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Gazing Up At The Pedestal

Hudson Bartholomew

Entry posted by Hudson Bartholomew

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I’ve recently begun reading blogs and listening to podcasts from published authors, with the goal of learning from their experience and being inspired to keep writing. Unfortunately, this seems to have backfired, because the more I listen to them and learn about their writing process, the more I feel like I could never do what they do.

 

They talk about discipline, setting aside time every day to write X number of words. They talk about using various tools and software to help organize their thoughts. They talk about the importance of research. This is all fine; it’s manageable and I understand how to work these tips into my own writing habits.

 

But then they talk about characters pestering them in their heads, itching to get out onto the page. They talk about different characters having different speech patterns. They talk about creating fake text message conversations between characters to figure out what type of emojis each would use. They talk about writing what a character sees, feels, smells and hears in each scene. They talk about character development and plot development in a way that feels unattainable to me.

 

Honestly, characters never scream at me in my head; I have to prod them with pointy things to get them to tell me their story. I’ve tried writing different speech patterns for different characters, but when I edit, they all sound the same—they all kind of sound like me, unfortunately. I write SO SLOWLY it feels like I’m inching along while everyone zooms ahead. And while I’m constantly wishing I could forego all other responsibilities in life so I can write, whenever I sit down in front of my computer, my mind often draws a blank.

 

I wanted to learn from these authors because I admire them; and I admire them because they’re such great writers. So it should come as no surprise to me that they’re exceptionally skilled at their craft. And I’m just starting out, so there’s obviously much for me to learn and lots of space for me to grow. But sometimes it feels so overwhelming and I don’t know where to start.

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Valkyrie
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Everybody has their own system and what works for one, doesn't work for another.  Don't worry about what anyone else does; just do what works for you.  You are a good writer, so whatever you've been doing is working (and I don't say that lightly).  I very rarely plot things out.  I'll write a basic outline, or some notes about where I want the story to go, but for the most part I just sit down and write.  Sometimes it flows smoothly, but the majority of time I need prodding as well. lol  I have attention issues, so that doesn't help.  Oh look... something shiny!   :gikkle:  

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glitteryantlers

I don't think that your characters sound all the same. I'm not a fiction writer of my own, but I have to write various things in different styles. Sometimes even in different languages. It helps, when I create different environment for the tasks too. And what Val said: It does not matter how you do the writing, as long as the outcome is right.

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Kitt

As an editor I have worked with a wide range of authors.They cover the gambit from Sasha Distan, who's fingers cannot keep up with the characters shouting in his head to Carlos Hazday, who has an outline he wrote prior to the first CJ book that extends two books beyond the one we are currently working on. The only one you need to worry about what they do to write is Hudson Bartholomew.

 

Sending you a box of very sharp pencils (sharp pointy things) to prompt your characters with.

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Robert Rex

You may be on to the right approach for you with your next-to-last paragraph, "prodding the characters".  Maybe take that one step further:  sit down and do an "interview" with the characters--and take notes on their responses.  Where did they grow up?  Education? Life experiences that shaped 'em?  Their views on politics, faith, social issues? What kind of friends do they run with? Hobbies?  In other words, treat 'em like real-life people.

Once you do that, perhaps each character will become the distinct personality you want for them to have--and that'll come through in your writing.

The key phrase is "what works for you". Every writer approaches their work differently, and you're no different from the rest of the talents in that regard.  Hell, we're ALL learning as we go!

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Sasha Distan

I promise at least some of these published authors are lying... or telling very good stories to themselves.

 

Yes, my characters shout at me, really, really loudly. What none of these podcasts told you is how painful that is! Ever try and teach a full day of lesson to 11-16 year old kids while there are two guys right in the forefront of your brain, fucking in the shower and swearing at each other every chance they get? (That was how I met Marty and  Hrishi). Any of those authors give you an idea of how hard it is not to say something wholly inappropriate when that happens? and never mind the fact that when this happens, you basically have no choice in what you write - you're just along for the ride, typing furiously and wishing you could actually sleep.

 

Everyone's method is different. Your characters might be deeper or more thoughtful because they need prodding. Some move quicker than others, but everyone has the chance to get there. And yes, and Robert Rex said, we're all learning. Do not get Kitt, or anyone else, started on how appalling my grasp of grammatical concepts is sometimes.

 

Do your thing - you're the only one who can. Life is far too short to be anyone else.

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Hudson Bartholomew

Wow! Thanks everyone for leaving a note! I really appreciate all the encouragement. I guess it's one of those things where the rational part of my brain says, "Yep, that's what I've been saying all along," but the emotional part wants to be a toddler and have a meltdown. 

 

Val - thanks for the kind words. And thanks for leaving so many reviews on P&P, it means a lot!

 

glittery - I can only write in one language, so you're miles ahead of me on that one! :)

 

Kitt - thanks for the sharp pencils. Can never have enough sharp pencils. 

 

Robert Rex - an interview is a great idea! I was having a severe bout of writer's block this weekend, and it wasn't until I finally sat down and asked, "What is this guy's deal?" that things finally got flowing again. 

 

Sasha - I literally laughed out loud at the image of you standing in front of a classroom of kids while Marty and Hrishi got it on! Described that way, screaming characters doesn't sound quite so appealing anymore :)

 

Thanks again, everyone!

 

Must keep writing, must keep writing, must keep writing...

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Timothy M.

Not to worry, Hudson, there are plenty of us plodding along with you. :hug:

I usually need to get prodded by my readers in order to get writing. :facepalm:

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