Date Posted:19:45:45 08/09/10 Mon Author:Myxtress Subject: Well, I'm a bit late, but here's my humble opinion >>> In reply to:
Page2
's message, "Decisions...Decisions -- Help>>>" on 21:29:55 08/02/10 Mon
I believe writing is a partnership between the author and the characters, both working together to tell the best story possible. The voices your hear are yours, and while they might all by vying for your attention, they have to trust that you'll get back to them when it's their turn. Just as you have to trust that when you're ready for them, they'll be waiting. And really, if they aren't, what kind of story do you think you missed? IMHO fickle, wish-washy characters are a waste of time when there are other characters out there that want their story to be told and have the patience to see that its done right.
So how do you choose where to go? Well...not necessarily to the one that is the loudest. You go to the one where you need to be. And the funny thing is, as writers, we all know where that is. It's that sixth sense that allows us to practice our craft.
First of all, a big fat CONGRATULATIONS on completing the first draft of REMEMBRANCE. I can appreciate how much effort that took :D I've heard the advice (can't remember where) that you should leave your first draft aside for 6 months so that you can return to it with fresh eyes when you come to edit. That's what I'm planning to do, when I finally finish the first draft of CLADDAGH (it will be finished, it will it will it will).
Secondly, I'm thrilled that you decided to pick Seren's Angel. I was impressed by the opening and intrigued by the premise, so I'm looking forward to reading more about Seren/James and his persuers.
Thirdly, I can appreciate the position of having multiple stories in your head and having to make a decision. I hate making decisions. Even in RL. You know what I do sometimes? I toss a coin. Seriously. But here's the trick: when the coin toss comes up, I take note of how I feel. Either I feel thrilled/relieved (so that's the option to go for) or disappointed/distraught (in which case the other option is the one I hoped would come up). Nobody says you've got to stick with the coin toss, but it can indicate how you actually felt all along.
Myxtress