The Art of Writing

Is it an art?

I believe so and I'm not alone.

It takes an artist to be able to put into words, what they see in their mind, and then make you visualize it.  The picture they've painted on the wall that is your brain, is so deliciously perfect that you want to reach out and touch it.  The funny thing about that is that most times, the resulting image is different for everyone.  

For example, if a writer were to describe a handsome white male, with short, unruly brown hair, a jaw that bore stubble to make any woman giggle at the feel of it against her cheek, and pink lips so kissable that it was hard to keep away from him, who would you picture?  

Someone had to come to mind.  Maybe an actor you've seen and dreamt of.  (The moment I typed "unruly hair", I know who some of you chose, but I'd be willing to bet, that he's not the one I was imagining.)  Or was it the guy down the street that always smiles and waves at you as you pass each other?  What about that guy at work who looks like he could easily be on the cover of GQ?

You see the writer did the same thing that you did, but in reverse.  They had someone in mind when they were describing your new fictional boyfriend or girlfriend or best friend, only the description is just vague enough that you can place anyone you want as that character.  Why?  Because it makes them more real, drawing you deeper into the story.  Even though the love interest may not look like you, you want to be them.  Why?  Because unlike most of the guys you've come across, he's romantic, he's chivalrous, he knows how to protect you, and he knows how to turn you on.  

Yes, I went there and you know why.  

If you don't know why...keep reading.

If a writer describes a hard-nosed, voluptuous woman, with long, flowing brown hair, pouty red lips, and looked like she could drop you on your rear in a split second, who do you think of then?

They could have been describing the barista at Starbucks, the girl across the way who's always giving you the evil eye, or an actress who's known for kicking tail.  Everyone conjures up a different image.

Again, you were drawn into the story, because you could picture this person.  You know them.  If this individual just happens to be someone you know and dislike, what happens to that story that you promised you'd read because it had been on your TBR list for months?  For some of you, you put that story away. You give it one to two stars and then sell the book or even donate it.  

The moment you put a face with that character they may have become too real and seemed bitchier or more of a jerk because of it.  But if you were able to picture your ideal for that character, your flipping through pages as if your life depended on the outcome of the book.  Before you know it, it's morning and you have to work or go to school or get the kids ready or make breakfast for your spouse in three hours.

You could go to bed, but your mind is racing.  Will there be a sequel?  There has to be because you want to know more about what happened to your new friend, right?  You begin searching for the author's blog to see if there has been a sequel announced or if your character is going to make an appearance in a book related to a series the author is writing.

When nothing shows up, you want to hunt down the author and demand to know what happened and tell them that they just have to write more.  If there is an announcement you hound them or stalk every page you can find about them, waiting to hear about the next installment of that character's life.

Am I close?  

- A fellow tortured reader and future author you could have a love/hate relationship with