Thursday, December 24, 2009

A Deconstruction of my Process

For sometimes, a rival is necessary in order for there to be a proper conflict.

William-Adolphe Bouguereau's Dante and Virgil in Hell


I often read novels in which the hero or heroine is set to marry or believes themself in love with some poor rotten-to-the-core one-dimensional character who will later be dismissed as unworthy for the lead. This works quite well and is an accepted standard but I have to write what I know and I simply am not able to write that.

Especially, not when I know for certain that most people are governed by a core that leans towards complexities and that no one person is just one thing. We are, all of us, layers carved out of our life's experiences and I’m mindful of this when I create all my characters particularly the rival.

I want it believed that my sensible hero/heroine, before the lead comes along and lays claim to their heart, made sense as a part of their life. I put forth an honest effort to make this person is made relevant and though they are set firmly aside for the lead, they are properly fleshed out for the reader to experience.

Whether they be a dull country gentleman, a villainous fiend or decent fellow I make it a point to spell out their core and motivation without them having takeover the role of the primary characters.
It's Christmas Eve and you have my very best wishes,
Simone.

17 comments:

  1. Now that is some very interesting food for thought! Thanks a lot for dropping in at my blogs earlier and for leaving behind those kind words of encouragement. I also see that there is a lot to read on your page. I am following your blog right away!

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  2. I agree! My favorite books have some of the most complex characters. Else it doesn't feel real enough for me.

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  3. Flat characters are no fun at all. Much more interesting when they have twists and turns :)

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  4. wishing you and yours a lovely Christmas, dearest Simone.

    xox,
    ~mita

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  5. You've pictured Dante--along with Virgil--in Hell. He is without his Beatrice, so he certainly couldn't be in heaven, could he?

    Perhaps she is sitting around the salon, getting her nails buffed and waiting a couple hundred years or so for Rossetti to paint her, in the guise of Elizabeth Siddons. Or not.

    Merry Christmas, dear Simone. I hope it is filled with love and good company. :-)

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  6. Have a blessed and wonderful holiday, Simone!
    http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com

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  7. Merry Christmas! I look forward to following you in the New Year. May it be a great year for you.

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  8. Merry Christmas :)
    Have a lovely holiday

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  9. Merry Christmas Simone.

    Boy you pick the best art ever, you really do.

    And the words are so true because even for us readers we know the character must be more than that (whatever that is).

    Love Renee xoxoxo

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  10. Merry Christmas Simone.
    This painting is amazing. The artist captures the human body precisely. The grabbing of the skin, the muscles and contors, and of course the emotions of hell. Or the evil that is there.

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  11. Very interesting piece of art...I could stare at it for hours...But the dichotomy of Heaven and Hell has always intrigued me. I guess that's why I loved Paradise Lost so much. You are right, conflict between characters is essential in a good story... Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

    Best

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  12. Oh no! I forgot your award, I blame bf, he wanted to go out before the only shop that is opened closed. Must fix that tomorrow, I meant you give you that beautiful blogger award :)

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  13. Thank you all for your lovely wishes and I hope you all had a brilliant holiday.

    ...And Linda, thank you so very much for the award. I'll be sure to post on it in a few days.

    Warmest regards,
    Simone

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  14. My Queen,

    What an amazing image!!! such depth and what a story it tells. thank you for sharing your OUTSTANDING blog with all of us! simply beautiful. I too love love love to cook and have collected recipes since I was 7 years old and told my mother that when I was older I was going to buy huge bags of flour to always bake...and I did! I love all of your suggestions on books as well.

    Happy New Year and...

    Royal wishes,
    Daisy
    LaPetitPlume.blogspot.com

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  15. Oh, I almost forgot...I hope you have found an Agent to take you on as a client:)) I feel you have so much to offer all of us!

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  16. WOW..very interesting post..
    Wishing you a GRAND New Year Dear...

    Blessings and a very big Hug!

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