Being Honest

How honest should a writer be? I guess this goes along with how each piece we write is a part of ourselves.

Each character is someone we’ve been, wished to be, have known…the good, the bad, and the ugly. Why else include the safety phrase – any similarity to anyone living or dead is…is what? Coincidental? No, the writer doesn’t mean, you. Yes, the writer means, you; well, if the character fits; why do you think the writer means you; so, you did recognize yourself; hey, you are oblivious.

Every character we write is a recreation of attributes we have experienced, whether through someone’s fiction, through history, or through our daily interactions with those around us. How many writers have ever created an original character?

I don’t mean a new brilliant character who pushes the envelope a little differently than what we’ve seen before. Not a refreshing view on an old personality trait or theme. Not even a character with an added quirk.

How many writers have created an Original character? Not many. I’ll even go out on a limb and say, very few have created an original.

One definition of original is “arising or proceeding independently of anything else” and another is “new; fresh; inventive; novel.”

Can a writer create a character without them being “arising or proceeding independently” from anyone the writer has ever known?

Which brings me back to…how honest should a writer be?

Would you be as flattered if you realized the mean, ugly, petty character was based on you? Or the pompous, cold emotionally devoid being was how you have been seen?

Probably not. We don’t hold mirrors up to our own behaviours and personality flaws, unless they show us in a ‘good’ light, a laughable light. Turning and looking at the darkness within is something many refuse to see.

But, as writers we know this darkness exists. We recognize it, in ourselves and in others, how else can we write about it. Our experiences of the world and the people around us are food for our creativity. Nothing and no one is safe around a writer. We absorb each tiny nuisance into our creative well like a sponge soaking up spilled wine.

Our experiences of those around us tell us more about that person than anything. Actions speak louder than words…show me don’t tell me.

Of course, a person’s positives also influence our character writing. However, most everyone loves the flawed character…whether the hero/heroine or villain. No one enjoys a perfect person—who’s perfect?

Still, the question remains—how honest should a writer be? Simple, as honest has you dare. Besides, any similarity to any living or dead is purely…you know.









Quoted source for definitions: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/original

Off for a bit

Hi,

I'm sorry, but life has thrown a little curve so I won't be here for another week or so...hoping to have something for you February 12, 2010.

Thanks

Chris

Friday Fun into Weekend Fun

I'm a little late, so let's call this some weekend fun.

Any inspiration from this photo?

Creative Learning

Can you learn to be creative?

Hmmmm, I tried knitting…nope, funky fingers failed. Hmmmm, I tried crocheting…nope, same funky fingers. Hmmmm, I have rug hooked, but became a little bored (probably why my fingers failed at the other two items). I tried gardening…bugs = icky. I tried crossed stitching, but only ended up with crossed eyes.

I took music lessons, once. The scales were boring and practice was tedious. I did Tai Chi…have I ever mentioned my two left feet. Singing? Hmmmm, ever hear a frog with a frog in its throat.

Sketching, drawing, yup I can do that. I have to concentrate and dedicate a couple of hours and turn my extremely critical artistic ego off, but I like sketching. I learned techniques that work from my art classes more than any talent nature gave me.

Writing, storytelling, prose, that’s just in my blood. I can’t not make up stories or place myself inside a favourite television show or exciting new book…did I really just share this?

Did I learn these creative endeavours or are they just part of me?

Both.

I am naturally drawn to words and sketching is an itch I can’t ignore. Whether I’m good at either of them, well that’s not the real point, now is it.

Where Am I Going?

I did a restart back on September 21, 2009 changing this blog to ChrisChat Talks Creativity. At that time I asked “Where Did I Go?” now I’m asking – where am I going?

We all need a direction, if not many directions, in our life. We share our directions with those we live with, work with, friends and/or family; however, some directions we take on our own. Should our individual directions worry us? No, but they do. Who hasn’t wished to be completely understood, accepted, and even cheered when we create our own path? Not everyone in your life will understand, accept or cheer. Some may even think you’re wasting your time on foolish nonsense.

Guess what?

That’s OKAY.

I am one woman wearing many hats taking many paths. As a writer, creative being, I walk in my own direction in the path of my making--beside you. And that’s…FANTASTIC!

New Year, New Beginnings

Every New Year’s Eve many of us make resolutions—promises—to ourselves. Whether we mean to lose weight, stop smoking, write the great novel, be kinder, be…whatever, we are determined this will start with the changing of the year.

Why?

Why this particular date? Are you setting yourself up for failure? I know I am when I make these year-end declarations. So, I don’t.

Each day is a new beginning.

Set your goals and dream your dreams, but don’t become a slave to them. Don’t become locked into must do, have to do; I’m a failure because I didn’t.

Creativity does need planning, organization, you to show up. Never let your creativity become a duty—a job.

Keep your creativity flowing by easing off on yourself.

Enjoy this New Year start by opening up and letting go. Allow yourself to be amazed at what you will accomplish.

See you in 2010

Let Your Light Shine

Shine now and into the future
Dream now and into the future
Remember those we loved and those who loved us
Hug and Love those still here

Venture into 2010 and Be, yes just Be.

Thank you. You are appreciated.

See you December 28th

ChrisChat