Thursday, May 19, 2011

On Zora Neale Hurston

It's a sad but true fact that many people don't get their hands on a novel until well after the author has passed. In this case I refer to Zora Neale Hurston who in 1937 wrote, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Her life spanned from 1891-1960.
I was recently given this novel to read because my friend was sure that I would like it. Boy, was she ever right. But liking it falls vastly short of how endearing, enriching and enchanting this story is. Not only do I feel like I'm living where the story is being told, but I also marvel at the literary contribution of this author and find myself re-reading passages because I'm struck by the depth of meaning and elegant way in which her words were chosen to make her point.

Zora Neale Hurston is author to 7 other novels, 2 books of short stories, a play and 4 children's books. I will be reading more of her work! Perhaps you've read her work? I'd love to read your comments.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Heaven is for Real

Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo is an excellent read. After an emergency appendectomy, three year old Colton mentions shocking things to his dad that he saw in heaven. In childlike innocense, he tells his (nearly bankrupt) father to make sure he pays his doctor,"because Jesus helped the doctor save me," and that when he was sitting on Jesus' lap, (during the surgery) he told Colton it was time to go back now. There are many extradordinary comments this child makes in this true, down to earth story. This is a must read!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Creating Characters From Life

One of the best things about reading a novel is finding out what each of the characters want and then learning how they go about getting it. What is at stake? And, for whom? Do you remember finishing a chapter that you just couldn't close the book on - didn't you just have to read on to satisfy your curiousity? That's when you know the author did his/her homework. Homework? Really?

The truth is, every good author spends time working on Character Profiles, or Bio for each character in your story. Beside age, gender and what part of the country the story takes place, you can begin with a listing of attributes. Going deeper then, is the consideration of what is the driving force to make that character behave in certain ways or situations. What are their flaws?  - Be sure to add them, because nobody wants to read about a perfect character, especially since none of us reading are...perfect.

My first novel developed from release writing. After a year or insomnia it was complete. That was ten years ago. Then I began to study the craft of writing. Wow, was there a lot to learn! While there are a myriad of aspects to consider and plan for, creating and keeping a log of character details is extremely beneficial when drafting a story. Each character needs their own worksheet to help you keep their nuances straight; this also applies to what they might say or do.

As we well know, each story has a problem to solve. It's in the telling; the weaving of characters and how they go about responding to and solving the problem that makes it interesting. The most fascinating thing I stumbled on in this process is creating each character's voice.

When considering my antagonist, Emerson Gray, (in my forthcoming novel, The Forgiveness Factor) I needed him to have a sinsiter voice, one truely psychologically scarey. To me, that cinamatic voice comes from Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins' has portrayed a host of psychologically scarred individuals and it's easy to recall his voice from any of those movies. So, in an effort to create a living, breathing character, Emerson Gray comes to life with Hopkins' voice. Although Gray's physical characteristics differ from Mr. Hopkins, what Gray says, his demeanor, etc are deratives of Hopkins' screen performances.

Putting a real life voice to your characters will help set the stage for a good reader connection. Give it a try!

Read and keep writing,
Diane Rau

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Tip of the Day

Writing,reading and action are all interrelated.  Something worth writing is more times than not something worth reading, Something worth reading leaves you with a hint of inspiration, perhaps motivation, at the very least a sense of satisfaction. The simple truth is, you never know who you will inspire by your words, so...keep writing.