They Did It, Not Me!

Hullo everyone. Legolas here with a thoughtful, rambled, somewhat discussion post.

So a few weeks ago, I went to a book signing for one of my favorite authors ever. Ever. And when I got up there to meet him, I actually had the nerve to ask, why he killed my feels at the end of one of his trilogies. His answer was so cliched and yet true. "I'm sorry, but they did it not me. It wasn't my ending to choose."

That's got me thinking lately about the writing phenomenon of  "They Did It, Not Me." It's interesting when you think about it, how often as writers we refer to our characters as real people. This used to confuse me back when I was a young twelve year-old writer, but lately I've really been able to see how true this is.

The more you get invested in your story, the more you write and develop it in your brain, and the more real your characters become to you. Right? Sometimes I've even had characters be the first thing that shows up. It's almost like we've got this psychic connection.

Such as my Pinterest board SKYLAR SAYS. When I met Skylar through a pin all I really know was two things. A) That she was blonde and she was part of a contemporary story, and B) That she loved converse shoes. But that alone was enough to give me a peek into her story. And as I pinned things I felt represented her, I've learned so much more about her story. She's one of the most vivid characters I've ever had, and I don't even know her full story yet.

Has this ever happened to you? When you've just been so emotionally and physically connected that you know things about them that you didn't know? That things show up and you just feel that it belongs with that protaganist? Hands down it's a wonderful feeling. That's writing at it's core. When it's not just telling your story, but feeling and knowing your story. It's more than words and it needs to be.

Which brings me to thinking about the "They Did It"  part. Once we know THEM and can begin to discover who they are without having to make things up, that's where it happens. For instance, I wrote a first draft and I produced a character that I loved. She was my baby and she character that brought out so much in my protaganist. And yet...she had to go. She needed to die. And I didn't give it a second thought. My friends protested loudly, but nope. I knew that was her story, and I was okay with that. It got the MC where I wanted her, and it just needed to happen. Yeah, I'm sad, especially since she's a marksmen herself, but it's her story, and it would be wrong otherwise. 

Okay, so what if you don't have that THEY part? What if you've never felt this inner connection? You're probably gonna need to find it, is my guess. So how do you go about this character discovery? Well there are many ways. I've heard lots of tips for these kinds of things and I'm just gonna mention a few.

Visualize It - This is my way! If you're a visual learner, chances are that's how you connect! Surf Tumblr or Pinterest for things you already know about your story. Create places to bunch them together and keep a stock. [hence why Pinterest is so great for writers] However you learn, is probably gonna be the best way to discover you character.

Think It - Go somewhere public and sit. Watch the people around you. Guess they're stories. Make some up! Imagine your character in their place. Would they react more like the shifty-eyed teenage boy in the corner over there? Or the shy girl? Who knows!

My dad and I used to drive by the same person walking to the same place at the same time each day. After a few weeks, we had his whole life story playing out that we could have written a book about him. Maybe we will!

Write It - So maybe you're not a visual learner. Maybe you need to pick a random and totally bizarre scenario and write a few different reactions to it. I did this once, and it was interesting to see what I came up with. Need a prompt?

• Your protagonist finds her/himself trapped during an Indiana Jones like mission. He or She is lowered by a rope to the ground and lands in a big pile of sticky goo. Write three scenarios in which your MC is afraid, annoyed, and curious.

• A giant squid just attacked your protag's cruise ship! Write three scenarios in which your character is terrified, wimpy and active(takes action).

• It's a sad day for your MC when the ex-love of his/her life starts to make moves on his/her archenemy to make him/her jealous. Write three scenarios in which your MC is feeling revengeful, bored and angry.

With that sad, I want to hear what you have to think! Tell me about your connections and how you find them? Do you think it's important? Let me know. And lastly, my challenge to you: Pick a character you don't feel connected too and DISCOVER THEM. Get to know they're personality. If you can't, they won't contribute to the story and they'll just be totally

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Originally Post HERE. 

What Archery Teaches Us

Admit it. Archers are so cool.. Like WAY cool. So I'm gonna do a little roundup and tell you about a few of my favorite Archers in literature! You've probably heard of them, maybe you're read or seen their own unique stories. And then, I'm gonna take a look at them from a writers perspective.

First up is Katniss from the Hunger Games. Are you really surprised? She kicks some serious butt. This girl knows what she wants and is passionate about it. She holds the things she loves close and protects it with the said passion. She's got a soul and not to mention she won a freaking gladiator match.

Second, we have Legolas from Lord of the Rings. Um, do I really need to say ANYTHING at this point? Nope. Didn't think so. 

Our third observation is Robin Hood from...well, Robin Hood. This guy is a legend. So many stories, movies, plays, re-enactments and stories have been done of his famous tales and adventures. (Like Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen) His efforts to bestow justice in a community where none exists. He's loyal to his people and his band, and is willing to do what is necessary, but on the side he has a romantic side. Gosh, darnit, he's pretty legit if I do say so myself.

Kudos must also be given to Princess Merida from Brave. First Disney princess anyway to break out of the Disney Princess icon. She's fierce and she knows what she wants. She'll fight for her freedom and she's pretty vocal about where the stands. But in the end she's still loyal to those she loves. She's a little fireball of independence with a pretty great aim.

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So yeah, just to name a few. But what exactly, can we learn from these great archers, and/or their skill sets? I'll tell you. Here are a few comparisons I've found:

#1) Writing isn't all Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. Of course we all know that. Anyone can write, just like anyone could probably make the arrow leave the bow. But the real writers are the ones can perfect the craft. Those who learn how to do it just right and make it a skill, just like the archers that learn how to hit the bullseye  .

#2) In many cases with the above mentioned Archers, yes, they developed this skill, but they used it to defend themselves and the people they loved. They are using their skills to protect their beliefs and what they live for. For example, take Robin Hood, why was he an outlaw? Because he was fighting the wrong-doings that were made right by the corrupted leadership. He was helping because he knew it was the right thing to do. He was protecting the right. And I think writing can be a lot like that.

Sure, we all have genius imaginations. And some of us take action upon that to make a great story. But what I love to see in books, is when authors move beyond that. Beyond the imagination, to another level. Writing is usually at it's best when it portrays some belief or aspect of the human nature that you can connect with on a deeper basis. That's when it's .

#3) Writing can be pure fun. Take Merida for example. There is a scene in Brave where you see her galloping through the forest, as free as the wind, while practicing her archery at different set up targets. And what's the most obvious thing in that moment? Not that she's free of her duties, or an amazing archer, but that it's something she loves and is connected too. Writing and totally should be about it. It takes work, when the better you get, the funner it gets along with it! You can do so much, you can take your imagination to higher levels than you ever dreamer. It gets pretty legit.

So what is my point? A) Archers freaking rock. It's a legit skill and one that's totally fun to read about! and B) Archery is actually a lot like writing. Fancy that.

And with that, I will leave you now. But first, what connections I might have missed that you find in archery? Who are your favorite literary archers? Let me know down below! I'm off to do some target practice...

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Original Post made HERE.