Keeping It Real

"Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth."
~Pablo Picasso

Telling the truth through fiction is almost as hard as telling the truth through a fib. When someone lies, they do everything they can to make their story seem realistic. Fiction writers should have the same determination. We want our readers to almost wonder if our story was based on something that actually happened. Not so that they will believe a lie, but because the stories that are the most realistic are the ones that usually connect most with a reader. We don't want people to read our story and feel as if they're reading a made up fairytale. Writers must do everything they can to make their fiction honest.

But how is this possible, since fiction is... well, a made up story?
Here are a few tips I've come up with to help work some truth through your story:

• Think about what stirs up your emotions. What makes you laugh? Cry? Angry? Use emotions to enrich your story. Everyone has feelings, so this is a great tool to use to connect with your reader and have them almost convinced that this story really did happen. Keep in mind, though, that everyone experiences emotions differently. What I mean is, some people may be more sensitive than others, have different types of humor, etc. Whatever way that you weave in emotions through your story, remember to keep it real and relatable.
• Create characters based off real people, not imaginary people. If you ever had an "imaginary friend" when your were a kid, you probably made her perfect. She was good at everything, and she liked everything you liked. Or if you're a guy, then your imaginary friend probably had super powers that no other human had. The exaggerated "powers" may work if you're writing fantasy - but when writing fiction, such as Christian fiction, your characters should have the same qualities as a real person. One way to make your characters seem "true" is by basing them on of people you know. Real people have flaws. Real people have attributes. If you use some of the same qualities as another person you may know, and maybe add some of your own... I'm sure your character will be real to the reader also, instead of just an imaginary character in a book.
• Make sure that your dialogue isn't "cheesy", and that it moves the story forward. It's great to base the conversations in your fiction on of the conversations you have with people in real life, but some things that aren't necessary to tell the story should be left out. Also, keep in mind when writing your dialogue that each of your characters should talk in different ways based on their personalities. The people in your own life don't all talk the same way and say the same stuff, do they? If your dialogue doesn't seem like a real conversation with real people, then the story itself won't seem real.
  
• Base your plot on real situations. This is the biggest way to relate to your reader, because then they know that they are not alone. That's the power of fiction. But if the situations in your story seem unlikely to happen to an ordinary person - then most likely, others will find it difficult to connect with it, and therefore, your fiction won't seem true. Use the power of fiction by creating a plot that is intriguing but honest in a way that can relate to your readers. Use real problems, real life situations, and realistic events to create your plot.
  

Fiction can be a great tool to minister to others, only if it's honest. If you're writing Christian fiction, then remember that it can easily turn "cheesy". Don't try to weave your message into the events in your story, weave your story into a message. In other words, don't write in a way that is unrealistic just so you can shove a certain message into your reader's brain. That's when Christian fiction becomes cheesy. Write in a way that is honest. If you keep it real, then the story becomes relatable.

"The letters I receive most of all from readers say this: 'Thank you for writing such real characters.' The reason they're real? The reason your work will be real? Because we must write in a way that is honest."
~ Karen Kingsbury

~~~
How are some ways you "keep it real" while you write?

Finding Time, Creating Space

Be honest with yourself: It isn't easy trying to find time to write. Especially in the summer as a teenager when you're out of school and you'd much prefer hanging out with your friends rather than sitting at the computer by yourself for hours. I hate to admit that I haven't squeezed in as much time to write this summer as I had planned. Considering that school is now starting back, I've decided to really focus on writing... so I've created a 'space'. In a small corner of my room a deep pink suede chaise lounge chair is set up with a laptop tray hovering over it. A floor lamp is behind the chair and a small end table for my coffee is next to it. And so far, this "space" has helped. I've always been told that having an area in your house that is away from every one else so you can more easily discipline yourself to write is really helpful. Being in a place that is inspirational and personal is also helpful in allowing your creative juices to flow. Not to mention, it's fun creating a writing area just for you!

So how do you get started in creating this space? What are some ways to make it personal and distraction-free?

Here are a few tips on creating a space:

• Eliminate distractions. Do you often find yourself singing along to the words of a song rather than focusing on the words to your story? Turn off the music. Are you one who tends to people-watch out of your window? Keep the blinds closed. Do you sometimes catch yourself checking your social networks when you get bored with writing? Use a notebook instead of a laptop. Discipline isn't easy to do, but it's simple. And I don't think it's possible to establish your dream publishing career by checking your Facebook every five minutes.
• Add inspiration. If listening to music helps to add a little inspiration to what you're writing, then make sure to have relaxing (inspiring) music near you. If having a window near your "writing space" helps to inspire you, then make sure to set up your "space" near a window. You could also add a few more inspirational "tools", such as: candles, photography, scriptures/quotes, your favorite colors, etc. Adding small touches that relax the senses can also be very inspiring tools. Visual tools such as photography, scriptures/quotes, your favorite colors and even scented candles for atmosphere and an exhilarating scent. A cold drink, steamy coffee or tea, or your favorite gum could also relax you and set the mood for creativity.
• Take away anything that holds you back from writing, and add whatever you need to help the ideas to come to you more freely. Make sure that your writing space is "you" and that it matches your personality. It should be comfortable, cozy, and quiet. :)

Finding time is a little more difficult than creating a space. When you're not in a "writing-mood", there will always be endless excuses explaining why you cannot write at the moment. That's why it may work best to create a schedule, so that way you won't have to make excuses any more.

Here are a few tips on trying to find time to write:

• Make yourself write for a certain amount of time a day, or plan to write a certain amount of words each day. Creating a habit like this will get easier, and pretty soon you will find yourself more easily inspired during your planned writing time. You could also create long-term goals, such as reaching a planned word count by a certain day.
• Reward yourself after you've done your writing for the day, not before. Rewards can be as simple as something chocolate or even a homemade frappucino. But make sure that your breaks aren't dragged out too long.
• Take away anything on your schedule that's pointless, and replace it with writing. Remember, making excuses is easy and finding time to write is hard, but very important if you want to be published some day.

~~~
How do you find time to write? What's your "writing space" like?

One Lovely Blog Award & An Update

Hey everyone! I'd like to thank E.Elle from The Writers' Funhouse for giving me this award. There are no rules so the following are a few people that I think deserve this award. :)

~~

Mia
Katy
Katie
Emii
Makay

~~

Congrats girls! You deserve it! And thanks to everyone for all of the sweet comments recently. I've been very busy this summer so I haven't been able to write much or respond to you, but school starts soon, which means I should have more time to post. I also have some pretty great news that I'll share with all of you later on. :)

I hope everyone is having/had a great summer! God bless.