I laughed out loud when fellow author Kris Michaels wrote on Facebook: “I love my characters, but it’s 3:00am, and they won’t shut up talking in my head.”
I wrote back, “How do you think I feel with howling dogs and wolves in my head at night!”
It’s true. Writers seemingly live a solidary existence, but we don’t… not really. Our characters are always talking to us. They are as alive to us as any of our friends or family. They take on a life of their own. Think we are insane? Probably, somewhat schizophrenic, with those voices in our heads.
When I was little, they were my imaginary friends when I was alone. On the playground, my living friends and I would act out our favorite radio and TV stories. We loved Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, and Sergeant Preston of the Yukon and his Dog, Yukon King. Yep. You guessed it. I was always the dog.
My point is that our characters bring out what is subconsciously and sincerely important to us as human beings. In my case, it’s about loyalty, compassion, and loving unconditionally. In others, it’s about justice and truth or passion and romance… I could go on. It’s different for each of us.
That begs the question… if you aren’t a writer, and you don’t have voices in your head, what passion or commitment brings out what is truly important to you? Think about it. Listen to your inner voice and find what truly matters to you. Once you discover it, act upon it.
Til Next Time,
Carol
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