29 October, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Today one of my PhD supervisors pointed out that the character in my novel is never happy. She is always sad. So now I need to write a chapter in which she steps off the Misery Express for a moment or two to enjoy life. Except there’s not much to enjoy in her life, what with all the psychological torture, alienation, loneliness, religious fanaticism, sexism, divorce, depression, abortion, terrorism and ultimately the death of her one true friend and companion, her sister the stripper and high-priced whore.
Hmmm. I think this reflects poorly on me and my outlook on life. I’ve learned recently that happiness is necessary, that it’s possible, that it can be just as meaningful as angst or pain. I don’t know how to write about happiness in my fiction yet, but I need to try. I need to add a little joy to this narrator’s life, a little hope. I owe it to the poor ol’ girl..and to myself.
Anglofille said @ 10:24 pm | academia |
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Have you seen Stranger than Fiction? It’s a great movie- as a matter of fact, I’m watching it right now and took a break to check my emails.
You really should see this film in light of where you are with your novel!
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I’m not really familiar with this movie? It must have come out when I was in France. I’m intrigued…
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gadfleye Says:
October 30th, 2007 at 2:42 pmHappiness should not be pursued any more than suffering should be avoided as both happiness and suffering are inevitable aspects of life. The Middle Path is to approach all experiences with a mind free from preconceived notions, which are by nature empty of inherent existence…or something like that. Yeah Red Sox!
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My character can only pursue what I make her pursue, given that I have total control over her existence. Isn’t that a frightening thought?
Yes, congrats to the Red Sox. I’ve become a lapsed Red Sox fan, but I’m still glad they won.
