Thursday 9 May 2013

What was your MC’s worst mistake?


MAY IS HOSTED BY WRITING TIPS BY WRITERS, DONALD MAASS'  TWEETS ON CREATING THE PERFECT NOVEL ;)  SECTIONS INSPIRED BY THESE:
DONALD MAASS WRITE TIP #83

What was your MC’s worst mistake? What has she never told anyone? Who was wronged? Weigh down your MC with that.

 “I made a mistake,” Ella whispered. “Everyone makes mistakes, Jackson.”
“Right,” said Jackson. “Could I just say you’re particularly good at making them?”
“No, I—”
“You’re pretty impartial,” said Jackson. “You hurt everyone.”
“No,” Ella voice rose. “Maybe other people – I hurt other people. Not you. I didn’t plan to hurt you. It was like a test. I wanted to know what he was like. Tasted like.”
Jackson backed away a pace, his eyes narrowing. “Ella—”
“No  –  but, really, it's always you.” Ella said. Even she could hear how panic ratcheted up the pitch again.  She took a step towards him. Reaching up, she extended her pink-tipped nails towards his heart. "Forgive me?” 
 Jackson held out his hand. He wasn’t smiling, his lips were unusually straight. “No.”
 “Yes,” said Ella, her voice hollow and low. “Because, you…I know you love me.”
“I loved you,” Jackson lowered his hand. “Loved. Past tense.”

Has your MC’s made a big mistake? 

4 comments:

  1. All my characters are flawed, some worse than others.

    ......dhole

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    Replies
    1. Hi Donna
      I guess that would be because all people are flawed. Some are noticeable and others only emerge under stress.

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  2. Every significant character in my WIP makes big mistakes. Life's not worth living if you don't, and is much more interesting to read about if you do.

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    Replies
    1. Hi John
      I wish I didn't feel the need to write such big mistakes. Only when my wip starts to sound like an ill-fated soap's doomed village I think I may have gone too far ;)

      Delete