When we write a character well we are creating belief in that character. (I prefer Tolkien’s creation of belief over Coleridge’s suspension of disbelief for the simple reason that in my book creativity is a positive act of bringing something into the world and not a negation of a negative.)
I love the distinction between Troubles nd Conflict that you articulate here. The rock in our shoe might not alter the course of our existence, but it's pretty fucking annoying.
Troubles are also powerful because they are by definition ubiquitous (no one is that Godly, as you mention) - we all have them, and they are unique to each of us. In that way, Troubles are perfect for characterization as they are, for us readers, relatable and distinguishing.
And then there's also the idea that, for characters and real people alike, knowing another's Troubles can create empathy, sympathy, connections, or bonds - which is something most characters (fictional, real) crave.
Are your posts part of a course you offer, or a book, on fiction writing? Or do you write them just for us here on Substack? These posts are clearly not just the odd musings on this or that aspect, but follow a system, and they bring a system to life, centred on character, story, conflict. As I keep reading, past posts get connected and build a bigger and bigger picture.
As a side remark: I like very much how you name each item of gear that is needed, and capitalize it (Troubles, Silences etc.) I keep sketchy notes of all this, to have them at hand when writing, and these Names help keep such notes short and easy to play with.
zoe, you are very kind to go back through the stacks and even kinder to notice the work behind the work. you are correct - there is a method to the madness. this is my homebrew methodology on the nature and function of storytelling im attempting to lay out -- structures / forms / mechanics / strategies that have helped me in my creative journey but which ive only ever sketched / intimated in classes. my students may have gotten some fractions of these concepts but it is here on substack where i am laying these out most explicitly.
and talk about timing - just this weekend i received a semi-official invitation to compile what im doing here into a book. which could be cool but first i need to get through the bulk of our STORY formula (Character + Conflict + Context ) before instrumentalizing what has been for me a relatively unburdened adventure in the poetics of storytelling.
I needed this. I shy away from writing passages that aren’t tied directly to the plot or arc. But if the characters and their world don’t feel real, pages won’t get turned. So, now I’m off to daydream today about the Troubles in my WIP’s world. Thank you!
I love the distinction between Troubles nd Conflict that you articulate here. The rock in our shoe might not alter the course of our existence, but it's pretty fucking annoying.
Troubles are also powerful because they are by definition ubiquitous (no one is that Godly, as you mention) - we all have them, and they are unique to each of us. In that way, Troubles are perfect for characterization as they are, for us readers, relatable and distinguishing.
And then there's also the idea that, for characters and real people alike, knowing another's Troubles can create empathy, sympathy, connections, or bonds - which is something most characters (fictional, real) crave.
Precisely Evan! Thank you for reading g so carefully and for your insights!
My pleasure! Your posts recently have really helped shape some of my otherwise ephemeral literary thoughts. So thank you!
believe me i benefit immensel when folks join into a dialogue - helps me to strengthen my ideas and how i communicate them, helps me close the gaps.
Are your posts part of a course you offer, or a book, on fiction writing? Or do you write them just for us here on Substack? These posts are clearly not just the odd musings on this or that aspect, but follow a system, and they bring a system to life, centred on character, story, conflict. As I keep reading, past posts get connected and build a bigger and bigger picture.
As a side remark: I like very much how you name each item of gear that is needed, and capitalize it (Troubles, Silences etc.) I keep sketchy notes of all this, to have them at hand when writing, and these Names help keep such notes short and easy to play with.
zoe, you are very kind to go back through the stacks and even kinder to notice the work behind the work. you are correct - there is a method to the madness. this is my homebrew methodology on the nature and function of storytelling im attempting to lay out -- structures / forms / mechanics / strategies that have helped me in my creative journey but which ive only ever sketched / intimated in classes. my students may have gotten some fractions of these concepts but it is here on substack where i am laying these out most explicitly.
and talk about timing - just this weekend i received a semi-official invitation to compile what im doing here into a book. which could be cool but first i need to get through the bulk of our STORY formula (Character + Conflict + Context ) before instrumentalizing what has been for me a relatively unburdened adventure in the poetics of storytelling.
I needed this. I shy away from writing passages that aren’t tied directly to the plot or arc. But if the characters and their world don’t feel real, pages won’t get turned. So, now I’m off to daydream today about the Troubles in my WIP’s world. Thank you!