I’ve got my plot outlined. World-building done. Research underway. Character bios are complete. Despite the distracting news on the television, I’ve written 23k words. I’ve got a cover concept, a rough draft of a blurb. Things are sailing along.
Then…
One of my minor characters, Briar, has decided to stage a mutiny. He has a cutlass pointed at my progress, and he’s walking it up the plank.
He’s called a meeting on the quarter deck of the Windwraith. All the main characters are there, wondering why the wind in our sails suddenly died. I leave the helm and join them, arms crossed as I lean on the mizzen mast.
Briar’s pacing, eager to explain his reasons for the summons. He looks right at me. “Listen, Peach, this course you’ve charted needs some revising.”
I roll my eyes. Here we go again.
“Hear me out,” he says. “I think you’re making a mistake if you let the ferryman throw me overboard in Chapter Six.”
“Hmm,” I reply.
“You might not have meant to do it, but you’ve made me interesting. I’m nuanced.” He turns to address the rest of the crew. ”Okay, I’m a little lazy and a bit of a bully, but I have a heroic side.”
The crew chuckles as he faces me. “I’m actually younger than you first envisioned me, and I have startling blue eyes. I’ve also got all my teeth, which you can’t say for Kezo.”
The first mate smiles at me, flashing his gold tooth. I groan inwardly at the clinches. Those are coming out as soon as this irksome rebellion is over.
Briar grins. “You made me the perfect choice for some romantic tension with Marissa.”
I glance at Marissa. She shrugs. “Fine by me. It’s not really a romantic story anyway.”
“Wait,” I say. “Before you all get carried away. I’m eleven chapters in. You’re asking for some significant revisions here. If I give Briar the role, what do I do with Kellin? He was supposed to fall for Marissa.”
Briar makes a pffting noise. “That kid is too young, too naïve.” He gives Kellin an apologetic wince, then puts the blame on me. “It’s just not the right story for him. He’s like a little brother. Marissa would never fall for him. The relationship will feel forced. Your readers won’t believe it.”
Kellin sighs and rakes back his flyaway blond hair. “I kind of agree with him. You wrote me about four years too young.”
I’m tempted to argue that I wrote him exactly the way he is, but it’s not the time for a chicken/egg debate with a bunch of mutineers. And to be honest, I kind of agree that Kellin isn’t strong enough for the part.
“You know, Kellin,” I say, “if I make this change, I’ll have to kill you off.”
Briar puts on a sad face as shallow as a tide pool. “Instead of rescuing him in Chapter Eight, you could have him get shot with a pistol, fall into the sea, and drown.”
Kellin frowns at the suggestion. “She doesn’t have any pistols in the story.”
“She has to revise anyway. She can add them in.” Briar leans against the gunwale, his case made.
I narrow my eyes at him, feeling a bit shanghaied, but he’s made a few good points, and the changes feel right. None of the crew looks miffed. Even Kellin seems to understand that his death would make a better story. He’s a nice kid… Readers will feel the loss.
“Fine,” I say. “I need to go back and plot the changes before we sail any farther into the Deep. Shore leave is cancelled until we’ve caught up.” I gesture to the first mate. “Brace about. We’re changing course.”
As the big man takes the wheel and bellows orders to the crew, I retreat to my cabin. I log into Word and scroll back to Chapter One. Then I open the internet and look up everything I ever wanted to know about flintlock pistols.
(Names have been changed to minimize spoilers).
Do your characters do this to you?
Myths of the Mirror 
You even make this interesting and a bit funny. I’ve never tried fiction so I wouldn’t know but your process is intriguing. How fun and frustrating.
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Thanks for the visit and comment. Despite the rework, I enjoy the collaboration with my characters. It really does make the story feel “alive” and surprising. Usually it’s not this drastic! Have a great day and Happy Writing. 🙂
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[…] When Characters Mutiny […]
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Thanks so much for sharing the post! I’m honored that you enjoyed it. 😀
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I loved this! What really makes me smile is how your character, and your muse, call you Peach.
My characters don’t do exactly that, as my stories are shorter, but they tend to create their own dialogue.
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LOL. I didn’t even realize that they both call me “Peach.” I wonder if they’re in cahoots! I actually like it when my characters speak up, even if it makes lots of extra work! Keeps the writing alive. Thanks for the visit, Basilike. Be well, my friend.
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They do call you ‘Peach’ and I love it, because it sounds as if you are new in the army and they are your leutenants who are going to toughen you up. It helps that you have a sweet last name too.
I love it too when the characters take matters in their hands. Even if I don’t want to use what they come up with, they provide insights into who they are, and great notes for future use.
Have a great weekend!
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It’s funny, Basilike, that my characters didn’t start out as pirates, but they’re getting more “pirate-ish” as the story progresses. It’s been fun writing these guys, and yes, letting them become who they are. 😀
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It sounds like the mutiny might be a good thing, Diana. Have fun!
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I think so too, Olga. The characters almost always know best. I’ve started the changes. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and Happy Writing!
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I adored this, Diana, lol! I’ve had similar convos with my characters, but not to this extent. Until I saw the disclaimer at the bottom about name changes, I’d made a note to not get too invested in Kellin while reading the book!
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Ha ha. It usually isn’t this bad, Teri. My characters weigh in all the time, but they rarely force me to go back to the beginning for rewrites before I’m even halfway through the draft. But it makes writing fun. You’ll forget all this before the book comes out. Lol. Thanks for reading and Happy Writing!
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I believe that because you respect your characters enough to listen to them, this is a reason why you’re so prolific. Generosity of heart breeds prosperity of inspiration. 💖
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Thanks for the wonderful comment, Julie. I don’t mind it at all. It keeps this whole process interesting, exciting, and alive for me, even though it makes for more work! I find it rather entertaining overall. Dang characters! I’ve already red-penned most of the adjustments, so we’re back on course. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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Lol! I love this, Diana. Anyone who is not a writer would not begin to understand but we all do! How exciting!
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Ha! I agree! It’s something that seems weird until it actually happens I think a lot of authors experience unruly characters, Jan, it’s up to us to let them be themselves but not let them completely hijack the story. The fun of writing. Thanks for the visit and comment. Happy Writing. 🙂
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I like Briar, he’s got spunk. It’s hard to sidestep a bunch of characters when they decided to stage mutiny, haha! Sounds like a great pirate adventure taking shape. You are so awesomely talented and productive Diana! It will be a great book.
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Thanks, Lana. I’m glad you enjoyed this. This will be a sea adventure, but no pirates, although this this group is very pirate-ish. Lol. This one will be a stand alone, so a lot less writing pressure. I hope to have it ready to go this summer. 🙂 Thanks for the fun comment, my friend. Be well and Happy Writing. ❤
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I think it’s a good sign when a character rebels. It means the character has a strong personality, and that’ll come through for the readers.
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I agree, Priscilla. I pretend to be annoyed by my assertive characters, but honestly, I love it. The characters feel more authentic and the writing fluid and exciting. Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!
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I love the way you evoked your character and outline thoughts. As a nonfiction writer, I have enough trouble with the real people in my books, lol. ❤
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Part of me thinks it would be harder to write real people, Debby, because a non-fiction author is writing from a particular perspective as well as making interpretations about others, all the while trying to represent the truth. It’s easier to just make everything up! Lol. A post from you about how you navigate that would be really interesting (someday when life calms down. 🙂 ) Thanks for the visit, my friend. Be well. ❤
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You bring up a very interesting subject Diana. And so funny, as I always thought it was much more difficult to build worlds. Go figure, such vast differences in writing these two opposite genres. And thanks for the food for thought. I will definitely write a post on the topic and tag you for rising the question. Just wrote a short draft note in a post to write about. Thanks Diana, I’ll let you know when I write and post. I do have a few already lined up for posting, but that will be fun to write. ❤ Hugs xx
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You’re right about “opposite genres.” I love how we all find our interest and joy, and that they don’t match! And no rush, no pressure, of course. It was just an idea that popped up. I enjoy reading about author’s thought processes and how they approach their work. ❤
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Love the prompt, already in draft, will come to life in 2-3 weeks lol ❤ And you said, the best thing about being writers is as many books that are competition, each has its own originality to offer, just have to find the appropriate readers for. 🙂 ❤
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My WIP is an adaptation of a screenplay I wrote about a decade ago that was kind of intended to be a Seth Rogan–style comedy. When I started plotting the novel, using the old script as a malleable outline only (because I knew the tone of the screenplay wouldn’t translate to the prose form, and that would necessitate both tonal and structural alterations), I discovered that one character wanted an entirely new personality (even though she continued to serve the same plot function), and another character — a comical antagonist who gets his comeuppance — actually wanted redemption in the new iteration of the story! And I felt my job was to simply listen to what my characters were saying, and not push them somewhere they no longer wanted to go. So, in that respect, Diana, I completely relate to the literary mutiny you recently had on your hands!
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Ha ha. I’m not surprised by the number of authors that have encountered assertive characters. Your comment got me smiling, Sean, because I can totally see it. I love it when my characters insist on being themselves, despite the extra work. The writing feels fluid, the people alive, just like “real” life. How’s your writing coming along? I still waiting to read. 😀
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In light of the George Floyd murder and my awakening about police fiction (as explored in “Forget It, Jake, It’s Tinseltown”) I’m honestly not sure I even want to release EFRI anymore — I don’t know that doing so would be socially responsible. I’m going to write a few companion pieces to my novella Spex and compile them in an anthology of wish-fulfillment stories of magical realism, and when my current WIP is finished (a full-length novel), I’ll probably self-pub it. So, publication is still a ways off — it won’t be this year, alas — but I’m definitely done with querying my work to prospective agents/editors; they never respond, and on the rare instance you get them to agree to read your material, they never get around to it. Message received. My work deserves to be published, and if I can’t find anyone who will do that, I’ll do it myself.
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I’m so glad you made that decision about self-publishing, Sean. But I’m glad you tried the traditional route, too, just to know that you gave it a go. I remember querying and getting “auto-rejections” within a quarter-second of hitting send. WTF? You’ll love self-publishing and being the master of your domain. I, for one, look forward to reading your work. 🙂
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Thank you for the encouragement, Diana — that seriously means the world to me! Right now, the goal is to finish and polish my materials — and that’s a project I expect will occupy the whole of 2021 — but when the point comes to put on my “publisher’s hat,” I’ll definitely need some advice! I hope, when the times comes, you won’t mind if I reach out to you privately to poll your wisdom…?
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I wouldn’t mind at all! Whenever you’re ready, just reach out. 😀
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I. Love. This. Yes, our characters have us wrapped around their fingers. And really-that is where we (and our typing fingers) are meant to be wrapped. Characters rule!! Mixed metaphor here but you know what I mean. 😂
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Lol. I actually enjoy these mutinies, Pam. They’re spot on to keeping our characters authentic and stories “alive.” The rework is well worth it. It’s the magic of writing that keeps us coming back despite the work. Thanks so much for the morning smile. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤ ❤ Hugs.
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Bwhahahahahah! 😀 … diabolical, they are! 😀
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Aren’t they? So opinionated! I do like their insistence on asserting themselves, and they’re usually spot on with their suggestions… er… demands. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Writing. 🙂
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“I’m nuanced.” That says it all, doesn’t it? Loved this post, Diana. Best wishes with your WIP. Sounds like you have your hands full. But it also sounds like you’re getting some good advice from your characters.
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Thanks, Staci. I love it when characters take over and assert themselves. The story feels alive and the surprises make writing fun even though it also makes for more work. Briar’s in and poor Kellin… Have a wonderful Wednesday and Happy Writing!
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Yes I’ve found characters can sometimes do surprising things and even change where the story was going. They seem to have a life of their own.
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I’m glad you can relate, Joanne. Though it creates some revision and replotting, I enjoy it. To me, The story and characters come alive and the surprises make the writing fun. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Writing!
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Oh Briar, look what you’ve done, you rascal!
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I know! Back to the drawing board to see what happens next. I actually love it when the characters speak up. The story feels alive to me. I just don’t need these surprises every day! Thanks for stopping by, Mark. Have a wonderful day and Happy Writing!
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Quite the intriguing insight to your writing process. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Angelo, and for taking the time to read. This happened on Sunday and I thought it would be fun to share. My characters are very vocal when they don’t think things are headed in the right direction. Have a wonderful day and be well. 😀
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My two cents? Oh God, you gotta keep Briar. I’m already crushing on him! Who wants a young blond lad, when you can have a dashing rogue? You know what you have to do, Peach.
PS: an oceany piratey book huh??? 🙂
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Yeah, Briar’s in, poor Kellin is dead. Briar’s still a secondary character, but he’ll add some color to a rather intense main character. No pirates, but a bit of pirate flair, sea witches, dangerous merrow (mermaids), and more! It’s plotted, but obviously still subject to change!! Ha ha. When my characters do this, they’re usually right, and I follow their lead. Thanks for the two cents! ❤
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Well, you’ve got my attention, that’s for sure!
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😀
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Thank you for this fabulous & humorous peek into your writing world!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this. My characters don’t mutiny often, but sure do let me know when I’m missing the boat (pun intended!). 😀 At least I’m still early in the story, so there isn’t too much rework to get back on course. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Have a lovely Wednesday!
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Unruly characters just make it all the more interesting – they twist and turn unexpectedly just like in life. Maybe for you, the author, makes them challenging to manage & tame.
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I think so too. It keeps the writing interesting, that’s for sure. Ha ha!
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I had two sub-villains die before I was ready to kill them off. Yet, weirdly enough, it all worked out for the best that they died at those points in the story.
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Isn’t that cool? I like it when stories start to tell themselves. To me, it feels magical, as if the story and characters have suddenly passed some threshold and come alive. I think it’s great that you went with it. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Writing!
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It really does feel magical when that happens. I had one subplot where I wanted my one character, Robin, to stay for Ambrose’s wedding on Sunday. And I needed him to be there for Ambrose’s wedding because it was important for further plot developments.
I swear all of my characters kept telling him that he should just leave town before Sunday. Even Ambrose! Ambrose gave Robin the okay to skip out on his wedding! And I was just the poor author over here trying to give Robin a legitimate, non-forced reason for him to stay for the wedding.
It all worked out in the end, but oh my gosh! Those guys did not make it easy for me. 😂
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That is hilarious. Mine generally do their own thing within my plotting. It’s like watching a movie and writing what I see. Yours are pretty pushy!
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I write down the “movie” too, Jacqui, Isn’t that funny? This doesn’t happen often. But sometimes… something just isn’t working and the characters call a meeting (or a mutiny). Lol This happened on Sunday and I had to share. I have a little more work to do and then we’ll be back under sail. Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you got a laugh.
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I love that–“call a meeting”. And I agree–I have had that happen.
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Ha ha. I can imagine that your characters surprise you, Jacqui, since they are on a journey of discovery in many ways. 😀
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This was such a fun post! I really enjoyed it. I haven’t had a character mutiny before. They just sulk and roll their eyes when I put words in their mouths they would never say.
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Ha ha ha. Well, that’s a bit of a mutiny. My WIP takes place on a ship, so the mutiny metaphor was perfect. I actually enjoy it when characters insist on being authentic. It makes for a much better book. Thanks for stopping by to read, Liz. Happy Writing!
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Your WIP sounds intriguing. Adventure and romance on the high seas?
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Not much romance since my main female character has other things on her mind, but adventure and mermaids!
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Ooh, mermaids!
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Not very nice ones. Lol
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More of the Siren variety?
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Yes, but a little different… everything with them is a bargain. I was toying with a title of “The Ferryman’s Bargain,” but “The Ferryman and the Sea Witch” did a lot better with SEO scoring.
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Just from what you’ve described so far, “The Ferryman and the Sea Witch” sounds like the more representative title.
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🙂
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Priceless, Diana Wallace Peach! I hate to rub salt in the wound but…Briar is memorable already. I fear there’s more mutiny ahead. 😀
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I know. Yikes. He’s a secondary character though! The pov and main goals of the plot aren’t his. So, I have to make sure he doesn’t overpower my main character. I was thinking about that today. Isn’t this fun? I love how crazy and creative writing can be. Thanks for stopping by the mutiny, Andrea. Happy Writing!
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-grin- A secondary character with ambitions. Beware the Briar! lol I fear this is only the first mutiny of many. But you know…it may well be that your Muse is trying to tell you something. I’ll be very interested in seeing where this goes.
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🙂 Now that he’s “not dead”, I have to spend some time contemplating his future.
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lmao – oh I can see Briar worming his way deeper and deeper….mwahahaha!
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Ha. I’m thinking of giving the “Marissa” character a pov. That would give him more text, but we’ll see. It’s so fun to work this all out. 😀 And as a stand-alone, there’s a lot less pressure!
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lol – I knew it. When a character causes this much mayhem, he’s a keeper. 😀
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I know. Another subplot. It’s fun though.
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-hugs- I think this is going to be another good book.
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I hope so!
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It will. 🙂
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oh my if you kill him off you better not tell him first or you’ll have trouble on your hands. But it sounds like you already have. I’d sleep with the pistol under your pillow tonight Diana just in case.
It sounds like a great read! Bravo! 👏👏👏👏❤️
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Yeah, Poor Kellin got knocked off and Briar earned a reprieve. They were okay with it. Ha ha. My characters are so bossy, but usually they’re right. Thanks for stopping by, Cindy. I appreciate the visit. Have a great evening. 😀
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Well, now I want to know what Kellin did that was so wrong. I always like the underdogs.. 🤣 They sound like they havw a mind of their own. I always love to hear what you have to say and your stories. Thanks U2!❤️
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😀
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Poor Kellin! 😥
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He understands. 😀 I’ll give him a tragic exit. It’ll be sad and fire up the crew.
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😄 Well, that makes me feel better for his demise.
Of course, I can’t really talk because I’m planning to kill off one of my favorite characters. I started the whole story with the knowledge that he was going to die. And, if the scene plays out as well in writing as it does in my head, it’s going to be a heart-punching, gut-wrenching death that will have that awful sting of inevitability.
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This happens all the time to me, Diana:) Why I stopped outlining the story. Sounds like a good change, but I already feel sad about Kellin…lol.
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That’s so funny that it drove you to give up on outlining. I just go back and tweak it (or more than tweak it – lol). I’m glad you can relate even though the changes can be annoying. I think it’s great, actually, that characters push to be authentic. It certainly makes writing interesting! Have a wonderful evening and Happy Writing!
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You’re right it does make them more authentic and definitely keeps it interesting. I do notes now over the outline so I don’t get lost. Thanks, happy writing to you and hope your evening goes well.
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I love this, Diana! 🙂
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Thank you, Barb. I leave my characters lots of room to be themselves, but occasionally then gang up and want big changes. This happened on Sunday and I had to share. I’m glad you enjoyed it! I hope your characters behave. Happy Writing!
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It’s so fun to think about that! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Love it….I can so visualize this meeting….better now than later I guess! Still chuckling!! 🙂
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Yes, definitely better now than later. It’s still early in the book, so some editing and tweaking will do it. I’m glad you enjoyed my characters’ mutiny! They do this to me a lot. What a boisterous crew! Ha ha.
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Goodness, you almost had a mutiny and you haven’t even begun the voyage!
This is going to be a fun read, I can tell already. 🙂
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Thanks, Jacquie. This one will be a stand-alone and hopefully a fun voyage. I’m having fun writing it, but we keep having these glitches. Ha ha. I’ll buckle under soon and hopefully have the first draft done by the end of Feb. IF the characters behave!
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Yes, they do get a life of their own and at times it’s hard to rein them in. Probably best to let them go and see where it leads.
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I’m glad you can relate, Anneli. This exchange happened on Sunday, and it was so vivid that I decided to share it. Usually my characters are right and they improve the story. Thankfully, I wasn’t tooo far into the draft. Have a great day and Happy Writing, my friend.
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I remember once writing the dialogue of two characters and I had a particular end goal for that scene, but partway through the dialogue, one of the characters said something I hadn’t expected and the whole thing took a different turn. I sat by the keyboard afterwards and did the silent handclap and said, “Ooohh! I didn’t know THAT was going to happen.” It was fun!
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Ha ha ha. I love that! To me, when a story starts telling itself, I feel like something magical is happening. 😀
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I’ve always read about how characters can take over during the creative process of writing and go their own way, Diana. I really enjoyed this example. Good luck with the pistol. 🙂 –Curt
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It’s an interesting dynamic, Curt. I trust my characters to be themselves and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. They create extra work but the storytelling feels fresh and “alive.” The research on the pistol will give me a few details to add authenticity, as well as to make sure I don’t make any big mistakes. They’re not very efficient weapons, that’s for sure! Thanks for the visit!
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It’s kind of the dream world, Diana. Sometimes I wake up from a bad one and think, “No.” I them go back to sleep and rewrite the script. 🙂 –Curt
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That’s cool that you can rewrite your dreams. There’s a story in there. 🙂
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Ha, ha! This was so much fun, Diana.
I had this happen to me in the my third novel.A secondary character threw a curve ball and demanded I change his role, which in turn changed the plot. I’m glad I listened to him. Readers loved him. I think readers are going to love your “Briar” too 🙂
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I’m glad you can relate, Mae. I always let my characters be themselves, but sometimes they throw a big wrench into the gears. This one wasn’t too bad because it’s still early in the draft. And it’s wise for us to listen to them because they’re often right! Thanks for stopping by to read. Happy Writing!
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When characters step in to make changes, they embellish their role. I like your approach of giving them a free hand Diana. All the best for the hard work ahead.
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Thanks so much for the comment, Balroop. I actually enjoy these “mutinies.” They tend to address something that wasn’t working and they force me to adjust. And they are a bit exciting too because they lead to a better book. I hope you have a wonderful afternoon. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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I enjoyed this piece so much, Diana. These darn characters have minds of their own, don’t they? The struggle is real, particularly when you go down a rabbit hole and realize that you wish you wouldn’t have gone there. I’m still a bit of a novice with this, particularly fiction, but I do get this character struggle. Nobody said this was easy. I suppose that’s part of the mental challenge that I find most satisfying.
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I was wondering if you’ve experienced this in your current WIP, Pete. It’s a struggle, but honestly, the surprises and the push and pull makes the writing feel alive for me. I relish these forces (characters) at play in my stories. Never a dull moment. Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!
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I’m a much more left-brain, analytical type, but writing feeds my artistic, creative side. I like the mental challenge of making it all work logically, so it is a combination of the two.
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That’s typical of writing, I think. It’s a blend of technical craft and creativity. Enjoy!
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Hi. I haven’t written books. My writing is confined to shortish pieces. But even with them I don’t know exactly where they are going. Sometimes they end up far different from what I originally envisioned.
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I can imagine. Isn’t it fun? I love the way a story changes and surprises. It’s a bit of a challenge when you’re already 100 pages in, but still… Thanks for stopping by to read. Have a wonderful day and Happy Writing. 😀
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Lol, this is why I don’t do more than a rough plot, very largely the start, the climax, and a few necessary points along the way to keep character development on track.
Even then, they sometimes outwit me!
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I think I plot a little more deeply than that, Deborah. Perhaps 40 paragraphs describing partial scenes in sequence. But I love leaving a lot of space for the characters to be themselves. Those discoveries are the most surprising part of the writing journey. Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!
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The story of my writing life! Nothing ever goes as planned because there’s always that ONE character who knows better than me! 😀
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Ha haha. Isn’t it the truth?! This happens to be a lot, Nesie, sometimes when I’m even farther into the write. But those characters are usually right, aren’t they? Annoying, but I love it that the story feels alive. Happy Writing!
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Too true! And sometimes they show up and save us from ourselves! LOL!
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Yup.
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So interesting!!
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Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed this. This happens to me a lot, but it does push me into a writing a better story. Have a lovely day and be well. 🙂
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Wow Diana thank you so much for a little glimpse of your awesome book and the characters too are nice and fun loving. Great of you conversing with them feels as if they are true to themselves. Lovely post.
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Thanks for the visit and comment, Kamal. I’m glad you enjoyed this. These mutinies happen all the time. Lol. Have a lovely day, my friend. 😀
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You are always welcome Diana and yes mutinies keep on happening from ages. Loved reading your review. Take care and stay safe.
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It happens! I had a cat wanting to take over in one of my books. Sheesh!
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Ha ha ha ha. LOL. Well, that takes the cake. I’ve never had an animal insist on being a main character. So funny, Darlene. Thanks for reading and making me laugh. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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lol. My characters do speak for themselves, particularly after the initial rough draft, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a full fledged mutiny. Maybe the closest is my current WIP. I did a complete rewrite between rough and first draft and added a main character so I could have someone in the inner circle die. This character ends up living and I killed off another character that had originally made it through unscathed…
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Ha ha ha. So, you know exactly what I mean. Isn’t it funny? I love the way a story feels fluid and surprising even when we think we have it all figured out. Have fun as you craft your current WIP. Happy Writing. 🙂
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I’ve yet to write a book for this very reason. I think I would go mad. But if I know you and your gift of tying it all together, this will be amazing! ❤️
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Ha ha. No, you wouldn’t go mad, because usually the characters make good points and it feels right. I love this part of writing because even though I’ve plotted the story, it feels alive. Thanks for your lovely comment and encouragement, Holly. Have a peaceful, creative day. ❤
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Briar is more than a thorn in your side 😉 I really enjoyed this writing …. and his attitude!
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Lol. Perfect play on words, Val. Yeah, he has attitude. I’ll have to make sure he doesn’t outshine the main character! Thanks for the visit and comment, my friend. Be well. ❤
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The first time one of my characters made a change to my book I thought I was going mad. Then I discovered that it happens all the time, which made me feel a lot better. I’ve got a character at the moment who keeps telling me he should have a bigger part in the story. And another who kind of sneaked a bigger role almost without me noticing.
I love the way you describe the mutiny, though.
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LOL. Your description of your characters vying for bigger roles made me laugh, Vivienne. That’s exactly what happens here too. It’s disorienting, but I notice that my characters are often right, and the stronger personality (the more interesting to readers) often wins the argument. I love this about writing – it makes the creative process so alive. Happy Writing!
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You do interact with your characters on a personal basis. I’ve never had one mutiny but some have gone bad on me!
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LOL. That’s so funny and probably very similar. I’m an outliner, Noelle, but I think being flexible and willing to make changes is critical. Characters have to be themselves. Thanks for stopping by to read, and Happy Writing!
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Oh, yes! And how I had a good chuckle while reading this post. In “Out of Time,” my recent book, one of the characters, Lexie, was supposed to be the villain. But like Briar, she rebelled. And Lexie has a very strong personality. So what could I do? As far as I’m concerned, characters should drive the action of any book, regardless of genre. I so hate it when characters are marched through a plot. Really, it ruins a book for me. A character can certainly change, but the writer had better darned well make a convincing case for this. 😉 Any, onward, ho with Briar!
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LOL. I knew that other writers would be able to relate. How funny that you had that experience with Lexie. And I so agree that forcing characters to “march through a plot” can have a profoundly negative impact on the feel of a book. They have to be authentic and true to themselves. Thanks for the great comment, Laurie. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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Same to you!
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This is amazingly great
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Thank you so much for the visit and comment. My characters do this to me All The Time! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful day. 🙂
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Thanks for the fun peek into the life of a writer’s life Diana. I love that your characters come so to life that you dialog with them. It sounds more like a team huddle than a mutiny, although mutiny plays better as a story line! Beware the second mate. I think he’s plotting his own coup!
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My main character, the Ferryman, won’t let that happen, but it looks like Briar is going to live (for now). Lol. This conversation happened on Sunday, and it seemed like a fun phenomena to share. Happens to me all the time (and secretly I love it). Thanks for the visit and have a wonderful day, my friend. ❤
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Very fun! Thanks for sharing. 🥰
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Never mind the book – this is a great story 🙂
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Ha! Thanks for the great comment, Derrick. Rebellious characters are a frequent headache for this writer. But I do appreciate the course-corrections. Have a wonderful day. 🙂
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Sometimes our characters know best. You got this, Diana!
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I know, and they speak up, don’t they? Despite plotting out my stories, my characters frequently make changes. They gang up on me! Lol. Thanks for reading, Jill. Happy Writing!
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They can be bullies! 🙂
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Briar definitely made some good points. Back to work 😊
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Lol. Yeah. This happened over the weekend. I was annoyed but also relieved because I knew it wasn’t working. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to read, Tessa. ❤
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