Well, quite a week for intimations of mortality - a strained back, a recovering shoulder (from a fall on the ice) and part of a silicone ear plug (for swimming) stuck in the ear! Without even trying, I got myself in trouble. :)
Which reminds me of an old writing precept. I can't remember the author but it goes something like this: "Put your protagonist in trouble and then triple that trouble." (Believe me, I hadn't planned on doing it to myself.)
As those of you who've read my "Fragger Sparks" science fiction series know, I've followed that precept with a vengeance. There's no sort of trouble Fragger hasn't been in!
I continue to follow the precept for two reasons. One is, obviously, that trouble creates a great story - everyone wants to see what fix Fragger will get into next and how the devil he's going to work his way out of it.
The second reason is personal. It may sound odd, but it keeps me writing! By that I mean that I need to pose myself a problem and then get an adrenaline rush from solving it.
I'll have to admit that this is not a very noble or literary reason for writing, but then I've always been a practical person at many levels, and my attitude is, "If it works, use it!"
Actually, I spent a large part of my life not writing for various reasons (even though I wanted to) and am grateful for any spur that allows me to put words on the page.
Besides, it's enabled me to write four novels (and four non-fiction books) in about 10 years! So, here's to practicality and the acceptance of one's inadvertent gifts!
Hey, find out how much trouble I've gotten Fragger Sparks into by reading one in the series (and, remember, I'm working on the latest one)!...
The First Misadventure of Fragger Sparks, A Ranger Leads the Way
The Second Misadventure of Fragger Sparks, A Ranger Loses His Way
The Third Misadventure of Fragger Sparks, A Ranger Paves the Way
Also, try American Job if you enjoy comedy, satire and tragedy all rolled into one epic tale!
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