Characterization

I suppose I should remind or tell anyone who stumbles across this blog (since I have one follower at the moment and that's only because I know her. Although, I really haven't advertised this blog--shame on me!) that I am a high school English teacher. This is a warning for anyone who reads this post because I do tend to get all "teacher-y" sometimes when I write about this writing stuff. This morning, somewhere between the kiss goodbye from the hubby and actually opening my eyes, I began to think/dream/obsess over this little blog that I have started and the other writing/publishing blogs that read and follow. I began to think about the characters who write and rant and if, in fact, their blog persona is really who they are. 

When I teach the concept of characterization to students (granted, this is actually something that I am lucky to teach since TOO many of my students still struggle with reading and writing, the majority of my time and energy was always spent playing catch-up there) we discuss the how WHO a character is in a story isn't just about how they look. It is about how they talk; how they interact with other characters, setting, themselves; how they react and handle the problems thrown at them by the plot; how they dress, walk; and how they think. Now, if I was Diary of a Virgin Novelist, this is where I would insert a great insight I have had in regards to my own writing. Miss Rebecca, who writes this blog, seems like someone I could be friends with. We could have long, deep discussions about writing and what we hope to accomplish from living a writing life. She is so very reflective, and I love that. It is so very Regis (a term applied to anything I do that is reflective because it was a HUGE part of my Master's Program at Regis University in Denver, CO--note for future reference). I like reading this blog because it is SO far from where I am, and I seriously strive to be there someday--you know, confident, almost done with my WIP, happy, upbeat, involved! Love it!

There are several more characters that I follow. This next one, Tahereh, makes me laugh and smile. She is quirky and funny, and I know that I am in for a treat and a ride when I read her blog posts. Honestly, I didn't know what to think at first. I was so taken aback at her complete honesty, her world of followers, and her insanely random posts, that I was intimidated. However, what a wonderful example she is of a great character that one will NEVER forget. 

Angie Paxton, over at Answering the What If, is really fun for me to follow. Believe it or not, she and I actually know each other personally. She is married to someone I have been friends with since he and I were four. I have met her little blonde person and held her as a baby. I am so excited for the things that are happening to Ang right now, and I can't wait for her to be published so I can read the rest of Seeds. I love reading her blog because she is so wonderfully personal and honest, and I love the images she reflects in every post she writes. It makes me feel as if  I know her so much more now, and honestly, I love that! She is amazing and the reason I even started paying more attention to the blogging world and all the possibilities it can open up for a writer. 

Finally, I have found a teacher and guide through this. Although, I am the incredibly intimidated student that sits in the back of the classroom and doesn't raise her hand, doesn't really participate, and every time I do, I hope to say something brilliant enough to be noticed by the very busy, very knowledgeable sage at the front of the room. Yes, I am talking about Nathan Bransford--Literary Agent. Even after reading Tahereh's interview with him, I was still wholly in awe. Mr. Bransford, if I ever get brave enough to query you, please be nice. 

OKAY, now what is the point of actually posting about these few people that I follow. Well, I see in them so much to be jealous of as a writer. I find that my process is much different than I ever imagined it would be, and right now, I am figuring out who my writing character is. I have been a big sister, a daughter, a constant student, a teacher, an unemployed teacher (this last year has been brutal), a new wife, and now it is time to figure out who I am as a writer. I, obviously, have some great examples of new writers and professionals in the business (there are many more than just the above mentioned), but this is all about me. How do I walk and talk and think as a writer? Honestly, my teacher moments are helping me along the way, and I love the way my brain works!