tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post3971994842995186250..comments2024-01-05T05:32:54.346-05:00Comments on S.A. Larsen, Award-winning author of middle grade & young adult fiction: TOEING THURSDAYS.A. Larsenッhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241633272588383935noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-9620004011219755442010-04-29T19:22:47.789-04:002010-04-29T19:22:47.789-04:00The William Wallace quote is superb Sheri!
I'...The William Wallace quote is superb Sheri!<br /><br />I'm the kind of person that seems to be a magnet for all kinds of HAPPENINGS. I could give you a list of things that have happened in my life that you probably wouldn't believe...so I try to be careful when I write. Even if I described things that HAVE happened, in a book they would seem fake and contrived. That's why I rely on joking and kidding so much in real life I think. It's a kind of cloak to the sadness I often experience.Ann Marie Wraighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14524746255813452836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-30841905739251120672010-04-29T13:03:38.747-04:002010-04-29T13:03:38.747-04:00Very insightful Sheri, and true. Lot of bad things...Very insightful Sheri, and true. Lot of bad things happen in life, lord knows I've had my share, but it's such a wonderful thing - to be alive - that I think you have to find a way to be thankful for every experience you've lived through.<br /><br />An example: My mom died when I was pretty young - 11 years old. It was really tough and I miss her everyday but if that had not happened I would not have ever met my girlfriend and fathered the two wonderful daughters who make every day a joy. It's bittersweet I know, but that's how your post hit home for me.<br /><br />When it comes to writing it can be a little more complicated because applying that same kind of acceptance to your characters can be tricky (at least it has been for me). What is sympathetic and believable in life can come across as contrived in writing. It is important to keep in mind though, and beautiful when it works.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing Sheri!Matthew MacNishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03264738483763244969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-2538237323388814922010-04-29T12:26:02.571-04:002010-04-29T12:26:02.571-04:00Great point, Natalie. I fully agree.Great point, Natalie. I fully agree.S.A. Larsenッhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06241633272588383935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-33363573966229532482010-04-29T12:25:27.098-04:002010-04-29T12:25:27.098-04:00Wow, this is an incredibly insightful post. Living...Wow, this is an incredibly insightful post. Living life is so important. Sometimes I just have to back away from the computer and remember that the people I can touch are more important than the people I'm chatting with online.<br /><br />I do think we can apply living our lives to our characters. After all, that's what we want to create. A character that is so three-dimensional that they feel real.Elana Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-7757281539249173752010-04-29T12:22:10.249-04:002010-04-29T12:22:10.249-04:00Yes, I have definitely had things happen that prop...Yes, I have definitely had things happen that propelled me on and they weren't always what I'd call good ones. I think it's important to our character's growth that they have major events happen to them too or it'd be boring.<br />I have great faith in life that things, including getting published, happen when they are supposed to. And if they aren't at the moment, in retrospect I can usually see why it wasn't meant to be or wasn't the best time given everything else going on.Natalie Aguirrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03756087804171246660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-77619816645686470212010-04-29T11:18:23.056-04:002010-04-29T11:18:23.056-04:00"Not every man really lives." I LOVE THA..."Not every man really lives." I LOVE THAT!<br /><br />I have a huge bank of raw material (called life) that I draw on for my stories. I tried writing fiction once when I was in my early twenties. It didn't work. I hadn't lived enough life yet.<br /><br />I feel profoundly through my characters, which often makes it difficult to write wrenching scenes for them. I think many writers struggle with this: how do I make a fantastically interesting story, without dying in the process, because I'm <i>living</i> it?<br /><br />When a reader tells me they've gotten so immersed in a story that they feel like they are the character, I think, "I know exactly what you mean. I wrote it!"Susan Kaye Quinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07348197999397141067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-57743917227010363462010-04-29T11:00:24.961-04:002010-04-29T11:00:24.961-04:00Good question Sheri! Yeah, I've had things hap...Good question Sheri! Yeah, I've had things happen in my life that have made me move on to better things. I think most of my characters do too. If not, my book would be super boring. =)Carolyn V.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15456210036213016603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-52430194050560815172010-04-29T08:34:33.811-04:002010-04-29T08:34:33.811-04:00Hey Sheri,
Yeah, life happens sometimes, and writi...Hey Sheri,<br />Yeah, life happens sometimes, and writing can really take a hit. But maybe those are the times to let things "steep" and when life settles, we have answers to niggling questions that have lingered in the back of our heads.Joanne Brothwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11277805693436251841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-5361520200389662102010-04-29T08:12:54.126-04:002010-04-29T08:12:54.126-04:00Your questions make my brain hurt this early:)
Yes...Your questions make my brain hurt this early:)<br />Yes, I've had things happen that propel my writing. And with my character, who goes through a lot, I throw in some good pieces of life, to help her "live." She appreciates the small things. Much like we all should, I guess.Candylandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08956196611348299424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-18285390792519248182010-04-29T07:42:41.873-04:002010-04-29T07:42:41.873-04:00Wow, Dianne. Powerful words. As you already know, ...Wow, Dianne. Powerful words. As you already know, I've so been there. I haven't had advice from a *professional* source, yet, but have from lots of very gifted writers--you included. I know we've discussed *listening to your gut* and *drowning out the voices that really don't apply to you in a certain case. Maybe there is a happy medium here. <br /><br />Just a thought, but try stepping back for a few days looking at this person's advice through clearer eyes. I know it's hard; your WIP is your current baby and who tells us to change the color of our baby's eyes or hair? Take a breather. The wisdom in this person's words will come to you. I know it will.S.A. Larsenッhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06241633272588383935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4513702670120363707.post-35259552572020187882010-04-29T07:02:01.743-04:002010-04-29T07:02:01.743-04:00Tough questions, Sheri!
Bad things happen to char...Tough questions, Sheri!<br /><br />Bad things happen to characters in books! I hope to continue living a life free of the kinds of horrible events that befall some of my characters! So, no -- I haven't had a real life experience that helped me put something similar down on paper.<br /><br />But I HAVE had advice on the craft of writing that has overturned my thinking and hopefully led me to greater things on the page.<br /><br />Just this week I had a critique from a very professional source which suggested a major, major change to my WIP. I am working very hard to accept what this means (although I tossed and turned all last night). Conversations in #YALitchat make it clear that an author should think twice (or thrice, or more) about rejecting this kind of advice.<br /><br />My gut reaction is -- NO! But I see this person's point, and I know that I should at least try it and see what happens.<br /><br />This could be a crucial learning point for me. I hope I'm smart enough to grow from it.Dianne K. Salernihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16459839567235304842noreply@blogger.com