This week we’re writing about protagonists, in terms of conflict and drama. Do we make choices for them? Or let our characters lead the way?
As a writer, I’m a mixture of a plotter and a seat-of-my-pants drafter. Considering I write historical fiction (and I don’t want to piss people off who study history…) I try to align with historical fact as much as possible. The beauty with BECOMING BONNIE is not much is known about Bonnie Parker’s life prior to meeting Clyde Barrow. I was able to pull in facts where I could, but then drop Bonn in various scenarios and settings…
A church
A speakeasy
A jail
… to name a few, to let Bonn’s character shine. Once the scene comes alive in my head, the rest of the shebang (dialogue, emotions, movement) takes on a life of its own. Bonnie runs the show (just ask Clyde).
Now, I can’t listen to music while I’m writing, but I’ll often listen to music while folding laundry, walking the dog, going for a run, et al. And country music is my jam. Why? It’s SO dang good at building a scene and telling a story. It’s inspiring.
I heard this song recently: Lettin’ The Night Roll by Justin Moore.
Hit play. Close your eyes. Just listen. Let those characters come alive in your head. You’ll see what I mean.
Great post on how music affects your scene-building! I agree that country music does tell the best stories. My daughter is obsessed with Scotty McCreery.
Not a bad way to find inspiration 🙂
So true! You even made a country music fan out of your husband, which is no small feat!
<3