Blogging from A to Z April Challenge signups are now open at the A to Z Blog. And if you missed my latest Battle of the Bands you can find it HERE...
The Insecure Writer's Support Group
The co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are Fundy Blue, Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard!
March 6 question - Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?
In the past few years, for the most part, I've stopped focusing much on fiction writing as I think more about memoir writing. Since memoir writing is a "me thing" then I guess that makes me the antagonist, as well as the protagonist at times. So that means that I have to like writing from both perspectives.
Nearly all of my past fiction has been written from a third person limited point of view of a character who would be the protagonist of a story focused on ideas and slow in action. My story antagonists are less character than situational predicaments.
Perhaps I should go back to writing at least occasional fiction, but for that matter I might be better off zeroing in on one of my memoir projects. And my next writing project will be my posts for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Yes, I needed to slip that in. But it's what's going to happen in my writing world in the near future.
Nearly all of my past fiction has been written from a third person limited point of view of a character who would be the protagonist of a story focused on ideas and slow in action. My story antagonists are less character than situational predicaments.
Perhaps I should go back to writing at least occasional fiction, but for that matter I might be better off zeroing in on one of my memoir projects. And my next writing project will be my posts for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Yes, I needed to slip that in. But it's what's going to happen in my writing world in the near future.
Always look forward to your post Arlee. Hope I can compete and complete the A to Z this year despite my family issues.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Yvonne, you can do it! Just relax and have fun with it to take your mind away from problems even if only momentarily.
DeleteLee
My story antagonists are situations as well. Or often the hero himself. I guess I like a good screw-up.
ReplyDeleteAlex, everybody screws up so it's realistic to portray a flawed hero.
DeleteLee
They say writing third person omniscient turns out best with fiction. I can't usually manage it.
ReplyDeleteI've blogged as different people over the years (long story), and the evil one was the most fun. Everybody has good and bad mixed in, but I was amazed by how much evil stuff an audience could stand out of the person they were reading about.
Harry, I like reading omniscient pov but I've found it difficult to write from that perspective. I guess when we like a character we can tolerate things that we wouldn't normally.
DeleteLee
We all like a good villain who is bad, right? Or is that just me?
ReplyDeleteTeresa, badness is part of the nature of a villain so I guess it's to be expected.
DeleteLee
That's a tough call--to focus on one area or delve back into fiction. I can see the pros and cons of both. I'm curious as to which way you'll go. Good luck either way.
ReplyDeleteHR, I've always enjoyed fiction writing and reading, but as I get older I'm more drawn to real events with real people.
DeleteLee
If you're writing a memoir, and it's your memoir, I hope you're the protagonist of your own story! :)
ReplyDeleteLoni, mostly I am the protagonist, but I've certainly done things that worked against my best interests.
DeleteLee
I start with the situation and go from there, which is something I'd like to change. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
ReplyDeleteTonja, I can see how starting with the situation would make sense in establishing the mood and setting of a story. Sometimes I think the situation is the main character.
DeleteLee
I'd say if you're writing your memoir and you're on a roll, then go for it. The heck with fiction. A memoir is real for you and your readers and after just knowing you for awhile via IWSG, I bet you have a great story of your life to share.
ReplyDeleteJQ Rose
JQ, I wouldn't say that I've been on a roll of late. But I think about writing a lot. Thinking isn't the same as doing.
DeleteLee
Writing A to Z posts will consume most of your time the next month, then you can take it from there.
ReplyDeleteL.Diane, I'm still hoping that I'll have my posts done before April. So far I'm doing really bad at that.
DeleteLee
Hi, Arlee! I admire your taking on the A to Z Challenge. I'm not ready for that! Too much on my plate already. I mostly write non-fiction, but I enjoy writing about a flawed protagonist and reading about one too! Enjoy your IWSG Day! Good luck with your writing!
ReplyDeleteBlue, I mostly read non-fiction these days. But I do enjoy good fiction when I do read it.
DeleteLee
I'm far from being a 'bleeding heart' … yet fascinated by what makes a bad guy tick. There's little likelihood I'll be taking pen to paper, but I'd be drawn to that sort of protagonist.
ReplyDeleteMyra, how do people become "bad" and why? It is something that I am curious about.
DeleteLee
What is this A-Z challenge? I shall have to investigate.
ReplyDeleteLiz, follow the links and you shall see. Then join in the fun!
DeleteLee
Hi Lee - I'm glad you're getting your Memoir down ... I'm probably not doing the A-Z this year ... but am so grateful you started it - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, we'll miss your presence--hope you decide to do the A to Z 2019 after all.
DeleteLee
Good luck with your writing - memoirs are tough to do from a 'heart' perspective.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to pass on the A-Z - family life (including a loved one with dementia) is limiting any available time I have. Best wishes to all who join - it's a lot of fun!
Jemi, I've try to cut back in my A to Z time over the past couple years because there were other obligations. I'll hang in for at least another year.
DeleteLee
Good luck with your memoirs and also the A to Z Challenge, Lee. I prefer memoir to fiction writing also, but sometimes use a third-person POV for the more emotional episodes. Makes it easier.
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, A to Z might be a real challenge for me this year. I'm having a hard time getting started on those posts let alone any memoir.
DeleteLee
Some day I will write a memoir, but probably will do it in fictional form. I wish you good writing on it, and look forward to your A to Z posts!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I've thought about taking the fiction/memoir approach. Some things might be easier to write about in that form.
DeleteLee
I say follow your heart. The rest will take care of itself. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Anna, that's what I've heard as well.
DeleteLee
Looking back, I think most of what I have written is memoir, with a little fiction mixed in. Or, maybe it is the other way around?
ReplyDeleteMichael, I think my previous fiction attempts might be looked at the same way. It's the ultimate in "write what you know".
DeleteLee
I think situational predicaments make us into heroes and villains. Your songs are lovely too. I agree with Anna, follow your heart. :)
ReplyDeleteErika, the song writing has been luring me more of late than anything else.
DeleteLee
Person versus self is one of the literature conflicts. So you're good to go!
ReplyDeleteAlways be your own protagonist though. Even if you do villainous things, think of yourself as your own hero. It helps.
;)
J, Since I don't want to look at myself as being a bad guy my inclination is always to see myself as a hero albeit a flawed one.
DeleteLee
We can be 100% good because that would make life...and memoirs boring:)
ReplyDeleteBirgit, the inner struggle with good and bad is the state of each of us. I wouldn't want to write a boring memoir.
DeleteLee
Memoirs are always fascinating because they reveal a life, and everyone lives such a remarkable one of those.
ReplyDeleteC.Lee, I'm always curious about the lives of others.
DeleteLee
I'm more into reading memoirs lately but cant imagine the process of writing memoir. It would be difficult to examine one's life and be unfailingly honest.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I guess the difficulty in being honest would depend on what aspects of ones life was being discussed.
DeleteLee
Some day (LOL) I'll write a memoir, if only for my kids and grandkids. Meanwhile, I love writing fiction and probably will stick to that. Good luck with A to Z.
ReplyDeleteDiane, writing for the kids, grandkids, and other family seems like a good reason though I'm not sure they always care about what happened in the past--especially with current generations.
DeleteLee
You've led such an interesting life, Arlee. I wouldn't be surprised if your memoir ends up a best-seller ;-)
ReplyDeleteI began writing mine last year (a project my daughter insisted on, and have been amazed by how much I didn't think I had to say ;-)
Happy writing!
Diedre, it's great that you've started on your memoir. I've got some snippets as well as a lot of stuff that I can refer to for research and memory jogs.
DeleteLee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteI'm getting ready for the big event! I'll be sure to drop by to see what interesting articles you bring to the challenge. I always enjoy whatever you share! :)
Cathy, I hope I can keep up!
DeleteLee
Thank you Arlee for your post. What kind of memoir pieces do you write ?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the A to Z challenge. Already jotting down ideas and writing poems. Promise, I won’t post anything before April 1st.
Have a pleasant day. Spring here in Toulouse, France.
Susan B, so far I've written recollections of snippets of my past as well as observations about those whom I've known. They've all been short pieces so far though I have started on a longer memoir that mostly has to do with an event in my mid-twenties. Now I've got to finish it.
DeleteI wish you well with A to Z 2019!
Lee
Thanks Arlee.
Delete