The course of true love never did run smooth.
-- William Shakespeare
Thank heavens--at least as far as
romance readers are concerned. Imagine this: The hero and heroine
meet. Attraction immediately thrums through the air. Over a course
of time, they discover comparable likes and dislikes, shared priorities
and compatible goals. They wed and then live happily ever after.
BORING!
Though
we might find joy in a similar, real-life scenario, most of us prefer
more excitement in novels. Characters that face and conquer personal
demons inspire us. Plots that provide seemingly insurmountable obstacles
make our hearts race and our tears flow. To know the protagonists
have sacrificed everything and won their battles—all in the
name of love---gives us hope.
So
from where do authors’ ideas come?
I
cannot speak for other writers, but my answer is simple: Beneath
my blossoming heart lie twisted roots.
A
stranger’s expression or poise often plants a seed in my imagination.
I fertilize my perception with questions. Is she glum because her
significant other found another? Will she look elsewhere or try
to win him back? Does he wear designer clothes because he is going
on a blind date and wants to make a good impression? Perhaps he
dresses up because his personality—or body odor---repels?
Once
the first character takes roots, I need to nurture her in order
to produce a bountiful harvest. What fruit does she wish to bear?
What fungi from her past make failure unacceptable? What weeds are
trying to choke off her dream? After I answer the first question,
I rake away expected responses to the remaining two and hoe my twisted
mind for possibilities. Almost anything is possible as long as I
properly prepare the ground.
Planting
the peas for her carrots is a snap. Her partner must differ from
her in some ways, yet complement her in others. If she needs full
sunlight, he might prefer darkness. If he likes loose soil, she
wants tightly packed earth.
I
know that eventually both will make concessions, yet deciding how
they learn to grow together makes plotting fun! Do I thin the seedlings
or let them grow at will? Perhaps his height affects her amount
of available light. Maybe her roots don’t leave enough room
for his to spread. How my hero and heroine flourish depends upon
my gardening skills.
I
must also consider a few other factors. How I speak affects their
growth. Will they respond to my normal voice? When would they prefer
humor? Would tears provide sustenance? Or should I listen to the
wind blowing through their leaves? Where and when I plant my crops
also impact the harvest. Without proper bedding at the appropriate
time, my garden could freeze or wither away.
After
months of careful tending, I’m ready to reap the harvest.
I wash the carrots and hull the peas. They look delectable---at
least to me. I’m off to the market. Wish me luck!
2005
Past Columns
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Writing Romance:
How This Gardener Nurtures Love |
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