Oct 2, 2010

Wannabe Writers #36

Wannabe Writers is an Internet writing group I created. Everyone is welcome to join. It's a place to meet other writers, ask questions, and get feedback. Click here to find out more about how it works.

Where I am in the writing process: Unpublished. I started writing in Nov. of 2008.  In May of 2009 I finished my first draft of my first ever novel and immediately tried submitting it to agents.  (I haven't told you all this before.  I'm kind of embarrassed that I tried that soon.)  Wow because it was disastrous!!!  In no way was I ready to take that next step.  So that follow summer I began my current WIP.  I'm still working on the first draft.  I'm much much more critical of my own work this time around.  Maybe that's why it's taking me so long to finish.  But hoping to finish this draft by the end of the year.  I also have two other WIPs that are both about 10K long. 

My current problem(s):  Not writing.  I have a job interview this coming Monday and that's been occupying my thoughts.  I haven't given much thoughts to my characters lately and so when it comes time to write, I just don't.  Also, 24--the TV show-- and Netflicks.  My husband got us a subscription to Netflicks and now we've been watching the complete seasons of 24.  At least when watching regular TV I'll sit there with my laptop open and try to write on the commercials.

My question this week:  (This is about the weather. ) Do you try to incorporate weather into your novel?  Do you think it's cheesy when authors use a thunderstorm to heighten the drama or the climax?

10 comments:

Robin M said...

I just finished reading the Drake Sisters series by Christine Feehan. The weather was a major character in every story.

Kerrie said...

I don't think it's cheesy if it has a purpose and it's not too obvious. Although, writing this, I can't think of any examples off the top of my head. I think if some big, terrible conversation or event happens right after "the sky turned dark and thunder rolled," it's a little obvious. But maybe if icy rain was pelting the main character while she was out running leaving her feeling chilled from the outside in, only to have her walk into her house and find her family was murdered while she was out or something like that would make sense.

For some reason, the example I can think of is from a silly chick flick (which I'm not too proud to say I love), "13 Going on 30." Jenna, the main character who is 30 but still feels 13 (as she has basically time-traveled), realizes she loves her childhood friend. She puts on her cutest dress and makes her way to his apartment. It is pouring rain and she's getting splashed and muddied and she looks like a drowned rat, but she doesn't care because she's going to tell Matty that she loves him. She's got a smile on her face even though the rain is dumping on her. But then she gets there and his fiancee opens the door and tells her that they are getting married tomorrow (or something like that). So the rain wasn't so obvious, but basically it was "raining on her parade."

I never really thought about that scene like that or how weather can do this till just now. So thanks!

Anonymous said...

I agree, I think weather can be a powerful character all its own if it's done properly. It would take a much better writer than me to explain how to actually DO that though.

Also, netflix and tv series are so easy to get lost in. My husband and I are always watching a new series and once you get started... well it's hard to stop! :)

Anonymous said...

I agree, I think weather can be a powerful character all its own if it's done properly. It would take a much better writer than me to explain how to actually DO that though.

Also, netflix and tv series are so easy to get lost in. My husband and I are always watching a new series and once you get started... well it's hard to stop! :)

amber d* said...

I don't think it's cheesy at all. I'm one of those people who love knowing the surrondings the characters are in. In my upcoming story that I plan on tackling next month, it's actually broken up with each 'part' being a new season.

Swimmer said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Swimmer said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Swimmer said...

That question is a hard one because it just depends on how it is written... if it is all the sudden pouring but 5 pages ago it was sunny then yes it is cheesy... if it has been cold and damp then the author incorporates a storm well then it isn't.

Miranda Hardy said...

I will be incorporating weather into my novel. It will be a big part of my novel and character. She is affected by the weather. Imagine that.

Even with my first novel, the historical fiction, I did talk about the weather. It was in Egypt, so I was able to talk about the heat and the flooding season.

I understand your lack of writing. I haven't had much time lately and it's killing me.

Anonymous said...

I'm incorporating weather into my latest wip. It's the first time I'm doing it and it's essential to the plot.