Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Decisions, Decisions

Well, 2023 is marching on, isn't it?

            

WRITING - 

The POV in this first draft of the novel was killing me. I went with Main Character 1 then went with Main Character 2 then back and forth and back again. I thought their narratives were equally compelling, in different ways, but both had weaknesses. I finally just decided to listen to what the story wants because, as usual, the story really does know best. So as of now – realizing this will probably change with editing and revising - not only do I have two POVs but also a Prologue. Sigh.


WATCHING – 

Movies – I was disappointed in the last couple of movies I watched. And this was after watching the previews and checking out the ratings/reviews. One movie was so bad not even a well-known, excellent actor could save it. Another started off really good then morphed into something so weird I have no words for it. 

 

MENTAL HEALTH – 

Back in January, I mentioned that one of my goals was to work on managing my anxiety. I decided to change that up a bit and focus instead on cultivating calm and finding the tools to calm myself - mentally, emotionally, physically - when I need to (and believe me, I need to often!) I'm trying to meditate and listen to/read/watch more positive things. 

 

TORTOISES – 

My husband and I often take the tortoises when we sit on the patio. My husband is usually settled out there before me and, lately, Mrs. Larry has taken to sitting under the chair next him - my chair. We're not sure if she's keeping my husband company or if she's keeping an eye on him, but once I come outside, she walks off, as if saying he's my responsibility now. 

 

*****


How do you decide a story's POV? Have you seen any good movies lately? Any suggestions for cultivating calm?

16 comments:

  1. A prologue isn't bad.
    Funny about the tortoises.
    Curious what horrible movies you watched!

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    1. I have no problem with prologues, but from what I've read, a lot of people do. :)

      I try not to bad mouth specific books, movies etc because it really might just be a case of it's me, not them. :)

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  2. Hi Madeline, same pinch. Like you I too toyed with the POV of my current manuscript, finally deciding that the story and characters know best. And like you I too have gathered a whole lot of anxiety-reducing tools around me.

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    1. I'm going to go with they know best for the first draft. After that, I might have to use some tough love. :)

      The trick, for me, anyway, is to remember to use those calming tools when anxiety, panic, etc strike. :o

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  3. Having two main character POVs sounds like the right way to go. Glad you figured it out.

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  4. That's funny about Mrs. Larry.

    I'm glad you're finding actionable ways to take care of your mental health. That's fantastic!

    At least your novel hasn't gotten too far away from you. I've got 4 POVs, a prologue, an epilogue, and a bonus side story from another POV! :D

    Sadly, I don't have any movie recommendations. I've been trying to catch up on a TV series I set aside last year--Elementary. That's fun.

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    1. She's quite the character. :)

      I'm not sure how well it's going, but I'm trying.

      Wow, Loni! I'm just happy I finally got my notes organized. Now, if only I could organize all the stuff in my head.... :)

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  5. It's been a bit of time since a movie wowed me.

    I do the same as you are doing. I go with the POV that seems right for the story. Usually, I switch between the hero and the heroine. But sometimes I mix it up. In Swept Away, it's all from the hero POV because the heroine's identity is part of the mystery in the story. Then in Defying Reason, I alternated chapters and had fun with the he said, she said POV so I could reveal what the character meant to happen and how the words/actions were perceived. It was a lot of fun!

    As for anxiety. I also have anxiety to the point of it causing chest pain. Moving and doing in my best solution. I've tried meditation, but my brain is never quiet or calm. Cleaning a basement, weeding a flower bed, or doing some needle point...something that gets my mind focused on something menial seems to calm me. I wish you luck in battling it. I know how it can drain you of your joy and your energy.

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    1. I don't know why I'm struggling so much with the POV this time around, but I think I have a handle on it now . . . unless I just jinxed it? Sigh.

      Moving and doing is a good solution that I find works for me to a point. I have a few short meditations I use, but I'm trying to work up to longer ones. Deep breathing is my go-to because I can pretty much do it anywhere. Thank you for those good luck wishes in battling the anxiety, panic etc. Right back at you. :)

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  6. Yeah, stories are the boss of me too. hehehe

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  7. Love the tortoise story. Seeking calm isn't easy. Good luck with that.

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    1. Those tortoises crack me up. :)

      Thanks, Diane! I'm going to need all the good luck I can get.

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  8. One thing that had helped my anxiety is ASMR. There's an ASMRtist who does "focus ASMR" that's really good for anxiety to get us out of our heads. If you're interested, feel free to send me an email and I can give you a few links to check out her YouTube videos.

    Mrs. Larry sounds cute.

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    1. Thanks, Chrys! I'm glad it worked for you, and I appreciate the suggestion.

      She really is. And she knows it. :)

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