That’s become a big part of my desire to attend the LDS Storymaker’s Conference this weekend (I’m there now – this is a prescheduled post, hee hee!). I need help. Serious, bigger than big, help. My writing has come to a complete standstill. Why? Because my main character up and left me. And yes, yes it hurts.
You see, I started this first book in mind with a firm idea of my main character. She was pretty easy to write about because hey, she was me! Yep, the me of many years ago. The me who was tormented at school and at home alike. The me who all these years later apparently needed to work through a few things. And that’s the thing. I did work through them. And then…well…I didn’t really need to hold onto it all anymore. So I let that aspect of the story go. Problem is, my main character went along with it.
She kind of had to go though, truth be told. There is nothing quite like the experience of basing your main character on yourself and then realizing that they aren’t terribly likeable.
So I made up a new main character. New name. New family situation. In fact, I decided to try to avoid the cliched and go with something pretty radical. Problem is, it didn’t work. I winced when I read it. I felt for the girl, honestly I did, but reading about her just made me feel as miserable as she was. Yes. I took it to an extreme of sorts and it was not good.
So now? I have no main character. I have a story. A story that keeps growing and evolving in my mind to the point that I really quite like it. In fact, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to write it. But…yeah…the whole main character thing? Kind of a STICKING POINT, yes?
So as I write this I am hope hope hoping that something in this conference sparks off an idea or two because at this precise moment in time I haven’t the faintest clue what I’m doing.
Help!
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15 Comments
Protagonists, who needs ‘em? Be really radical and write an avant garde novel without any!
Yep – still missing you on plurk.
That IS a dilemma! If the storyline is so interesting, it makes you excited to write it, there is obviously something there. I really hope you find the inspiration you are searching for!
Erin´s last blog post..He’s Growing Up
Can you hear the voice of the character for the story? I know that sounds mental, but can you hear some dialogue or their thoughts because you could build the character from there.
Sometimes pressure is also great for inspiration. I hope it works.
Lisa Milton´s last blog post..barriers
Oh, what the heck. I’ll be your main character. Thanks for asking. (*wink*)
Steph @ Diapers and Divinity´s last blog post..Facing your own demons
I hope you find some inspiration at the conference.
(I’m making this comment while you’re sitting all of fifteen feet away. How trippy is THAT?!)
Annette´s last blog post..We Interrupt This Bloggy Break . . .
I hope you find what you’re looking for. Good luck!
I really admire what you are doing. I don’t think I am disciplined enough to sit down and hammer out a book. I am sure you will gain the inspiration you need!
Amber´s last blog post..The most important responsibility of all
I hope you found the inspiration you needed … can’t wait to read about your trip!
An Ordinary Mom´s last blog post..The Cheeriness of Spring
Oh, I hope you find what you’re looking for at the conference! I’m sure you’ll find much more than you desired in many ways. Your character will come to you! I just know it.
Heather of the EO´s last blog post..Well, if you can sue over hot coffee…
i didn’t think your character was unlikeable…
you’ll find your character. perhaps she’s hiding under a very very large cookie or lego structure. that is ALWAYS where mine are hiding.
does she have to be based on you?
signed, the girl who modelled several characters after herself.
Zerilda The Superfluous Blogger´s last blog post..heavy objects i have been trapped beneath recently
what i meant by “does she have to be based on you?” is not that you *shouldn’t*…but if that is the thing holding you back…then maybe don’t do it.
but i like you.
and i like your character.
now i have to go remove my foot from my mouth properly. it may take some time.
Zerilda The Superfluous Blogger´s last blog post..heavy objects i have been trapped beneath recently
hey! i just found your blog and i’m glad i did!! i have been writing a book for about a year now and it’s driving me crazy b/c i can’t finish it! i have the whole story… everything planned out but i can’t seem to finish it!!
anyways, good luck with the main character thing. wish i could help :) :)
Megan´s last blog post..wish list
Kim, it was utterly fantastic to meet you! I cannot say enough wonderful, glowing things about you. You are the most warm, kindhearted, fabulous woman. I could sing your praises all day long. (I’m dead serious.) It was such a pleasure to spend time with you, talk to you, hug you, and be near you. There is so much I could say but I’ll email you instead. Please just know that I found in you a truly cherished friend and I think the world of you. You are simply amazing. Thank you for just being you. I am humbled by your inner glow.
As for the character problem, I am positive that you’ll figure it out. You’re a brilliant, capable woman. I know you can do it! Write on, girl!
L.T. Elliot´s last blog post..[TSoND]
Oh my sweet, I hope you’re having an amazing time there. I’d love to be there too. I hope you find your character. I bet you do. Love you loads and hope your not missing your monkeys too much. xx
Jo Beaufoix´s last blog post..The Rhythm of Life is a Powerful Thing
i can’t tell you how many half-finished YAs or MGs i have cluttering up my hard drive. i try to write character driven novels, but mine always end up plot driven instead. alas.
you, however, have more tenacity in your one little toe than i’d have if i cloned myself ten times over. so wait a bit for your character, she’ll show up.
and if she doesn’t, heck, tramp out to the woods (or the mall or the skatepark or wherever the sort of protagonist you need would hang out) and drag her in by her hair. she’ll show up. ;)
and having said all that, i’ve read some smashingly good plot-driven novels, regardless of what the gurus say. so go ahead. you’ll knock our socks off.
nic´s last blog post..it’s official.