Well, my newest novel came out this week. It's called, "The Seeing." It's about a fellow who finds a pair of goggles that let's him see into the spirit world. I like the characters, I like the pacing, I think the themes are important . . . and yes, I'm praying for its success -- in sales, of course, but even more in that it will be used in stirring up folks to the fact that we are fighting a war . . . while reminding us of the tools we have been given to win it. If you're interested, I think they put a sample chapter up at www.Billmyers.com.
Now to the novel . . .
I spoke to a student this week who asked me how to keep her characters from sounding the same. Great question. One of the key things I do, way back when I'm creating characters, is to make sure they each have a different weakness in them. The most important question I ask is, "What is my character's greatest fear." But then I also create little limps which allow me to lovingly poke fun at them. This gives the work just a bit of comedic seasoning (nothing laugh-out-loud funny, but hopefully drawing an occasional inner smile from the reader as they recall a person they know or cringe at their own personal idiosyncrasies).
When it comes to to humor, I believe there are three types. The one liners (think stand up comedians). The situational comedy (think slipping on a banana peel). And, in my opinion, the third and richest kind. . . comedy based in character. This is one of the reasons shows such as The Simpsons have such longevity. Each character has their own limp and blind side . . . and, though they may be exaggerated, we know of similar people or see the same silliness in our own actions.
By finding and playing with those limps I also have a little more fun in the writing process (and as we all know the process needs all the fun it can get) while hopefully proving the saying of Mrs. Sanford, my 12th grade English teacher: "If you're having fun writing, your audience will have fun reading."
Anyway that's a minor consideration in the day to day work, but one I'm always aware of as I look for ways to help scenes dance a little and not just lay on the page. Hope that helps.
Bill Myers
www.Billmyers.com
3 comments on Diary of a Novel - Week 7
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I finally got my copy of "The Seeing". Although it took my local book store to get it, I can't seen to put it down. I have read it in 4 days, and I must say I LOVED EVERY MOMENT of it.
Can you recomend a book of yours that is equally as satisfying and eye keeping as this one was.
Yours Truly,
Tina Canadien
That's a tough one, Tina. Kinda like asking who you're favorite kid is. Proably best to check out my web site (www.Billmyers.com -- a new version will be up this week with samples of each of the books). For what it's worth, a new novel is also coming out this week titled, The Voice.
Thanks for the encouragement,
bill
www.Billmyers.com