Dig Deep
In my work-in-progress, I am getting good feedback from my two main critique partners. But I am still unsettled. I think it's because it's a new book and I don't know my heroine yet. I mean, I know who she is, what she looks like. I know she is courageous and truthful and patient. But I don't KNOW her yet.
For that, I have to dig deeper. At least for me, my writing process, I have to BECOME her. For at least part of the time.
Every writer interprets digging deeper differently. For me, thinking about it, that's what it means for me. That voice, HER voice, has to be MY voice. I have to be her. I hadn't realized that until the last day or so. This is not to say this is a universal process for all writers. In fact, I think by needing this when I write, I put myself through a lot of pain and aggravation--I take on my character's burdens. They consume me. But . . . that's the process for me.
She has to stop being a list of characteristics. She has to become a character. There's a difference. It's like going out on a couple of dates, and when you describe the person, you say, "Oh, he is medium-height, he likes opera, he can cook, he has a good sense of humor." The person is just a list of traits no different from a personal ad. But meet the person you're positive is destined to be a meaningful lover? Suddenly, those traits become a rapturous list of intimate details--you KNOW them. You know them so well, in fact, you can predict how he or she would react to certain situations or problems, etc.
I need to get to that point with my heroine.
So . . . what does digging deep mean to you?
For that, I have to dig deeper. At least for me, my writing process, I have to BECOME her. For at least part of the time.
Every writer interprets digging deeper differently. For me, thinking about it, that's what it means for me. That voice, HER voice, has to be MY voice. I have to be her. I hadn't realized that until the last day or so. This is not to say this is a universal process for all writers. In fact, I think by needing this when I write, I put myself through a lot of pain and aggravation--I take on my character's burdens. They consume me. But . . . that's the process for me.
She has to stop being a list of characteristics. She has to become a character. There's a difference. It's like going out on a couple of dates, and when you describe the person, you say, "Oh, he is medium-height, he likes opera, he can cook, he has a good sense of humor." The person is just a list of traits no different from a personal ad. But meet the person you're positive is destined to be a meaningful lover? Suddenly, those traits become a rapturous list of intimate details--you KNOW them. You know them so well, in fact, you can predict how he or she would react to certain situations or problems, etc.
I need to get to that point with my heroine.
So . . . what does digging deep mean to you?
posted by Erica Orloff at 12:37 PM
9 Comments:
Dig deep means the same thing for me.
Kinda, if I feel like throwing up too, I'm doing it right.
may:
I hear ya!
E
For me, it's allowing someone under my skin. It's opening my eyes and not seeing my computer or my desk. There are times when the story is so vivid that I have to physically walk away from the computer or my pen and paper.
I'm reading "When THings Fall Apart" by Pema Chodron. She talks about moving towards pain and suffering to discover our compassionate heart. Writing feels like that.
mary:
I am trying to get into the most vulnerable parts of my character. That describes it perfectly.
E
Yes, it means that for me, too. It means never betraying the "truth" of my characters for what's easier to write. Always forcing my characters into difficult situations that challenge their beliefs and character.
But I always get the worry that the deepest I dig will come across as light and ... watery.
Mary, I have to check out that book!
spy:
I have that seem fear. I will re-read and think, "This isn't what I was trying to do at all!!!" Then bang my head on the desk. ;-)
E
Sometimes my characters do the opposite of what I expect.
I'm not sure what that means, but it's interesting when it happens.
Jude:
To me, it means they're so fully developed they have a mind of their own.
E
Thanks, Erica. :)
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