As a warm-up for a lesson on Vantage Points in my Advanced Fiction class at UC Davis Extension, our teacher asked us to do a quick-write about two people sharing one thought.
This being a quick-write, I didn’t have much time to mull over character or subject, so I zeroed in on the funeral I had attended the previous Saturday.
Methodists Sing
The Deacon said, “We Methodists sing.”
As compared to whom? I thought, knowing she meant Catholics like me, who generally prefer to let the choir do the job.
Heck, I feel sorry for the people sitting next to me in church. I’m doing my Christian duty by not singing. You know, love thy neighbor as thyself. Let the choir members do what they’re good at. Why ruin the experience?
Anyway, I took out the song book and tried to sing Amazing Grace along with the Methodists, but I couldn’t reach the high notes with the sopranos or the low notes with the altos. Only squawks and groans came out.
I felt Christian love for the people sitting next to me and shut my mouth.
She looked over the congregation. Many strangers in the pews. Not a surprise. Funerals were attended by all denominations. But she felt the urge to tell them, just so they’d know, “We Methodists sing,” before the choir broke into Amazing Grace.
Sure enough, the people in back, Catholics likely, stood, hymnals untouched, lips sealed.
She shrugged. I’m here to lead souls into heaven, not turn them into singers.
Two characters, from two vantage points. Two separate consciousnesses narrating the scene. By exploring a meeting between two characters with different view points, a writer can help the reader see, and hopefully understand, something new about the human situation.
If this were to turn into a story, would the position of the characters change over time? Would either experience an epiphany? Or would their viewpoints remain unchanged? How would the plot unfold? What would create the tension, the suspense?
So many possibilities from just a simple quick-write.
Next time you’re sitting in a public place, such as an airport, a mall, a restaurant, or an unfamiliar church, try entering the heads of some of the people around you and then imagine what they might be thinking, feeling, experiencing.
Who knows, your imaginings may turn into a short story–even a novel. If nothing else, it would be an exercise in empathy and understanding, knowing that each person was experiencing a different reality, depending on his or her frame of mind.
You don’t have to be a writer to do this, just someone with a little empathy and the imagination and will to put your thoughts on paper.
From this writer to you,
Good quick start, Margaret.
Thanks, Dorothy. Sometimes I really miss those classes at UCDavis Extension. They really kept the juices flowing.
Hi Margaret,
I liked your 'two people with the same thought.' I experience this regularly. My daughter and I invaribly respond with the same thought, and actually the same words most times, but always the same theme/content/idea – simultaneously.
In 'people watching' i don't try to 'read people's minds' but I wonder why they are there, where they are going, what are they doing, etc. I guess it just is a 'writer's observant mind' and you are right that it does breed good content for material for writing a story. thanks for the blog today. bernadine
Hi Bernadine. I always tell myself that I will be more observant and at least mentally note things about my surroundings and the people I meet and see each day. And then I get lazy, or wrapped up with my "to-do" list and let many "opportunities" for good content slip by. Then ever so often, someone says something like, "We Methodist's sing," that sticks in my mind and demands a story. For the many years you've been writing, Bernadine, you must have trained yourself (at least subconsciously)to pay very close attention to the world around you.
I always hated those quick write exercises, but they are so important. I haven't had time for them in a while.
Nice blog, Margaret. I found you on the ABNA boards–good luck! The day is coming when we'll find out if we advance. Whatever happens, we'll still be marketing and querying, I suspect. I'll cross my fingers for both of us.
Hi Jacqui. I'm so glad to hear from a fellow ABNA entrant. I hope we both advance to the next level next week, but one way or another, let's keep in touch. I'm just starting the querying process. Should be an interesting year.
Margaret I love this!! It's such a great writing practice. I can't tell you how many times I struggled with a scene like that, but you made it make sense and seem so effortless.
Hello Lee. This writing practice is not only easy, but fun. And yes, it makes sense to see the same situation from two or more points of view. Evey waking minute of every day, people are experiencing life from different points of view. It's amazing we get along as well as we do.
Hi Margaret,
Regarding training myself to be aware and/or observant of my surroundings. As I have said once before – I always see a story in everything I see. These days, however, I think I have learned to train myself to be more aware of my surroundings, just for my personal safety, which everyone should try to train these necessary skills, but then there always is a story lying within. bernadine
Hi Bernadine. There are many benefits to being aware in the here and now, especially for the reasons you give–your personal safety being at the top of the list.
Hi, Margaret! I do love to sit and look at people and wonder what they are thinking. Sometimes my kids and I make up stories to go along with different couples or make up reasons why they are fighting in the stores. It's so funny!
Hello Tanya. Your taking the time out of your busy schedule to look at people and wonder what they're thinking, probably explains why you're such a prolific writer. Also, as you said, it can be funny. And it never hurts to see a little humor in everything.
It's amazing what could generate a novel or even a series. I've been so far tempted by a stack of books, some bread slices and once a really really bad grade. It's also amazing when you stop a book you're reading half way and try to make up your own storyline from it. Then you read the rest and you realize how different or similar both are…
And having two characters narrate a scene is so difficult sometimes. Especially when one is male and the other female. Or when they're so polar. Kudos to you for the great post.
Found you on Book Blogs and am a new follower…I think my real name (Varsha) pops up in that follower box.
Take care.
Hi Ani Raye. You've been tempted, but have you started your novel? As you said, it's amazing what can generate one. I decided to write my first novel after visiting the Lone Cypress on the 7-mile Drive in Monterey, California, originally called the "Circle of Enchantgment." Standing there, I just knew I'd write a story, though I had no clue what it would be about. I'm glad you found me on Book Blogs and that you've become a follower. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Hi Ani Raye & Margaret,
I know where you are coming from Ani Raye – I think Margaret is a few lengths ahead of us, having written a couple of novels already.
Even though I have published, my background is in non-fiction articles, with a dab of short fiction pieces. But, I've never attempted anything over 1800 words.
Now is the time to get started on that 'book'. I would like to write a romance novel, writing about myself (of course) but where would it go? How do I plot? What is my story that is going to take the reader from page one to page 250? I have the mechanics of writing, some ideas, but nothing concrete. Where do I start? Any help would be appreciated. bernadine
Hi Bernadine. Unlike some of my other writer friends, I've turned to books on craft to help me write better and smarter.
First, you need to develop an idea, then you build from that idea up, using notebooks and quick writes, to put down your ideas and observations in no necessary order. Then you start working on character and plot, theme, narration, dialogue, exposition, etc., constantly adding and adding and learning. I read and reread my "how to" books over and over, using my rough drafts to practice on until I get one story element right and then I move on to another.
After you have a story to work with, no matter how skeletal, it's helpful to take classes and join critique groups for feedback. At first it will crush you to hear the critiques on your work, but in time you get used to it, and then, if you're lucky, the critiques become positive and you're on your way.
I have awesome worksheets that help shape an entire novel that I keep in a binder for when I start my next novel. Currently, I'm using THE NIGHTTIME NOVELIST; Finish Your Novel in Your Spare Time, by Joseph Bates to revise one of my novels. So, of course, currently this is my favorite book on craft.
If you ever want to meet with me or with one of my critique groups, just say the word.
Hi Margaret,
thank you for the suggestions. I've been doing some of the things you suggested, writing down dialogue and ideas when I run across them in one form or another. I don't have any 'craft books' but know they can be an asset.
I'm more of an 'independent' writer I guess, haven't participated in critique groups up to this point, but I did join Lodi Writer's Group, where critiquing is part of the curriculum.
I'm not intimidated at constructive criticism, as I do believe it can only improve a writer's original copy by seeing your own work/creation through another's eyes.
As for rejection, I've always taken a firm stand on my project's 'worth' and if rejected, I just send it out again until someone finds it interesting enough to publish – you most times definately have to develop a somewhat tough skin approach.
Thanks for the tips, I do appreciate them, and I actually kind of jumped over the writer's block I have been dealing with and the words are beginning to flow. The funny part though, is that I have heard that fiction writing many times takes on a life of it's own and overtakes the author's story – well that seems to be happening and maybe that is a good sign. Just let the story write itself. bernadine
what an interesting post Margaret! I find that I have always instinctively watched people and tried to figure out what they are thinking…that is the psych nurse in me now I guess 😀 I love your blog and the tips and suggestions you give. Very helpful!
Hi Bernadine. I've learned to handle criticism of my work surprisingly well in my critique groups and writing classes, but when it comes to sending my work out and facing rejection from agents, oh boy, that's another story. I hope to some day learn to "take a firm stand on my project's worth" as you have on your work's behalf. It's only right. After all, we've created something worthwhile and put a lot of work into it. Why not believe in it and send it out into the world as we do our precious children?
Hi Cath. A psych nurse, wow! Bet you have the stories to tell. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment. I'm thrilled that you like my post. Hope it makes you think about writing down some of the things you experience around you. If not for a novel or short story, a memoir!
Hi Margaret,
Never be afraid to 'submit your manuscripts' to the publishing house or editor. You know your matrial is good, and if the first editor/publisher doesn't like it – immediately re-submit to another venue.
All a rejection slip is, is a little setback, and just relish in the fact that you already have your second submittion (your first rejected novel) already written and you can even send it out the same day!
Many years ago, I used to save all my rejection slips, as they say authors can paper a room with them (which can be true, and they came in all shapes and sizes from 3 x 5 cards to full 8 x 10 sheets of letterhead paper) but the nice part is that (in the past, when submissions were 'snail mail' some editors actually wrote a nice comment on those rejection slips if they felt your work had merit – and those were the ones that gave me hope – but I already had that hope, becasue I knew my work was publishable.
I would like to see a posting from Margaret Durate that you have actually contacted an editor/publisher and sent your work out for review. You never know, the next post after that could be "I've been accepted!" then you are on your way with your second book!
Never, ever give up! But to accomplish that, you have to take the plunge and submit it! Just do it! You won't be sorry! bernadine
P.S. to Margaret,
I have been writing my story, unfortunately, I think it starts on page 4 instead of page one. More writing needed! bernadine
Thanks so much Bernadine. I needed a kick in the behind. I printed a copy of your comment to hang above my computer to get going and to keep a positive attitude. I do know my material is good (heck, Dorothy told me so!) And you will see a posting from me soon that I have sent my work out for review.
Good for you, Bernadine. You've figured out what many authors don't, that your "warm up" isn't where your story should begin. I'm glad that you also write fiction. It makes me feel more connected somehow.
Hi Margaret,
Now the 'honor' is mine. I inspired you to send out your novel! Good job! bernadine – and page 4 of my fiction piece is so jumbled up now, I, too, am going to have to print it out and cut and paste to try to get it into some kind of sequence that makes sense. bernadine