The Art of Motivation 😕
Motivation (According to Wikipedia) is an internal state that propels individuals to engage in goal-directed behavior. It is often understood as a force that explains why people or other animals initiate, maintain, or terminate a particular behavior at a given time. It is a complex phenomenon, and its precise definition is disputed...
In Connie's world, it means sitting down at her computer with a thermos filled with coffee...and talking to herself.
Every writer has his/her own system for producing a novel.
Some have grafts, charts posted on a wall, detailed notes, etc.
I have a tendency to become fixated on details (which is fine during revisions, but a problem during the first draft).
Now, I interview my main characters.
Lynx Maddox was a Texan and a bullrider. Q&A is like a radio/online format.
I ask questions, and fornatuely, Lynx had ready answers for me in his deep Texas dawl.
In Lynx's case, it was simple: Win a Rodeo Buckle, and because it's a contemporary romance, Win the Girl.
However, motivation, goal, and conflict are also part of a story...
Why is he motivated? What keeps his goal out of reach? And what about the girl?
According to Debra Dixon (Goal, Motivation & Conflict), Goals should not be subtle. Get out the two-by-four and start wacking your reader over the head.
Since we are all familiar with the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy must get to the Emerald City. Second, she must get in to see the Wizard. Third, a broomstick.
I have notebooks and favorite pens. Before setting down to write my first draft, I conducted research. I have handwritten notes, dialogue, and scenes. The act of writing in cursive activates a creative area of the brain (the same area activated when playing a musical instrument).
My notebook info and sensory details, etc., are not included until after I've completed my rough draft.
When I first sit down, it's nuts-and-bolts.
When my rough draft is completed, the characters begin to 'talk to me".
Reveal bits of their past.
Some of my characters are sassy (Charlene/ Meredith). Others have overcome hardship (Rachel/Tay), and some are sexy heroes (Lynx, Brede, Vicktor, etc.).
Goals: also motivate your characters.
You can run, but you can't hide from goals.
Each character has a goal.
Goals must be important and urgent.
Goals must be internal and external. (win the buckle/win the girl).
Character decisions must drive the plot.
Goals must be achieved by characters. (No magic wands, or it just happens.) Yes, I know many popular books were based on coincidences.
I, however, subscribe to Joseph Campbell's "Call to Adventure" (Hero with a Thousand Faces) and Christopher Vogler's "The Writer's Journey".
We all have our favorite reads :)
Name your favorite Hero/Heroine, your favorite book, and why you still remember the story.
Happy Reading!
Connie
Where to shop for my books/ ebooks?
There's a glitch in Amazon at the moment (Only my audio version of "Lynx" is available :(
Barns & Noble, Apple Books, or your fave online book store.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brede-connie-vines/1115934010
