Friday, January 22, 2010

Writing Update Day 1

Words Written: 679
Time Spent: 20 min
Difficulties:
I've been having a hard time writing first person. I'm so used to third person that my first person voice sounds...stilted. I thought I knew my character, or at least well enough to make her come across a little more real after writing the last draft, but I'm finding that's not the case at all. For some reason I'm unable to remove those barriers and it's leaving my character very 2-D and cardboard-ish.

I think I'm still trying to find her voice--and my own--which is why it's coming off this way. Still it's frustrating, and it's like pulling teeth to get the words out now. Part of me thinks I should go back to third person, but I really, really wanted to tell this story in first--I think it would be much more powerful that way.

That is, of course, if I could figure out how to do it. I guess I shouldn't beat myself up too much. I'm still learning but it's very frustrating right now.

Goal for Tomorrow: I'm thinking of working on some sort of small character sketch--something that's not part of the book itself but that will help me figure out Miyuki's voice. I need to just let go and not worry about anything and I'm thinking a character sketch/random rambling writing session is the best way to do this. So, that's my goal for tomorrow.

3 comments:

Daisy Whitney said...

It always feels odd when you change perspective, but if it's right for the story it'll start to feel smoooher to you!

The Inexperienced Introvert said...

Well, at least you're writing. The first person stuff may very well become more natural with more practice.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the others - the more you write in first the easier it will get.

I was accustomed to writing in forst and switched to third. It felt bumpy at first for me too. :)