My story is happy in one way, but sad in another. The sad part is just too sad, and i feel sad right now, and i have been for a while. The characters just get to me, and what's going on with them. Should I keep wrting this story, or is me getting involved with the emotions a bad thing?
2007-11-27 15:25:07 · 11 answers · asked by SoundofSettling 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
You know, I agree strongly with Ana, Bogey, Kelly and Persipho... I strongly agree with them. If you can write a story that evokes actual feelings from you think of how your readers will respond to the characters that you created from your heart. "Wow I read this book to the point that it made me cry!" Just remember that some will like it and some won't like it. But if emotion is apart of your story and your characters are gfripping enough to do their role. That's the story to write.
But take a break sometimes, write like Persiphone said. Write something else for a time and then get back to crying about your characters, but don't dampen the paper! lol Enjoy writing, "writing is mind traveling, destination unknown." -Unknown.
2007-11-28 02:18:09 · answer #1 · answered by sesshoumaru sama 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Writing fiction is a dangerous profession. Here's my humble opinion: as a writer, you HAVE to care about your characters. If you don't, then who the hell will? But you also have to love them enough to let them achieve what they yearn for deep down, even if it upsets you personally. Whoever says that you should be the one controlling the characters not the other way around is right in a way but also wrong in a crucial way. Sure, it is you with the pen, or keyboard, but ultimately your writing should come from your subconscious, which is something you don't entirely control. What you should be more worried about is sentence rhythm, spelling, grammar, all of that crap that is totally up to you to make sure this person's story comes across accurately. But you must allow that character to achieve what they desire despite your efforts to worry them into a corner. If you are trying to pull the reigns too tight then the story will fall apart. Also, if you leave the story when you are emotionally charged and "in the zone," then when you come back everything you write will be ten times worse than the writing you were doing before. You will have to find a way to get back into that mode, which will be close to impossible. I would suggest only to leave it if you feel you will end up constricting the plot with your feelings, but if your feelings resonate strongly with your character's desires (this is important-- your CHARACTER's desires, not your own), then your story must be written at this time.
2007-11-28 10:35:19 · answer #2 · answered by all work and no play 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think it's way too sad, I would consider changing the characters, but really think about it before you do that. Sometimes it's great if you can get a reader to be emotionally involved with the story. So continue writing, but take a break from it.
2007-11-28 00:03:10 · answer #3 · answered by starbucksluvrxoxo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should keep writing. The best books are the ones that the authors feel a connection with the characters. It seems that you have spent a lot of time on this book and I am sure that it will turn out to be a great book. Sometimes a book does run away with the author and the situations in the book may be uncontrollable. I think this is great, my best work comes from when the books help write themselves.
2007-11-28 21:37:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you start feeling your characters too much it's a sign that the writing is not about the story, but is actually about what's happening in your life or your thoughts. If you continue, then the story will have an audience of one: you.
That may be useful to help you reflect, but you can reflect in other ways too. If you want the story to be for other readers than just yourself, put it aside and try to get some perspective on what in your own life is making you sad. Once you understand that, you may be able to continue with the story.
2007-11-27 23:41:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Definitely keep writing. The fact that your story can evoke strong emotions in you is a good thing, you're hitting a nerve.
2007-11-28 07:54:16 · answer #6 · answered by Kelly P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd say if your characters have that kind of power over you, you must be doing something right. If you are that involved and care that much about your characters, it's likely other readers will too.
2007-11-27 23:38:22 · answer #7 · answered by My Name Is Ken 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Put it aside for now. Write a couple short stories. Then revise your opinion about this piece and decide if you should continue it.
----
They're, Their, There - Three Different Words.
Careful or you may wind up in my next novel.
Pax - C
2007-11-27 23:30:32 · answer #8 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think if you are emotionally connected to your story you'll better understand the characters and be able to work through the conflicts like you are the character, which is important so you don't completely screw your characterization.
good luck!
2007-11-27 23:36:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
you should be the one controlling your characters... not the otherwise... I think you better stop that a bit, and find better reasons to go on and take control of your story
2007-11-27 23:35:38 · answer #10 · answered by Jan C. 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋