Join Alex J. Cavanaugh and a multitude of writer's in this monthly hop to help support one another!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Alex's awesome co-hosts are Olga Godim, Chemist Ken, Jennifer Hawes, and Tamara Narayan!
Question for October 4th:
Have you ever slipped any of your personal information into your characters, either by accident or on purpose?
I definitely slipped information and a few facts about myself in my latest novel, Incense and Peppermints. I'd written that story quite a while ago and put it on the back burner, mainly due to the family and social issues. After reflecting on the problems of that time period in 1969, and after considerable editing, I felt the book was right on.
Also, in my novel, Wickedly They Come, which is a Christian Supernatural Thriller, I sprinkled not only beliefs of the church, but mine as well.
In all of my books, I've put some of myself in them. And for fun, I use names and addresses of friends for small part characters. They get a big kick out of it.
I can't see how a writer can't slip some of themselves into their writing.
Like a little bit of blood, sweat, and tears!
Here is my insecurity Picture.
This is how I feel when I reread my stories.
You're no idiot!
ReplyDeleteMy Christian beliefs are in my stories. I couldn't write any other way.
Thanks, Alex.
DeleteI LOVE your book titles!! And the inspirational graphics. I can't imagine any of my friends wanting their addresses put in my books, even though some of them erroneously think characters are them (the hot, smart ones, of course, never the weasley ones that get what they deserve!). I write paranormals so I'm intrigued by the idea of a Christian supernatural thriller. Will be check it out!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nancy.
DeleteI sometimes feel the same way! I think we all put some of ourselves into our stories. It's what makes them more real.
ReplyDeleteI do tend to slip in names of people I've known. Of course we leave echoes of our own lives in our fiction--how else could you create a new world populated by new people? You've got to start somewhere, right?
ReplyDeleteYep. We're on the same page. hehehe
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Heheee...
DeleteI think we're all admitting to put some of ourselves in our stories. Awesome that your friends don't mind you including info based on them too.
ReplyDeleteYes, we all put pieces of ourselves in our stories. I never included my friends' names though. Interesting idea.
ReplyDeleteI think you're writing is awesome, but I totally understand the feeling in the last pic ... been there, felt that.
ReplyDeleteA Christian supernatural thriller? How intriguing!
ReplyDeleteOh how I relate to that last photo! I generally avoid using actual names and places. But my characters are engaged in a lot of unsavory activity that would not necessarily be flattering to said real person.
ReplyDeleteI haven't included my friends' names, but I've totally included my kids' friends' names in stories. I tend to choose names from the Baby Boomer generation for some reason, and using their friends'/classmates' names helps me get out of that rut.
ReplyDeleteThat's neat how you insert the personal into your writing. I think it's impossible to completely divorce ourselves from our work.
ReplyDeleteWe all put our experiences into our writing, whether it's first or second hand knowledge. Of course we're writers, so we make stuff up too, so nobody knows anything about us for sure. Hehe.
ReplyDeleteTrue!
DeleteI love all the book quotes! That last one made me chuckle. Thanks for popping by!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you Jenna.
DeleteLove your title Incense and Peppermints. It's just so snazzy!
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to NOT include real-life elements in one’s fiction?
I’m sure there’s always an overlap of sorts…whether deliberate or accidental…
I agree, Michelle.
DeleteThe insecure photo is brutal and really hit home. I've been there. The caption alone makes me want to be kinder to myself. Thanks for visiting my blog, Cathrina. I raised 5 boys, so I've always see a kindred spirit in your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joylene.
DeleteI think we always slip a little of ourselves into each of our main characters...although I write about children, so notsomuch!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to re-read your book and see if I can spot those bits about yourself. :-)
ReplyDeleteOkay, I love the Ann Rice quote. So true. That last meme is hilarious!
ReplyDelete