My writing life has not been a long one by any means but I have experienced the dreaded block. The first time was in the middle of my first NaNo and I was gripped with panic. The story, up until that point, had been flowing really well and I was feeling confident. Then suddenly the words stopped and I felt at a complete loss. This was a phenomenon I had never experienced before. What was I supposed to do? My mind was scrambling for my ‘story’, to no avail. Desperate for an answer, I searched the internet, rang writing friends – any advice was gladly received. In the end I walked in freezing temperatures and that released the cloak covering my mind. My muse returned and so did my main character, telling me where he wanted to go and what he was to encounter. Relief washed over me and my fingers began their furious typing once again.
In my new novel there are many voices. Each character has their own path within the story, bringing with them a different perspective and objective. Having so many voices clambering for attention takes some getting used to. I had been so comfortable with Evan in the Slake Patch. He had been a welcomed companion on my journey. Now I am torn between several characters all wanting my attention so their story is told first. So how do you separate your characters inside your head? Do you allocate time to each? Do you write out each separate path? I am interested to hear.
Every writer has their own ‘method’ and what works for one will not or may not work for another. This is one reason why I enjoy my writer’s circle so much – the differences make us incredible individuals but our shared passion makes us akin comrades.
I will succeed, I have no doubt, in forming my own method to harness my many character’s voices but any hints are very welcome.
Be happy immersed in your muse.
The knowledge that our gift lies within us and can flow upon the page when barely coaxed is little comfort when the feelings you describe hit us, pick us up and fling us around. We become desperate and in doing so eventually follow that path that is our own creative contstruction even without realizing it. True, at times, it feels more like destructive as we barge in, trying to force things.
Evan was easy on you being one smart character who knew how to command the High Council and the pen; now you have upon your plate a handful that demand your attention. Let them determine amongst themselves who is to be the major character or perhaps there is a sharing of that role with patience while it is another’s turn to tell. Maybe deal with each separately giving them page or ten to ramble on about their life – merely back story – then they know you know about them and understand their actions.