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Wednesday, March 15, 2006
The Author's World View
Now that I've written four books, I've seen a pattern emerge. Some people call it the "author's voice," but I'm talking about more than a particular writer's tendency to use certain words or write short, pithy dialogue, or be inclined towards long, flowy descriptive paragraphs. I guess what I'm talking about has more to do with the author's "world view." One of the often overlooked benefits of being a writer is that it's a tremendous opportunity for personal growth. You're thrust into situations right along with your characters--more decisions than any one person can possibly face in a lifetime--and you're forced to ask yourself, what's the appropriate reaction here? Of course, I'm not saying that every character's decision has to be the same as the decision that you yourself would make in that situation, but there's often a moment when you're writing--at least for me--when you often pause to consider what you yourself would do. And of course, you also have to consider the overall message that you want the reader to come away with after reading your book. Yes, romance is escapist fare--just like most other genres of popular fiction and much of popular entertainment--but it's still important to consider what lessons you want to convey. Is it good to take risks, or is impetuousness a vice? Is it better to seek advice before making a decision, or good to rely on your own counsel? After four books, I've realized, for me, it's always about the woman who learns to assert her independence, even if the path ahead looks scary.
posted by Anna DePalo at 8:00 AM
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