If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
We have been talking on this blog about writing what you know.
Writing “who you are” is equally important, and here’s why:
Let’s face it, there aren’t many original plots left. If you analyze the books and films we have till today, the number of plots boil down to seven different types. The immortal Shakespeare stole all his plots, so what are the odds of any ordinary mortal not doing so? But how is it then that successful writers tell us the same old story so as to pique our interest?
They tell it from their own perspective, of course. From the way they perceive reality or constructed reality. They know what pushes their own buttons, what hits a nerve, and why they want to tell a specific story in that particular way. They know themselves, and according to James Scott Bell, they create their “personality filters” in order to create an original story based on one or more of the seven plot types.
So, how does Bell reckon you know yourself? According to him, here are a few of questions all writers should answer when they approach the plotting of their novel:
What do you most care about in the world?
If you were to write your own obituary, how would you want it to read?
What is your physical appearance? How do you feel about it? How does it affect you?
What do you fear most?
What are your major strengths of character?
What are your major flaws?
What are you good at? What do you wish you were good at?
If you could do one thing and know that you would be successful, what would you do?
What are the three events from your childhood that helped shape you into the person you are today?
What are some of your annoying habits?
What secret in your life do you hope is never revealed?
What is your philosophy of life?
————————————
I am plotting my first MS, and I sat and wrote down the answer to all these questions. All I can tell you is that it made me re-think quite a few aspects of my work, and how to change them in order to make my work more resonant.
So pick up a pen and paper, or your laptop, and take a few minutes to answer these questions. You might be intrigued by what you find, and how it can affect your next novel.
![[del.icio.us]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/delicious.png)
![[Digg]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/digg.png)
![[Facebook]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/facebook.png)
![[kirtsy]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/kirtsy.png)
![[MySpace]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/myspace.png)
![[Reddit]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/reddit.png)
![[Squidoo]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/squidoo.png)
![[StumbleUpon]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/stumbleupon.png)
![[Technorati]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/technorati.png)
![[Twitter]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/twitter.png)
![[Email]](http://giveagirlapen.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/email.png)
7 Comments so far
Leave a comment
So true–I’ve come to realize the I am more and more putting myself in my own writing and in my own characters…and when I tried to make a main character different from me in every way (especially different from my own values), it sounded very false.
[Reply]
By beth on 04.25.09 9:11 am | Permalink
Beth, I think Bell is talking about writing on topics or selecting plots that are a product or reflection of our genuine selves or world-view. We may be writing about worlds that are totally alien to ours, but the story must be a product of our individual imagination.
Characterization is a different deal altogether. If you are trying to do a character that is totally unlike you, you need to research and get to know more about the character. If you check the tag on characters on this blog, you will find a few tips to make your character sound realistic.
[Reply]
By damyanti on 04.25.09 9:26 am | Permalink
I hadn’t ever thought of that before, but it’s true. There is a reason people’s beliefs and values are held so dear. Being aware of them will only help your work resonate and seem more authentic.
Beth- I agree that it’s difficult to write a character that is the completely opposite of yourself, but finding who and what that person values is key. Often it is the same as what we value, but twisted by the character’s perspective and background.
Great post, Damyanti. Lots for me to think about- about myself!
[Reply]
By Joyce on 04.25.09 9:48 am | Permalink
I’m writing a character, not my main, who will sleep with anyone, and he has been difficult. But I’ve studied men who are like that, and try to pattern him after them. I think it’s working. He does have values, but isn’t so willing to let them surface. Soon they will, but for now, he’s come off as a jerk.
My problem is keeping my values in my novels, without coming off as preachy. Fortunately my friends help keep that in check.
The is a great post D!
[Reply]
By Sarah on 04.25.09 1:14 pm | Permalink
See, I have a lot of trouble with this… I was writing women’s fiction because hey I am a thirty lady… I should be able to do that, right? Well, as it turns out I am actually more of a fifteen year old girl than a women’s fiction type… so I had to rethink my genre
[Reply]
By Jamie on 04.25.09 11:34 pm | Permalink
I have been reading your blogs and I am very impressed with the information and suggestions that have been posted here…you ladies have got something very special here!
[Reply]
By Emily Sage on 04.26.09 8:42 am | Permalink
Thank you Emily. We started this blog for the sole purpose to help writers hone their craft, and hopefully learn as well. We appreciate your support, and please, if you have something to offer, email us and be a guest blogger!
[Reply]
By Sarah on 04.26.09 5:57 pm | Permalink
Leave a comment
Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>