Can you understand this?

Question

I am currently working on a story, I have no idea how long it will be, but I was in a strange mood when I wrote my favorite part - the beginning. I re-read it a little bit ago and realized that even though the story is about someone with mental problems, it might be a bit too trippy.

"I’m alive. I don’t know how or why, but I am. I realize that I am a living, breathing creature and a curious emotion, an understanding, washes over me. I remember that I can think, I remember that everyone I know can think, then I remember that I can remember. I realize that I’m real, I’m not some fictional character in a badly written novel or film; I am a human. But as I question and look for proof that I am real, the understanding slips away and I forget what I so clearly understood.

There is more... Hold on, I ran out of room I'll put it in the details.

The second paragraph:

"After the understanding is gone, all that I am certain of is that life is no novel. There is no author; if there was, I would request that they be replaced with someone less sadistic and deranged, someone with a sense of beauty. For some reason, people still think there is an author anyway. Maybe they just don’t have the understanding. They think someone plans things out, they think that there will always be a beginning, middle, and end. But worst of all is that they think there is going to be a “happily ever after” greeting them when they read the last page, but there wont be. There is no author. "

Answer 1

You sound like Jean Paul Sartre, the famous 20th century existentialist. You or your character has a rather dark view of life, or at least a very unclear view of life. You are obviously searching for reality, but how are you know you are going to find? By the character's own confession there is no certainty of this. You probably should write in a prose style(after you edit the grammar and sentence structure)it lends itself to that method.

Answer 2

I have got to say I disagree with all of that, particularly the second paragraph. I am a firm believer in God, and while I am NOT about to 'order' what you can and cannot say, I found the second paragraph somewhat offensive.

"[Some people] think someone plans things out, they think that there will always be a beginning, middle, and end. But worst of all is that they think there is going to be a “happily ever after” greeting them when they read the last page, but there wont be. There is no author."

On the contrary, I believe that there is a beginning, a middle, and an end, and I have a firm hope of my own 'happily ever after' greeting me at my last page, and that there is an all-powerful Author who knows how my life-book ends.

If we believe there is no God, and there is no God, we gain nothing and we lose nothing.
If we believe there is a God, and there is no God, we gain nothing and we lose nothing.
If we believe there is no God, and there is a God, we gain nothing and we lose everything.
If we believe there is a God, and there is a God, we gain everything and we lose nothing.

Answer 3

that was really good. but i can't really judge that one part because i don't know the whole story and i don't know where your going with that thought provoking beginning. What exactly do you mean by no author, is the character an atheist? and even if he/she is and if another entity doesn't pen down life then I believe we individuals are the authors because even if we don't have a plan for life we do choose what we do, even when we say we had no choice in a specific matter or we say we only had one choice we still chose to choose that choice. one choice or no choice is still a choice...
anyway, good luck to you and i would love to read the rest of the story

Answer 4

I try not to get into characters... Too trippy mental problems Ok maybe its just a Friend...Go on with the show to entertain. Do not do the Far fetched version of Revised memoirs of a dope feen or anything to be in the book clubs. I want to write a book and it wont get to world peace or make me loose my going to church card or anything. Everyone has a book in them by like life experiences. Do not let too much of your doubt get out there. Fiction Hide Hide Entertain and try not to dream of the money and the film and the fame of a bestseller. Your are OK

Answer 5

I'm intrigued,,,,,,,I would love to see where it goes. I know a few people commented on the grammar - if that is part of the character, then let it be. Burroughs and Selby (I think Bukowski too) all used improper grammar and spelling as a way of conveying the characters background and self. The style and content that you are showing is not going to appeal to all - that's the beauty of the written word.

I would really like to know who and what has influenced your style.....

Answer 6

I personally really liked it. I think it is well written. My own interpretation of it is realizing that we are all humans, but when religion or another belief that we aren't muddles the clear knowing. It's about accepting what's already been given, not trying to change it to some idealization. Am I right??

Answer 7

i like the idea, but try to put less of your own opinions so obviously in the story. if you want some ideas about writing from the perspective of a mentally ill person, try reading One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey.

Answer 8

I understand it I jsut think that it turns out to be a little to preechy. If you want to contiunue like that you need to end at "clearly understood" and get to the point. If your trying to write a story that is. If this is just how you feel. Thats really deep.

I like your idea

Answer 9

i dig it. kinda sounded like a poem or song but it's a good way to start a book it intoduces the charcters veiws which would clearly catch many peoples attention. personally if i was in a book store and seen this i would buy the book so keep it up

Answer 10

I really like it....it sounds like you wrote about my soul. I hate questions like this though....when the story is good like this it's such a teaser...I want more. Take care and I hope you have an amazing day!