30. These walls I climb to get to your story ...

Thursday, May 05, 2005



Mood: busy
Music: Ordinary - Train


I had a lot of thoughts come into my head last night, and I almost sat down to write another entry here in my blog, but I decided to let the thoughts I had just spin around my head for a bit. I was also busy attending the chat over at Writers Chat with Sylvia Day. The chat was wonderful, and it went longer than the two hours, but a cut into my writing time was worth it. I also won one of the night's door prizes. The last one of the night in fact, so I'm really glad I stuck around, and I look forward to receiving my book in the mail.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about one of my WIP's. Actually more thinking than actual writing. Last night I saw a picture of the man I am using as a model for my hero, and I positively screamed because that was just him. In those two pictures I saw last night, that was the character, the look I wanted for him, and it was perfect. I'm wondering if that makes it odd that I am using a celebrity as a model for my hero. I find myself doing that a lot though it seems. Am I the only one or are there others that do the same? I just seem to do better with a clear picture of who the characters are, and it is easiest to use ones of people I know or see around me. I need to stop thinking and start writing though. I also saw an interesting contest I'm going to attempt to write something for.

Moving on. In my blog hopping today, I found some blogs written by HelenKay and Alison Kent that caught my attention. Both discussing professionalism and writer opinions. If an author mentions something about a book that they may not like, I don't know if I would call it unprofessional. It all depends on what is said, and in my opinion if it is said tactfully then there really should be no problem.

I've been journaling for several years now, and I have seen similar issues pop up when things have been said in journals or comments left to journals. Not so much related to writing, but more personal entries, and I've seen the problems those words have caused. It all comes back to what is said, and how it is said. Since these are words on the screen, just letters strung together, it is difficult to know the tone of the words being typed. We don't have the benefit of tone of voice or facial expressions with this online forum. It makes it hard when things get out of hand over a comment made in an entry. Intentions seem to be otherwise, but it comes down to how the words are perceived by those reading them. That is just what I've experienced in the past with other journals.

6 comments:

I think it's wonderful you found the picture to your WIP man. I wish I found my plot to go with the rest of my scenes. ;-)

So I'm gonna give you a procrastination device :-)
I'm Tagging You! (VGB) Visit my blog to see the list.
You are so right about things being said because online it's hard to express tone. Mine is very happy/mischievious right now. (grin)
Have fun!

Maria

Regina Avalos said...

Thank you for letting me know, Maria! I'll make it my blog entry tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

I do things backward. I usually find a picture AFTER I've written the book and then send it to my editor for the art department. I know my characters much better at the end and can decide more quickly a picture that accurately reflects who they are.

Lynn said...

Congrats on finding your man! I've got pictures of my characters on virutal Post-Its on my Windows desktop--sometimes it helps me to look at their faces as I'm brainstorming and/or writing.

As far as the second half of your post, this may sound like I'm minimalizing the situation, but I honestly believe that some people just need to lighten up. Everybody has an opinion, most people like to share it, and some people express themselves more tactfully than others.

On the flip side, however, it's always a good idea to stop and consider what you're writing when somebody else's work is the subject. It's never a good idea to bash or engage in personal attacks. But if there's something you don't like, I don't think you should hold back from saying so. Just try to remember to do it tactfully, constructively, and remember the Golden Rule.

You can't please everybody, but you can always try to be proactive in preventing unnecessary hurt.

Crystal* said...

I usually don't have an actor in mind for any characters. You know, of course, I could just live in my head and be happy. *grinning*
An actor photo is a great device, though. And it can be inspiring.

I'll check out the torque contest. Since I'm working on a romance erotica right now, I'm "in the mood" anyway. LMAO

I read the Alison K. blog and commented. I used the post to jumpstart my "objectivity" thread. It's an interesting topic.
Grins*

Regina Avalos said...

Suzanne, doing things backwards is interesting. Whatever works for you. That is what matters.

Lynn, I agree with you. Speak up, but be careful in how you say things. Say things in the way where you're not intentionally being hurtful because you never know when the shoe would be on the other foot.

Crystal, the contest does sound interesting. I plan on trying to get something in for it too.

 
 
 
 
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