There is no denying that human beings are complicated. We all have several layers, each one with its own set of feelings and beliefs. Sometimes those feelings are at odds with each other. In writing, it serves as a great tool for creating internal tension and conflict.
When you are creating a character, it is useful to know all of that character's layers. You will be able to give them the most realistic actions and decisions. The problem with this is that you can easily get too wrapped up in what your characters are thinking. This will make you less productive and your writing will suffer.
Don't overthink with your characters. When people need to make decisions, they often don't think things through. People choose whatever they want the most at the time. If a man is offered some ice cream and he is really in the mood for it, he's going to eat that ice cream. It doesn't matter that he is overweight and is at risk for diabetes. If, however, that character is not in the mood for ice cream, then they won't take it.
Very few people weigh every single factor on each side of a decision. Whatever pulls them the strongest wins. Now, I know it is far easier said than done, but let me sum it up in a single piece of advice. Instead of asking yourself what you would do in that situation or what you would do if you were that character, just ask yourself what that character really wants. Then have them do it.
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Have you ever considered working for Writer's Digest? Or the other magazines you said you bought to improve your writing but realized you were way above the skill level they were catering to?
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have a lot of ideas. Since you post one every day. You MIGHT be able to get a job doing something like this on a professional level, maybe if you showed them the blog as a resume sort of thing.
It wouldn't exactly be comics, but it'd be in the same industry, at least. So I mean, instead of having to go work in a foundry, or god forbid, retail. The best two damn hours of my job are when I'm away from the customers. Don't get me wrong, retail can be incredibuly fun sometimes, but depending on where you work, and who shops there, it can be a depressing shithole. I'm lucky that I have laid back managers and generally friendly customers (only real complaint is i wish i got paid more)