When a Thing becomes a Character

What happens when part of a setting is so completely integrated into a story that it magically transforms from a Thing into a Character?

Take this rock wall from a photo I snapped somewhere along one of our road trips. It could simply be part of the setting -- background detail to help ground the reality of where our characters are and what they see, maybe even showing how they feel about it that defines them somewhat. This is the typical use of description, even when it's describing such a gorgeous scene as this wall.

On the other hand, it could become such an important part of the story that the story wouldn't be the same without it. It could be a catalyst for a character to change. Maybe he passes it every day and ponders it for miles afterwards, so much so that it becomes a part of him. Maybe he becomes as rigid and strong as that rock wall while allowing enough subtle growth to let himself flourish like the hardy vegetation hanging on to its side.

I used this device in Finishing Touches, my novel about a young artist fighting against being an artist because she marries one and feels she can't compete with him. Throughout the story, she often refers to the huge window in their loft that allows her to look out at the world while staying safely closed within. To my delight, one of my readers picked up on the characterization of the window and how it helped define Jenna herself. It reflects her struggle to look out or to stay in, her urging to explore her art and use it, or to give in to her insecurity of not being good enough. This theme reaches beyond art and into other areas of her life.

Her artist spouse, who she loses just before the story begins, paints a scene of them wrapped in only a blanket looking out at the river below. The window, here, becomes a metaphor of the exposure Jenna feels because of his professional career, because she becomes known as his wife and attracts another young artist who is a fan of his work. Still, it keeps a boundary. She may be exposed but she's beyond anyone's bounds to be able to reach. Or so she believes.

The window becomes a character. The story would hardly be the same story without it.

[originally posted at Lindsay's Romantics 26 March 09: http://lindsaysromantics.blogspot.com]

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Finishing Touches is available as a Trade Paperback and as an Ebook. Find its website for more information at LKHunsaker.com/FT/main.htm

What is Mainstream?

Pines in Winter
LK Hunsaker 2009

 

Back several years ago when I headed toward publishing my first book, I was faced with deciding what "kind" of book it was, according to accepted categories: what genre?

 

I have to say this was a harder decision than it is for many writers, since I don't write in a certain specific commercial genre. I wasn't trying to do so. It simply came out the way it needed to come out. So then came the research of what exactly certain genres entailed. My themes were pretty romantic but not the standard romance category of "girl meets boy, have a rift of some sort, and then get together for a happily ever after." They do have that except not necessarily so cut and dry and the "happy" ending is more likely to be a "satisfying & upbeat" ending. There is a difference.

 

Looking further, I found the "mainstream" category, which was defined as not fitting a particular genre, but covered anything outside a particular genre. And then we have "literary" which means much the same except with more emphasis on unique style and voice, plus a deeper look at social and cultural and psychological issues. The problem with that one is readers tend to think of literary fiction as rather high-brow and boring and hard to read.

 

I have talked before here about my genre being defined as mainstream romance or literary romance and even I was uncertain about which to call it.

 

I still am. But looking around at publisher sites and listening to what readers say, I'm apparently not the only one confused on that issue.

 

I just came from a small press site and browsed the "mainstream romance" category. Yes, there is recently an actual category using the term mainstream romance, but it seems not sure how to describe itself, either. When I see a book being plugged as "mainstream romantic suspense," I raise my eyebrows. Literally. Because ... romantic suspense is a specialized genre, which means it's not mainstream, right? If I see vampire fiction under "mainstream" I'm really confused.

 

John Irving is a mainstream novelist. So is Joyce Carol Oates. They may have bits of suspense or romantic involvement in there, but their books are basically character studies embedded deeply in societal issues such as abortion and immigration and cultural (in)sensitivity. That's the main flux of their work. What I'm seeing in small press sites describing mainstream fiction is far from that. It seems too often only to be fiction of mixed genres they aren't sure how to categorize. If a book is romantic suspense or if it's sci fi or paranormal, then no, I can't see that it's mainstream ... UNLESS it is deeply cultural with an emphasis on character study.

 

Not being erotic romance doesn't mean it's mainstream romance. I call my books mainstream romance because they are romantic but ALSO cultural, psychological, character studies. Finishing Touches explores the effects of parenting, of pushing children toward what you want them to be against who they are, and how that affects the young heroine of the story. It shows culture class in that where you live affects you as well as how who you are affects where you are comfortable living. It shows the effects of escaping and ponders whether escaping is really that.

 

The Rehearsal series delves into the music world, the background of the way artists are manipulated by their companies. It has a young half Native American girl raised in a small "insiders only" town and the effects of it on her life. It has an illegal immigrant. There is a character pushed by his divorced mother to prove his "worth" to society when he feels no need to have to prove anything. There are, again, family issues showing how the way each character was raised resulted in their future actions and attitudes. There are friendship issues involving trust and loyalty and differing agendas. Since it begins in 1974, cultural issues such as single motherhood, women's rights, abortion, and attitudes toward long hair and leather feature.

 

Yes, many commercial fiction genres such as fantasy and suspense and romance also include real issues, as well. The difference is how much? Is it background for the story or it an integral part of the story? If you take it out, does the story change? Do the characters change?

 

I would urge publishers and authors to be careful about defining their genres so readers are better informed as to just what they're getting. As a reader, I would be dismayed to buy a book marked as mainstream and get a contemporary, which I think is sometimes happening. And no matter what anyone says, I don't see vampire fiction as coming close to being "mainstream" fiction. Mainstream fiction is reality fiction. Some may argue with me, but I don't happen to believe vampires are reality.

 

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This blog has been given two awards!  Stay tuned to the next post for more info. Many thanks to A.L. Marquardt for the honor.

Be A Character!

It's an interactive short story contest! Well, it's not a contest as much as a fun project where you can get involved.

It looks like I'll be moving soon, and since I write my novels on the computer and it'll have to be turned off and shipped to the new location (yes, the idea is disconcerting but I'll have my backups on my trusty jump drive), I think I'll use the time to work on a new short story, going back to my old tradition of paper and pencil.

About what? I don't know yet. That's where you come in.

Are you interested in being a character or helping to build a plot? Simple ... answer the following questions and post them on my message board (the password to get in is raucous at the moment) with your first name only (or nickname) and I'll choose whatever most strikes my muse to develop a story around. If I use your character or setting, I'll mail you a copy of the finished story, signed with a thank you. And you'll get bragging rights when I add it to my site as a free read.

Please note: all rights to the story remain with the author, with the right to publish granted and no financial compensation given, so if you're a writer, do not use your characters or plot info! I'm looking for readers interested in being an interactive part of writing.

Also note: I do not do horror, sci fi, or suspense and will delete any post rated over PG-13.

Post comments here, but answers to the questions ONLY on my message board: http://www.voy.com/198742/

No deadline as of now since I have no actual moving date yet. I'll update.

Have fun!
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What one song most describes who you are?

If you could go anywhere on earth, where would you go and why?

If you were interviewing someone for a potential date and had only one question to ask, what would it be?

What one event in your life most affected your personality or future actions?

Do you have a nickname? How did you get it? If not, what would you choose as a nickname and why?

If you were a car, what kind would you be?

Do you have any odd hobbies?

What theme would you use for your bedroom if money was no object? Describe it.

If you were in a story, which role would you play (lead, supporting, best friend, nemesis...)?

BONUS for those who have read my work: Which of my characters are you most like or would you most want to be?

**Not all questions must be answered to participate, but give me enough to go on.**

100 Things About Duncan O'Neil

Surveys are passed around online constantly. They can be great fun, but for authors, they can also be an incredible tool. I'm a writer who believes an author should know main characters inside and out. In that vein, here is one of my main characters:




Duncan O’Neil
(from the novel Rehearsal: A Different Drummer by LK Hunsaker)
**as of March 1974

1. WHERE IS ONE OF YOUR SCARS AND HOW DID YOU GET IT?

I ‘ave a couple on my legs from playin’ rugby in younger days.

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?

I do no’ put anything on walls where I stay, as I would only have t’ take them down again when I leave.

3. IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHICH WOULD IT BE?

Likely a lion or tiger.

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?

Rock mostly: Clapton, Zeppelin, Eagles, Skynyrd, and anything done well.

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?

Nah, only the day. I am sure mum could say off the top o’ her head.

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?

a reason no’ to keep moving

7. WHO DO YOU MISS?

I do no’ let myself think of it.

8. WHAT IS (ARE) YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?

My guitar -- a ’65 Fender Mustang I picked up second-hand years ago, the leather vest that gives some warmth as I need, Mum’s ring that hangs on a chain under my shirt

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?

5’9”

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?

Nah, bu’ I like open spaces as I can find them. Tops of mountains are good.

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?

Only if there is something particular in the dark t’ be worried about.

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?

I would ‘ave been too young t’ remember.

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?

Doesnae matter, as long as she looks no’ too fake.

15. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PROPOSED TO?

I would nae expect t’ be proposed to, unless y’ mean other than marriage. Subtle propositions are more likely t’ appeal t’ me for anything else y’ have in mind.

16. COFFEE OR TEA?

Coffee, black and strong.

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?

Sausage and anything else y’ want to put on. I am no’ particular.

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Steak, medium rare, and potatoes, any way.

20. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH RIGHT NOW?

Nah, I donae have crushes. I am interested for a time or I am not. If she is no’ interested, I donae bother worryin’ about it.

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?

My sis saved up wha’ever money she could from helping with neighbor’s kids or chores one year and gave it t’ me to help buy the Mustang t’ replace the cheap acoustic I ‘ad been using. She ‘ad been wanting t’ get a good camera bu’ gave it up for the guitar. I am hopin’ to be able t’ get her any camera her heart is set on when I see her again.

22. WHAT WAS THE LAST ALBUM YOU BOUGHT?

Eric Clapton

23. NAME SOMETHING YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH.

To play with a band with a lo’ of skill and heart, and t’ write something that was worth writing.

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING?

Comfortable and well-fit.

26. DO YOU HAVE A PET?

Nah, I ‘ave enough of a time feeding myself dependin’ on the day.

27. NAME SOMETHING YOU REGRET.

Leavin’.

28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THE PERSON IS ALREADY TAKEN?

Fallin’ in love is not something I need a’ the present, taken or not. If I started to go for someone taken, I would likely pick up and ge’ away from it.

29. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU?

If they mean something t’ you, it should no’ be hard t’ say it.

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:

Why?

31. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT NUMBER?



32 WHAT IS THE NUMBER YOU CALL MOST OFTEN?

Ev’s, bu’ I am more likely t’ write him.

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?

All my life until a few years ago, since I was born in the UK.

35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?

Living with guilt of wha’ I ‘ave done wrong. I would guess it is true of everyone.

36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?

No’ that I know of. I ‘ave met many people from everywhere and ‘ave no’ bothered to ask if they are famous or if they are not. It doesnae matter t’ me if they are.

37. FIRST JOB?

Worked my father’s farm from the time I was small.

38. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX?

Playin’ guitar. Running early mornings while the sun is still tryin’ to come up.

41. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?

Takin’ a shower to ge’ rid of the smoke from the bar I am workin’ at.

40. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?

No, bu’ I have helped with two or three.

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?

The guitar. Wha’ else would there be? Mostly girls lookin’ for a fling.

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?

I donae acknowledge my birthday.

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?

I donae know that I do. If it was the right circumstance, maybe two or four. I cannae see a girl wanting that with me.

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

No’ that I know of. I ‘ave not bothered t’ ask.

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?

Wha’ever is cheapest. Soap, most often.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?

I can read it.

51. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

Hamburger, bu’ anything will work

52. ANY BAD HABITS?

I would guess I ‘ave several, bu’ since I live alone, it doesnae matter much.

53. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

Not likely. I would no’ have the patience t’ deal with someone like myself. Ev has the patience of Job.

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?

Yeah, bu’ not as much as attitude.

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?

I go running or I walk in the rain at night.

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?

We didnae have toys. Mum took us ou’ to walk or play in the sand if we had time work didnae need t’ be done.

61. HOW MANY BIRTHDAYS DO YOU KNOW OFF-HAND?

Mum’s, Laura’s, Danny’s, Ev’s.

62. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN COSTUME OF ALL TIME?

We didnae have Halloween. The ones I have enjoyed seeing in the States are the homemade ones tha’ look like the kids thought them up on their own.

63. BATHS OR SHOWERS?

Showers, with hot water when I can ge’ it.

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?

potatoes

65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PARTNER?

genuineness and honesty – hard to find in the places I ‘ave been

66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?

At home they called me DJ but I donae go by that here.

68. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?

I donae usually have a TV available and I donae usually miss having it.

70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?

Vanilla – it goes best with pecan pie

71. HAVE YOU BEEN ARRESTED?

No’ yet.

73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?

Sleep – it’s past night already and into morning

74. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU HAVE?

I donae have a car.

75. WHAT KIND WOULD YOU HAVE IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT?

Harley Davidson Sportster

76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RECENTLY?

Whatever the band I play with wants t’ do or whatever is on the box when the band is no’ playing.

77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?

a beer at Sam’s

78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?

Ev

79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?

How she holds herself – the attitude she carries.

81. FAVORITE SMELL?

The trace of shampoo in the hair of a girl just out of the shower.

82. FAVORITE MONTH OF THE YEAR?

Anytime it is no’ too hot. September is good weather here.

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?

brown

86. EYE COLOR?

blue

87. FAVORITE BOOK?

I donae read books much, but Dr. Jekyll was good.

88. FAVORITE COLOR?

red

89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

I donae have one.

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?

I can eat it bu’ I donae have much interest.

91. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?

Last interesting thing? Mel throwing two young asses ou’ of the bar for breakin’ up her chairs.

92. WHEN YOU HAVE GOOD NEWS, WHO IS THE FIRST PERSON YOU WANT TO TELL?

Laura

93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?

Guitar.

94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?

Maybe I will be someday.

95. KISSES OR HUGS?

Depends who they are from. A girl who is good at kissing is nice t’ find.

96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?

Which d’ I have or which d’ I want? Are y’ offering?

97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?

A hamburger and greasy chips, or fries as they are called here.

100. DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE.

I donae have one t’ talk about in the last few weeks. It is up and down, bu’ I am no’ sure I would call it a “love” life, more a companionship search.