I don’t think you can generalize an answer to these
questions. I’m sure every writer and author will have a different answer. It
will be interesting to see how the other authors in this group reply to the
question.
For myself, I think writing does change the
author. First, we can finally validate those voices in our heads that writers
hear. Writers also become more observant. We watch people in restaurants, on
streets, in parks, wherever we go. We eavesdrop on conversations and watch the
participant's facial expressions, gestures, and body image. We try to imagine
the people’s backgrounds and history. What are their goals? Why are they
rushing down a street?
Our curiosity intensifies as we develop our
characters. I find myself talking to an owner of a restaurant about how he
opened the restaurant and stories about some of his experiences and writing the
information on a napkin. I scribble notes as I watch a man describing something
with his hands. I close my eyes as I think about how to describe a smell that
envelopes me.
Also, as a writer, I join writing organizations
and talk to other people who understand writing, and those voices we live with.
So yes, I think writing changed me. It’s made me more observant honed my descriptive skills and made me more aware of people I know and their goals and objectives. And housework dropped way down on my to-do list.
I’m looking forward to what other authors have to
say about this topic.
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-2jz
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blog
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com
Bev, I do agree about writing making us into observers. And doesn't that make the world more technicolor?
ReplyDelete:)
Bob
I hadn't thought of that, but you are so right, Bob.
DeleteAbsolutely right about how we end up interacting with people not in our usual groups in an effort to learn more about the characters we create. When I began working on my first police procedural mystery I started by signing up for a ride along. While I have a healthy admiration and respect for law enforcement, watching them in action was still an eye opener for what it takes to be a good cop. Then I took the citizens Law Enforcement Academy - after the events of this past year, I think this should be a REQUIRED course in high school, like English for all Americans. That course expanded my understanding of how the system works or doesn't and the demands we put on our men and women in law enforcement which is very VERY different from the images you get on social media or in the news.
ReplyDeleteYou've definitely researched our law enforcement, Skye. Great work. Workshops and actual experience helps with character development and writer development.
DeleteI've always been a bit reclusive, and reading your post showed me some of the ways I've stepped out of that and into talking to more people, and yes, I watch them, too. Great post, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rhobin. Watching can be kind of sneaky sometime - but not obtrusive. As writers we do grow.
DeleteYes, interacting with others does assist and Introvert in developing characters. I was fortunate, or unfortunate depending on your personality :-) as a child. My father was career military and relocation was a fact of life. Observation is a less painful way of learning many of life's lessons. Good blog post by the way :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Connie. Your comment on observation is right on.
DeleteHousework has always been low on the totem pole. LOL I think, to be a good writer, you have to be interested in the world, and people, around you. Whenever I meet someone, I’m always asking questions about them because I want to know. I’m just fascinated by people. What do you like? What do you dislike? What makes you light up with passion when you speak? Where did you grow up? Did you have any siblings? It sounds like an interrogation, but I’m fascinated with people. I didn’t think about this until you mentioned it. I don’t necessarily write it all down, but it gets filed away in my head somewhere for later access.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post.
Thanks, Marci. And what you do is being a writer. We ask questions and everything goes into an internal file to be used in our stories and characters.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! The husband knows I need the restaurant seat facing out. Mind you, I've been caught out, too. Discussing a friend's problems with her wayward son led to the lady in front of us in the queue for the loo, saying, "I really don't want to go in and miss the end of this..." Three cheers for the mobile phone because so many folk are oblivious to their audience on public transport. However, I can't say it's a change in my personality as I've always been incurably nosy. Anne
ReplyDeleteBeverley, I didn't mention meeting others through my writing, but your post has made me reflect on just how important that's been for me. I've made some great friends through my writing, and met people from all over the world, even if only online. Thanks for your take on this great topic.
ReplyDeleteBeverly,
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on about how observant writers become and once one is attuned to being the observer, one never changes. Now, I am sometimes appalled at the things people DO NOT NOTICE. Enjoyed your post. Wasn't this z grea topic?
Hey Beverly, I can't blame being a writer for my lack of household chores attention. I always say that vacuuming is against my religion. The only room I clean every week is the kitchen, because we eat in there and I want us to stay healthy. But the rest of the house I ignore. Maybe we need a smaller house? LOL.
ReplyDelete