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The beauty of writing is that those that elect to do so have an exceptional gift to express their ideas in a unique manner that is reserved only for them. In my opinion there is no correct way to write down your freedom of expression or incorrect way to do it either. The main thing is to just get the thoughts down. The readers will determine if they like the style of the prose.
There are obvious points of expression that need to be followed. Spelling is one. Sentence structure is another. A plot is necessary in writing. Let's face it; every story must have a beginning and an end. However, one of the most fun things that I have found in writing is the development of characters.
All of my life I was too busy learning a living. Even though the thought of paying bills was first and foremost in my mind I still took the time to experience life and live the various moments that are specific to each and every one of us. In so doing I took the time to observe. In other words, look around, remember, and form my own impressions.
After going through a multitude of lifelong activities it dawned on me that perhaps middle age would be a wonderful time for me to sit down and get in touch with the creative side of my brain. In my opinion everyone has a least one story in their mind. Some of us have two or three stories that we'd like to tell. Others have an unlimited supply of ideas that need to be tapped.
As important as the plot and story line is to a piece of work then the development of characters is equally as significant.
My style of writing is nothing that was taught in a book or a classroom environment. Without, of course, it was learned at such an early age that I can not remember how, why, or when it occurred. But I do know that my style would probably be described as being more suited for that of a non-fiction writer rather than an author of fiction. Why do I say that? In my opinion my style of writing takes on more of a reporting-of-events air about it as opposed to a descriptive, creative, rambling approach.
Neverheless one of the most fun and essential parts of writing is the creation of characters. These people are in my mind and I can literally see them. Each and every one of them has their own idiosyncrasies. They all have a physical look that is unique only to them. They have a past. They have had previous life experiences that have molded their personality. I can even hear their voices.
Now the trick with characters, in my opinion, is putting them in a setting that allows for them to react to the surroundings and other characters. They have to remain consistent to their own distinct personality traits. Each and every one will have differently depending on the events that are happening around them. They may even have differently different different characters depending on what they want and how capable they can be getting it.
To me the great challenge in writing is to invent, think up, or create events that place your characters in situations that can move the story along. With my stories, I tend to have in my mind what I want to say. Call it a universal theme; call it the point of the story; or call it whatever you want; but it is what I'm trying to say with the words that I am writing.
After determining what it is I want to say or what emotions I want to evoke, then I sort of work back from the ending, in my mind at least. I have to come up with scenes that illustrate the message that I am trying to deliver. Of course, I have to convey that message through the words and actions of my characters.
The deep, well-educated philosophers of prose can insist on character arcs and journeys and demand that they exist in a good piece of work. I do not know about all of that. In my opinion the author, or artist of the written word, should sit down, tell the story, and let others judge whether or not they like it or not. It's kind of like looking at a painting. Every painter expresses his or her ideas with colors and strokes on a canvas. They express themselves and it is for the viewer to determine whether or not they like it or not.
Perhaps subconsciously I develop my characters in a manner that is proper to the scholars. To me it is a fun process which is the very essence of why it occurs. As I sit in my chair thinking and writing I have literally evoked a multitude of emotions. My characters have caused me great sadness to the point where I have simply borne and wiped away the drops that have rolled down my cheeks. One day I had to grab a second handkerchief from crying so hard. They have come up with witticisms that have left me laughing so hard that tears welled in my eyes and spilled onto my face. Some of their actions have been so despicable that a great amount of anger and rage spilled forward onto the blank page.
My passion in life is the game of golf. A lot of the characters that I see are in and around the golf course or pro shop. I can see them. I can hear them. I can observe and study their mannerisms. I can even laugh and cry with them. To me, that is living proof that the human mind is capable of exceptional behavior if the creative side of it can be tapped.
