I started writing another novel last week and I have to tell you, it is becoming quite a challenge for me.
One of the two main characters is going through some rough stuff. As I’m writing, I find myself going through it right along with him.
Why am I identifying with his emotions more than the other main character? I have no clue.
All I know is that he struggles and hurts, and wonders and worries, I am sitting right there feeling it with him.
In one scene, he’s driving in a car race, overwhelmed with memories of his past, frustrated and a little angry. As I drove home the other night, I was thinking about that scene and how the rest of the chapter should unfold. As I zipped through traffic, I suddenly looked down and realized I may have been exceeding the speed limit. By a smidge, or so.
This taking on characteristics of characters can be a good and a bad thing.
Good in that I think it helps me tell that character’s story on a much more personal, intimate level. I really feel like I know what is in this character’s head and heart.
Bad in that I’m feeling the sadness, the darkness, and the agony of the lead character, and it is completely at odds with the sparkly-pink place where my thoughts generally like to hang out.
That, and I really don’t want busted for speeding.
