In order to write good fiction, especially good romance, you have to be able to (mentally) put yourself in someone else's shoes. You have to imagine exactly how things -- things said, things done, etc -- will make characters feel and react. Characters' emotions are integral to a good romance. Without emotion, readers won't connect with your characters, won't care much about your story. So, many writers spend a good deal of time imagining how things will make others feel. And it's not like you just shut that off when you stop writing. I think many writers spend more time than the average person considering how their own actions and words will affect others in real life, too.
So, IMO, this means that writers in general are probably more likely to give a damn about the way people are treated and about things they perceive to be wrong or unfair / social causes. Considering how one's words / actions will affect others also generally causes one to treat others more nicely...
And I've met a lot of nice writers. When I went to RT last month, I met so many nice people, I was actually surprised. Seeing as how I was going for the first time and had literally never met anyone there in real life before (just a couple social media connections) I'd thought it might be a challenge to meet nice people to spend time with. That wasn't the case at all. Most of the people I met were delightful and treated others well.
Of course, there are always exceptions -- there are sour apples in every bunch, and at one point I encountered a group of nasty, mean-spirited attendees in an elevator. I glimpsed at their badges and saw that they were aspiring authors though, so for all I know, they were maniacs who spend their time writing Axis alliance fanfiction. Okay, probably not... But they were an exception to the rule when it came to the sort of writers I met.
Anyway, what's the point of this post? To invite you to something I (and a lot of other authors) give a damn about. Tomorrow is International Day Against Homophobia, and the starting day of the Hop Against Homophobia (which runs 5/17 - 5/20). There are about 250 participating authors. Here on my blog I'll be talking about homophobia (which is something I think is really unfair) and sharing some of my own experience. I'll also be giving away some awesome prizes (if I do say so myself). Hope to see you here! :)
I think you're right on this one. I've always been a serious person and have found that most people that practice some form of artistic expression are because of what they have to do...dig deep and tap into those emotions and pull them out. Writing is very personal and causes us to have to expose a lot of what we feel and think even through out characters.
ReplyDeleteI have a hot button issue, and it's bullying. I was bullied mercilessly as a kid and in high school hated to see others bullied. Stories of kids killing themselves or hurting others because of bullying make me see red because it starts with parents and teachers. I am glad to see bullying laws popping up in different states and am glad people have decided to finally take this sort of thing seriously! (stepping down off soapbox. LOL)
Good for you for standing against Homophobia, which I also find extremely unfair.
Elise, you and I are totally on the same page about the bullying issue. It makes me so angry to think that there would only be a fraction of the bullying activity there is if parents and teachers (the supposed adults in the situations) would simply refuse to tolerate it. Instead, many of them act as enablers by turning a blind eye to children (just kids, ffs!) who are being physically, mentally or emotionally abused (or all three).
DeleteBullying and homophobia are pretty closely related issues because so many homophobes lash out with bullying and cruelty. Sadly.
I think it is so wonderful you and the rest of the authors are taking part in this event. Many of us have suffered through something, myself included..I am a victim of bullying and bully violence.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and sharing, Savannah. :) Sadly, bullying is way too common -- sorry you had to experience it.
Delete