It occurred to me today that my latest novel is really a new direction for me. I finished my first draft yesterday, and I’m celebrating big time. This story has been a challenge on all levels, but mostly it’s new territory for me. For starters, this is not a romance. There is nary a kiss to be had, between passionate couples that is. Plenty of granny kisses, and friend smooches, but nothing below the waist going on. Does childbirth count?
Looking back, I’ve guess I’ve been moving toward this direction for a long time, just wasn’t sure when it would happen. The love I’m exploring is a deep love, but not something easily defined. I mean really, is it ever? One of my characters is expecting a baby, and the connection between mother and child is powerful from the womb. A grandma’s love can create a magical place for a teenager to draw strength from, and light the way far stronger than any artifical light. And friends, who’ve weathered years of shaping their lives as beautifully as puzzle pieces, gathered round me in this story. And last but not least, magic is a vital ingredient to my stories. The one constant I’ve carried for the last ten years. I blogged once how magic quietly eased into my work and stayed there. I noticed, of course, but didn’t stare it down for fear it’d run off. We’ve managed just fine with our working relationship. I don’t take the magical elements for granted as I weave them through my stories, until the landscape is smooth and believeable.
I’ve always written for me first, and follow my muse. It’s the experience of storytelling I can’t live without, so I’m obessed in that way. I love exploring emotion on all levels and enjoy the revision process now, which I had a hate-love relationship years ago. I know that writing will be something I’ll always explore, and there’s beauty in knowing each story is a beginning no matter how many novels I write. Back to the blank page, back to the wave that might dump me quickly or allow me to ride it through. Writing is something that can never be tamed exactly, and maybe that’s why I love it so much. You can’t own it, but you can enjoy it and be grateful for the time together. And it keeps me humble, cause I know for me I’d be nowhere without my characters. They are the magic!
What keeps you humble in story or life?
Sounds like your WIP is progressing nicely, LaD. Congrats. A love story can take place in so many different manners. Yes, there’s the love between a man and a woman, but sometimes the love between a mother and child can be so much stronger.
There are so many journeys to love and happiness. Good that you write what draws you the strongest.
Plenty of things in my life keeps me humble … whether I want to or not. Mostly my daughter. With a well thought out phrase, she can bring me down to earth with a bang.
LaD, it’s such a great accomplishment to finish a draft. And love between family and friends can be as powerful in their own way as between a couple.
Like Liz, plenty of things keep me hunble, too. My cat can stop me in the middle of a passionate scene, because she wants and deserves some loving. I can read a great book — or great CP chapters — and feel humbled. It happens often.
I’ve always felt writing is as much a journey for the writer as it is for the story’s characters. Therefore, as a writer I’m humbled when I finish any stage of writing as I’ve created special characters and places, hopefully to keep them alive on the pages forever. That’s humbling.
Like Liz, life always keeps me humbled in so many ways. This is a great thing since I believe my best writing comes when I dig deep inside me from my fears. Confidence or arrogance may keep me from doing such searching and thus not bring to life the best story I can.
Liz, thanks for the congrats! I hear ya about the little darlin’ keeping you humble. I didn’t even touch on the subject of my family, and for me that’s my world. They inspire me to be the best person I can be. We pretty much check our egos at the door. In fact, I think mine ran away from home as a result.
Hey Edie, if I were a cat I’d want to live at your house!
I love the way you care for them. And I hear ya about reading something amazing, and they way it makes you feel. I’ve had that humbling experience often, and I never want to take it for granted. Several books I’ve read this year come to mind. I was blown away!
Mary Jo I feel the same way about the journey of writing! That’s why I know I’ll never take it for granted either. And the digging deep you speak of is the gold, I believe. I bet your stories are amazing as a result!
Three cheers for you! Coming to “The End” is always emotional for me, feeling as if all my characters have gone away on a trip without me. I guess yours will too, for awhile, until it’s time to revise. Enjoy the reunion!
Gosh, can’t think of anything that humbles me. Guess I’m on top of the world these days.
Thanks for the congrats, Kathy. I took a two-day pause for a fresh read. I know I’ll be working on the revisions for a while, so I’ll have the summer with my characters. And since they’ll be in my next project too, we won’t be parting ways for quite some time….YAY!
LaDonna, huge, huge congrats on finishing that first draft. Woohoo! I think my kids keep me humble, reading outstanding work, see others struggling with a lot more than me and triumphing.
Michelle, thanks for the congrats. I’ve finally landed, and starting the revision process.
And your list of what makes you humble is terrific! Yes, yes, and heck yes!