Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Thu, Jan 21 2010
Latching onto a likely hero could mean trouble
I've been watching the drama back East in the race between Martha Coakley and Scott Brown. For some time it's been evident that Republicans have longed for a rising star who would captivate Republicans much the way Barack Obama captivated Democrats a few years ago. I can see the murmurs of hope going on as more and more Republicans make remarks about how charismatic and handsome Mr. Brown is.
There's nothing wrong with wanting someone to step up and be the golden boy (or girl) to lead a political party to victory. But Republicans need to remember that one man or woman will not possess a perfect set of qualities. President Obama knows what it's like to be put on a pedestal and then put under a microscope not long afterward. The same thing could happen to Scott Brown. When people are feeling the need for a hero and are wanting to get behind a cause they can sometimes set themselves up for disappointment.
I should relate this all to writing. When a larger-than-life character looms up before the writer's imagination, it's good to be balanced. Even comic book heroes who fly and save whole planets usually have at least one identifiable flaw or weakness. Making your main character too perfect might keep readers from being able to identify with his or her challenges during the course of the story.
posted at: 22:27 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
I've been watching the drama back East in the race between Martha Coakley and Scott Brown. For some time it's been evident that Republicans have longed for a rising star who would captivate Republicans much the way Barack Obama captivated Democrats a few years ago. I can see the murmurs of hope going on as more and more Republicans make remarks about how charismatic and handsome Mr. Brown is.
There's nothing wrong with wanting someone to step up and be the golden boy (or girl) to lead a political party to victory. But Republicans need to remember that one man or woman will not possess a perfect set of qualities. President Obama knows what it's like to be put on a pedestal and then put under a microscope not long afterward. The same thing could happen to Scott Brown. When people are feeling the need for a hero and are wanting to get behind a cause they can sometimes set themselves up for disappointment.
I should relate this all to writing. When a larger-than-life character looms up before the writer's imagination, it's good to be balanced. Even comic book heroes who fly and save whole planets usually have at least one identifiable flaw or weakness. Making your main character too perfect might keep readers from being able to identify with his or her challenges during the course of the story.
posted at: 22:27 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
