spiritual connectedness. In these tribes, Two-Spirits filled important tribal roles as counselors, storytellers and healers.
So you see, Elle? You're special!
Anon,
Have fun with the layering. Lay it on thick!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Beth,
I'm not alone, I see. I do wonder what makes us gravitate toward one POV over another. I also like to write as the villain. Care to explain that one?
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Tori,
I know exactly what you mean. The story is all there until you start to put in on "paper". I think I must be writing with invisible ink at times.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Elle,
Now that's an easy one to explain....Sometimes being bad is FUN!
Chris,
What an awesome story. Thanks for sharing. I want to learn more about this. Care to point me in the right direction.
I've been told I look Native American and my 7th great aunts name was Maconaquah. Her Indian name, that is. The name she was born with was Frances Slocum. Do I have that right SISters? Perhaps there's more of it in me than I thought.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Chris,
Way too fun! It gives me a chance to be evil without having to cross the "real" line.
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
If the Frances Slocum information is right, you could very well have Native American in you.
Chris,
It's right, but I think we come from her birth family, not actually her. Does that make sense?
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
Except our family is from Peru, IN. I must do a family tree deal.
Tori,
How do I start?
SIS Barb
Yeah it does. I sent you some info thru Facebook, Elle.
Barb and Krys, we are indeed descended from Frances Slocum (Indian name: Maconaquah). I would say it's a sad story, but if those who later interviewed her are correct, she (stolen away from her white family at a VERY yung age)was happy with her Native American family and later, husband.
I know she was our 7th great Aunt, but don't know how we're actually related. Meaning, I'm not sure we have Native American blood in us.
SIS Beth
Beth,
I'm going to try to find out. I'll keep you posted!
Wow, I didn't know you guys were famous! :)
Beyond famous, Chris. Far beyond.
Well Beth is, yeah. But there's still hope for the rest of you! *Runs like hell*
Elle,
My favorite part of writing is actually finding the time to write. Other than that, I think I like the layering also. I like putting myself behind the eyes of my characters and seeing what they see and then trying to convey that on papaer.
Congrats on your awesome writing weekend...hope you have many more!
SIS Bren
Thanks, Bren.
I hope so too. But I agree, finding time is the biggest obstacle. If only I could put myself on payroll. Ya know?
You think you're a man? Whoa! I bet Larry has something to say about that! Heh heh.
Seriously, being in love with your hero's POV is totally understandable. Maybe it's because you like to dig deep into a man's psyche, explore what he secretly feels for a woman - things that he doesn't ever come right out and say. Or, in some small way, you might want to secretly influence his feelings. Oh boy, is that deep or what? At any rate, I don't think it's abnormal at all! As my CP, you might even notice that I'm the same way about my own hero's POV. There's just some kind of unexplainable connection to him....
Layering? Oh, yeah! I really think inserting even tiny details can add have huge impact on a story. I tend to write very emotionally (the reason I keep a Kleenex box on my desk), and I love to add details that strengthen and take those emotions to a higher level.
BTW, that's interesting about your Indian heritage.
Alyson,
You are deep. Ha! I think you're right on wanting to influence his feelings.
I did notice that you have a connection with your hero. I found it very interesting and it drew me in even more to his character.
I'm impressed with the emotional aspect of your writing. I've never cried while writing, but love when it happens when I'm reading! Hello Kleenex!
SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi
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