Welcome to this week's Romance Writers Weekly Blog Hop! This week's question asks us to, "Compare the relationship with the characters in your book with real life relationships. How do they differ and how are they the same?"
Umm...I'm assuming this means how do the relationships that I make up between my characters compare to actual relationships between actual people. Otherwise, it's asking how my relationships with my characters differ to my relationships with real people and all I can say is, A. First of all, I've never actually killed anyone in real life and B. my characters occasionally do what I want them to do, whereas in real life THAT NEVER HAPPENS.
So let's assume the first interpretation. And that's a really good question and one I've actually been obsessing over during the writing of my current WIP, Funnel of Love, because it has seemed to me that my characters really aren't acting like real people at all. This may be imposter syndrome at work, but they talk to each other--well, some do. Others have not spoken to each other in years. But the characters who do talk seem to communicate a little better than actual people. Although it's possible that most of the people I know are just bad at communication.
Also, their conversations have structure--painstakingly crafted structure that I agonize over. Most people I know say whatever comes into their heads. Or, it's possible that far too much of my conversations lately have been with my four year old grandson and his friends. Although, really, can one ever converse too much with such delightful people? I think not.
But I do suspect it's not been great for my writing.
I think while my characters tend to be more candid with each other, they also tend to be less impulsive--well maybe not Rocky and Stephanie. I'd say they're outliers in that regard.
All in all, I'd say the biggest difference is that the length of time that fictional characters hold grudges and nurse emotional injuries is completely a function of plot. The reason truth is stranger than fiction is that fiction has an identifiable shape to it. Writers are magicians and every work of fiction involves sleight of hand. When done correctly, we create characters that appear to resemble real people, when in reality they're no more than caricatures.
Now, hop on over to Leslie Hachtel's page and see what she has to say about character relationships! And also check out her book Once Upon a Tablecloth:
Nick Jordan acquires failing restaurants, then makes them prosperous. But when Lily Mercer calls him for help, he didn't count on falling in love. Or that someone wants to kill her.
And with so many obstacles and threats, can she survive? Can their love?
Buy here now: https://amzn.to/3NMVRMr
Atlas Beach is experiencing a retail renaissance—and Carly Meyer is determined to be part of it. But she and her sandwich shop, The Lunch Box, are struggling to stay afloat.
Luckily, help is on the way thanks to the Chamber of Commerce’s innovative mentoring program—partnering successful Atlas Beach business owners with some of the newer start-ups. Too bad the mentor assigned to her is the delectable—and highly annoying—Tino DiLuca.
Tino knows exactly what’s been hurting Carly’s business and—exactly how to fix it. But his number one solution, changing the name of her signature sandwich, is the one thing she’s not prepared to do.
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