Fictional characters are my children

Family reunions remain as chaotic and awkward as always.

As a writer of fiction I am a creator and destroyer of entire worlds, and all the unique individuals that might populate them. I’ve heard of authors borrowing traits from people in their lives in order to shortcut the creative development process for characters, but I’ve only tried it once. Typically my main characters, and even influential support characters, emerge from the darkened recesses of my mind and evolve over time. There are times I have to drag them out kicking and screaming, sit them down, and hash out a great many issues with them to better get an understanding of who they are and what they want, but the process isn’t always a chore. Good times always return, when characters open up, and might not realize at some point they need to quiet down so I can get to work, or sleep, but that’s another matter.

I love my children very much, I want to protect and provide for them, and yet they don’t always listen to my advice. I know the world they’re going to live within is going to challenge them and force them to confront uncomfortable moments, but rather than shield them from the experience, I just keep my door open in case they need a safe space to retreat to. I might happen to be the architect of their joy and frustrations, but often I’m just following the flow of the multiverse while they find the trouble all on their own.

Taking time and exploring the philosophies and psychologies of my characters is one of many crucial components to giving them life. Letting them exist and assert their own desires, using my mind and words as their interface with the world works for me, but may also make me sound a little unhinged. I have about as much control over my children as any parent, which can be frustrating, but I’ve learned some hard lessons along the way. The more powerful and capable they become, the more dangerous their hardships. The less independence I afford them, the more apathy they show to me and the world. Collaboration is key, as is letting them go on to defy and amaze at their own pace.

Part of my mind and spirit is given to each one of my characters, they hold a portion of my hope and ambition within their lives. I’m entrusting the future of this world to them. I realize they may go as unnoticed as I, but even if they have few friends, I hope they are treasured and improve the lives of those around them. None of them are going to aspire to change the real world, but even that fantasy isn’t beyond their ability. Inspiration can come from anywhere.

No matter what they accomplish, I’m proud of them.