Aunty Ida is on my mind, apparently. Her name starts with an A, and I’m in edits with the sequel to Aunty Ida, but that’s not really why. Taking on two big challenges at once without thinking twice about it is exactly what she would do.
Then again, she’s barely on this side of sanity.
She’s also not on this side of reality, but that’s neither here nor there. She’s one of those characters on the cusp of willing herself into the world, whether we like it or not. Let’s be grateful I don’t have her scientific knowledge, or we’d be in a bunch of trouble, but I digress.
I think that while our characters can reflect aspects of ourselves, they can also reflect aspects we wish we had, and Aunty Ida has a fearless optimism which I admire and envy. A confidence that, no matter the bumps along the way, all will turn out for the best (to be fair, Aunty Ida digs the trenches for the bumps, makes the concrete, backs up the truck, pours the concrete, and shapes the bumps, but again, I digress).
While our fictional worlds cannot exist without us, they also can tell us about what we need in our real ones. I will try to find some fearless optimism as I tackle the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge and Camp Nanowrimo the same month I have to do my taxes. We’ll see how it goes.
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A Bit to Read 
“She’s one of those characters on the cusp of willing herself into the world.”
I always love it when writers speak of characters as though they’re separate from themselves (which, they kinda are! My characters have often altered the plots of my stories by their own will). To me, this just sounds like good writing and that you’re doing a great job at fleshing out your characters (don’t give Aunty Idea ALL the credit 😉
“I think that while our characters can reflect aspects of ourselves, they can also reflect aspects we wish we had,”
This is so true. Probably why I’m alway tempted to write kick@ss heroine types.
“While our fictional worlds cannot exist without us, they also can tell us about what we need in our real ones.”
This is the mark of great fiction.
Great post! Lots of wonderful and insightful thoughts. *bookmarked*
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I bookmarked you as well 🙂
Thanks for such kind words. I never really plan (the exception is the YA I’m working on for Camp Nanowrimo, I have a pretty good idea of where I’m going), I find my characters have minds of their own. Which I agree, is weird.
But I think the heart of writing is characters telling their own stories. They’re not always the ones we think they should tell.
This is so true. Probably why I’m always tempted to write kick@ss heroine types.
I so know what you mean!
Thanks for the awesome comment. I’ll be checking out what you’re up to for B…
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You are tackling both in the same month. Good for you. Good luck with the rest of A to Z and CampNaNo.
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
2014 A to Z Challenge
Nicole’s #atozchallenge Mighty Minion
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Thanks! I will take all the luck I can get 🙂 Especially toward the end of the month…
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Good luck with both. I’m participating in both as well!
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Thanks, you too! Two days in, and so far so good, though I haven’t done my words yet. Of course, by the end of the month, who knows…
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