I've got the plot – a first for me
the maguffin, a twist
a location or three.
But this is what I haven't found
a hero, a villain
- any figure remotely round.
Think of six possessions then,
the character is there
in his fountain pen
or in the book in his bottom drawer,
his jacket, or trousers
- empty hatbox on lino floor..
But I've got those – or sundry hats -
a colobus, a goat
a collection of cats.
I think of these, little occurs
- a feature, a quirk
something to nail it, his or hers.
A hero then – house a midden,
a commotion, a heap,
the character's hidden.
Chuck the Background and bin the plot
- the heroine, a girl -
write her quickly - for I cannot.
Comments
FTSE100 | November 5, 2008 - 10:50
I've got a box of characters - they have interchangeable heads, their arms and legs can be bent in all manner of amusing ways and, being made from plastic, they are utterly fearless. They have no self-respect and can be put in the most ridiculous, embarrassing and humiliating situations without complaint. They might be just what you need.
Now, what I'm short of is a plot or two...
How about this as a possibility for next week's IP: take someone else's characters and make a story about them. Several people used to write Jerry Cornelius stories in the silly sixties, so there's a precedent.
Ewan | November 5, 2008 - 10:51
I am so looking forward to your take on the characters from Gibbous House.
FTSE100 | November 5, 2008 - 11:01
I'll have to peruse the contract first. Do I have to return them to you in good condition? Dignity intact, conventional number of fingers and toes and so forth? I'll get my people on it right away.
Bradene | November 5, 2008 - 11:49
Love this Ewan I know someone who starts a book from a general idea and he lets the plot and the characters develop as he goes, he never knows how it's going to end either.
When I write a story sometimes I find my characters develop minds of their own and go off and do something I didn't intend. Its weird. Your poem was much enjoyed. Val
jlb | November 5, 2008 - 23:13
Yep, I always find planning things advance makes the whole business of writing harder. Maguffin, by the way, is one of the greatest words in the English language.
jennifer | November 6, 2008 - 12:52
I have never been able to plan. I can teach my students how, it helps them write, but still the process for me is much more...organic.
Fingers, pen or keyboard, when the words come. And they don't, as much as I would like.
You have captured your frustration beautifully here - I love the idea of not being able to write what you intend inspiring other writing, like this poem.
Superb, and hilarious!
(p.s. how is that story going?!)