An Untitled Blog Entry

Today’s blog is a fairly accurate reflection of the way my mind is running these days—in a hundred different directions, twenty-four/seven. So, to humor those various parts of my brain, I’m popping the cork and letting some of the odder stuff out.

First, some comments…or, rather, two rants and a commentary:

*When did it become so commonplace to curse that people don’t even bother to look around and see if children are present? Teenagers, adults, you name it… They’re all cursing in public places (beaches, parks, restaurants, etc) with absolutely no thought or respect for little ones in the vicinity.

*I was walking through Central Park the other day and passed a child in a stroller. Was he watching the people go by? No. Was he checking out the dogs that paraded past him? No. Was he conversing with the person pushing his stroller? No. Was he enjoying the birds, squirrels, and other assorted wildlife flitting about the park? Nope. He was watching a portable DVD player on his lap…completely oblivious to the real world unfolding around him. Does anyone else find this even a wee bit sad?

*That said, I’ve never watched a display of fireworks alongside such enthusiastic people as I did this Fourth of July. So often people simply watch…with little to no reaction. But the New Yorkers on either side of my kids and me were in awe of this year’s display over the Hudson River. The response made it all the more special.

Now, a few questions:

*For those readers out there…if you were to attend a program by a relatively new writer, what kind of things would you want to hear/learn/know? I’m giving two different programs next month at libraries in the Midwest and I’m trying to get a feel for what might be most interesting. Thoughts?

*For those writers out there…has a character you’ve created ever possessed a trait you weren’t expecting? And when that happens do you think there’s a reason? I ask this because of a suspense novel I’ve been monkeying with for a while. The book is essentially done. However, I need to increase it by roughly 20 K words—upping tension, threats, etc.

Anyway, while working on contracted manuscripts over the past few months, this particular book has never been far from my mind…poking at me at the strangest times. I realized, just recently, that I made the main character good at a certain sport—mentioning it in passing fairly early in the book. Yet, although I mentioned it in one or two brief passages, I never did anything with it. Suddenly I find myself wondering why I did that. Why did I make her good at this? Was it truly just for flavor? Or was my subconscious handing me a very real plot point that’s begging to be worked in? Hmmm.

So how about you? Rants to share? Observations to give us pause? Answers or thoughts for either (or both) of my questions?

Hugs,

~Laura

5 Responses to “An Untitled Blog Entry”

1. Stroller DVD players? Mom must have wanted the exercise. Or was this a nanny? I’m always interested in the mini-vans that can’t take a short trip without the DVD in the back going.

   I’m pretty new at this but I’ve already experienced my characters taking the story and running with it. If the sport’s important to your character, it probably needs some page time. Probably about 20K? LOL

   Have fun at RWA!

   by Lynn on July 14th, 2009 at 5:50 am
   
   

2. Are you going to RWA, Laura? Good for you! Have tons of fun; I hear it’s a riot. (And next year they’ll be here in Nashville!)

   We have a portable DVD player for the car, but we only hook it up for longer trips.

   As for the programs, go with the safe stuff: how did I get published, why do I write what I write, and how can you do the same thing. The library events often have a lot of prepubbed writers coming to them, as well as readers. If you have some sort of interesting background in some of the books, touch on that, too. Research, that sort of thing.

   Maybe your sporty character is saving her special ability for the next book. That way someone can say, “Oh, yes, I remember reading this in #1, that she was good at this!”

   by JennieB on July 14th, 2009 at 8:38 am
   
   

3. Lynn, it looked like a family outing to me. And LOL on the 20K sports addition. That’s gonna be a heckuva lot of swimming.

   JennieB…yes, I’m going to RWA. My first time. I think the “riot” one you’re referring to is Romantic Times (which is supposed to be a hoot). RWA is more serious and the lineup of workshops looks amazing. I’ll meet with my romance editor and party with Harlequin later that night as they celebrate 60 years…should be a good time!!

   Thanks for the thoughts on the talk! Good stuff!

   by Laura on July 14th, 2009 at 9:18 am
   
   

4. Regarding sport and how it ties into plot/character–it depends. What’s the sport? Does it seem natural that she’d possess the skill? And could it prove useful as a lifeskill as well? Could it shape the solution of the puzzle or resolution of the book?

   Or is it just backdrop that emphasizes the more three-dimensional aspects of your POV character?

   In my story, I knew early on that Samantha was a rock climber and former caver. She had to be for plot purposes (Having read a bit of the early draft, you get this). But it turned into a lot more than that–it shaped her character, framed her relationships with other characters, and underscored the theme of the story.

   In this case, sport/interest/ability shaped character arc and plot in a story, just as it can in life.

   The flip side: If your character’s sport doesn’t drop her into dramatic situations, weaving it into the plot without the scenes feeling contrived could be a challenge.

   Bottom line, like everything else in life, let your instincts be your guide.

   by joe on July 14th, 2009 at 9:40 am
   
   

5. The kid with the DVD player is sad!

   As for the trait, I say your subconscious is trying to get you to use it! Can’t ignore signs like that.

   by heather webber on July 14th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
   
   

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