Connie's Corner

googling...

I was reading something on another site by an author I never heard of who said the best way to keep your reader interested and empathetic to your character is to think of the worst thing that could happen to him (her) and do it. Then, somehow, have your character overcome it, or realize why it happened...an epiphany, I guess.

This might be good advice but it covers a broad range of mishaps. I'm writing a story for a class where my main character (a she) gets married too young, has two kids, a snotty mother-in-law, and an unsympathic husband. So what do I have her do? She runs away. Now, what could be the worst thing that could happen to her? Raped, mugged, starved, homeless...all of the above? Or do I write it like I normally do? She comes to her senses and crawls back home.

Other advice the author gave was not to base your character on real people (which she is not) because it might become too painful...that is, if it's published and the person concerned reads it. That seems like very good advice. Her other advice I have heard before....write what you want to read, your story must connect with other people, never listen to people who might say you can't write because you went to a "hickey" school or you have uneducated parents, think about your story when you're not writing, and write something everyday. And read a lot and, hopefully, you will get lucky.

Our class is in a hiatus right now (we are supposed to be editing what we have written, thus far) because our instructor has been under the weather with a sinus infection. I tend to dawdle a bit in this type of situation.

To change the subject, my Jim saw a neurologist last week to try and find out why he is not getting any stronger through his physical therapy. He is being scheduled for some more tests because nothing is conclusive yet, although the neurologist thinks it is most likely due to his diabetes (of 38 years) and chronic kidney disease. The tests are because there is a (remote) possibility it could be senior hydroencephalus (fluid in the brain that is not getting reabsorbed). For some reason, this disease affects walking...and it is fixable (surgery) with a shunt (shudder). So...I'm not sure what to hope for. I guess we'll just have to see what happens with the tests, first.

Last Thurday evening, our Active Writers Group spent a very enjoyable hour listening to and chatting with WDC's very own poet, Katya the Poet . Even though I enjoy writing stories more than poetry, she reignited my interest in the subject with her enthusiasm and broad knowledge.

until next time....c