Thursday, October 22, 2009

Following the Muse to My Protagonist


Antonio Canova's Napoleon is my current inspiration


Long before I sit down to write, I would have had intimate knowledge of my protagonist, but you must understand that this almost always comes from a rudimentary source such as the order of their birth, astrological sign or artistic bend.

My first novel, Ellesmere for instance, was conceived from an ad in GQ of a male model sitting in a leather club chair in a well-lit space.

His hair was raven black and inspired touch, with eyes that could only be described as a charming cloudy amber. He was handsome with very male features: wide brow, strong jaw and chin with a darling cleft at its center. He would have been intimidating had it not been for the dust of freckles on display over his nose.

Upon, closer inspection of the photo, I saw that there were also freckles on his ears and neck, then I wondered how it formed the man he is. I can’t take my eyes off him. I bought the magazine and, for a full month, pestered my loved ones with impossible questions of the man in the ad.

I think he looks melancholy and I want them to agree with me but they aren’t convinced. I tell them he’s Sagittarius because he reminds me of my old boyfriend with his olive skin and plush lips that hint at a smile even when he’s serious.

Soon I’ve decided he’s an only child with a beloved cousin. Then because the faint lines on his face are in the places where worry and laughter show, I make him the head of his brood. He’s looking directly at me and yet he is held from me so I conclude he has lost someone. And that keeps him guarded.

I call him James and make him the Duke of Ellesmere. He lives on Park Lane in a house that speaks well of his English sensibility, easily reflecting a seamless marriage of grandeur and comfort. This, I believe, comes from his ancestor’s innate propensity for restraint which he as inherited to advantage and shows well in his personal carriage.

He is elegant, urbane and intelligent with a sharp wit. He has known his friends from boyhood and the dearest of them I’ve decided must be a stunning redhead who broke his heart when he was ten.

Three months later, I know all there is to know of James and I have the notebook full of notes to prove it. By the time I put fingers to keyboard, James is practically an extension of self, an intimate friend, and I am able to gauge his response in whatever circumstances his story brings us.

All the very best,
Simone

11 comments:

  1. I’m not familiar with the artist that sculpted your Napoleon but I can see why he is your inspiration, he is pure perfection. I love the way you write about your process it makes your stories and character relatable. Your blog is one of the best writing sites I’ve ever seen.
    Smiles,
    Roya

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  2. Your process sounds much like mine. Nice blog.

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  3. I second what Roya so easily states, your blog is a beauty,something that could be easi surpassed to someone who rushes through everything, inluding life. Such shamefulness! About the rushing I mean.

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  4. Good morning Ladies,
    Thank you all for coming by and offering your support.I've been made significantly happier because of your kind words. I really appreciate it.
    Simone

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  5. I agree he looks melancholy and somewhat pensive...but I like that about James....Have a wonderful weekend, xv.

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  6. Sounds like a great one! Can't wait to read more!

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  7. Simone, what a delightful blog with both visual and inspirational delights. I will be back later today after I have reached my quota of words... I want to linger over the content - I can see I will be returning often.

    Thank you also for your kind comments on my blog - although our blogs are as different as night and day, I can see we are of a like kind.

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  8. thank you very much for coming by my blog. You have a beautiful site.
    Saludos!

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  9. Olá! Querida Simone.
    Fiquei feliz com sua visita ao meu Jardim, meu cantinho por certo não só me alegra como me traz muitas emoções. Admiro a natureza, em especial as plantas e aliada a este prazer, também aprecio a uma boa leitura. Parabéns pela bela apresentação do seu Blog. Vou procurar sempre te acompanhar para saber das novidades.
    Um forte abraço carioca.

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  10. Hello all,
    Please accept my every thanks for your kind words and support.
    And...
    Olá! Querida Maria,
    Thank you so very much visiting now, I’ll say my Spanish is rusty and my Portuguese nonexistent so I was only able to figure out some of what appears to be a very nice note so thank you.
    All the very best,
    Simone

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  11. Thank you for sharing a memory and the kind comment on my blog. I have been delighted with your blogsite, dicovering your passionate display of work here. Reading your words and looking at your pictures is similiar to a walk in the garden in midsummer when all of life is in full bloom. The beauty of the flowers, the subtle fragrances, the peacefulness, all my senses were heightened and I felt transformed into another time and place. Thank you for the journey. I will be coming back for more.
    Katharina

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