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The House I Wonder About

3/25/2016

11 Comments

 
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​There is a house I pass while walking Cyrus on the trail that I always wonder about – I wonder who lives there, what type of family they are, what they think of having the trail almost in their backyard, how long they have been there. As I walked by the other day, I noticed something I never noticed before – a tree-branch swing in the front yard. I considered all the things I have noticed about this house and realized I know quite a bit already about the people who live there.
 
I know they like to cook outside - a new larger barbeque replaced the round Weber grill (now in the back by the shed).
 
I know they like to spend time outside. There are several benches placed strategically throughout the yard.
 
I know that they recently acquired a dog. I watched a fence being built so that the dog could be let out and be safe but still have room to run. While the fence was going up I wondered what it might be for, then one day I saw the dog.
 
They might have a child or children, or maybe the children are grown and gone. The swing is the only child-related object I’ve noticed, so I’m thinking the children are no longer there.
 
I have a character floating around in my head with a story. Someday I’d like to write her story, but I’m thinking I don’t know enough about her…yet. I need to put her in a place in a house (maybe this house) and follow her around and make note of what she likes, fears, questions. Just like I wonder about that house, I need to wonder about her. Maybe that’s why even though I know the plot and the setting and the character for my story, it hasn’t yet been written…completely. I know now I need to spend time with all of that, then I will write.
11 Comments
elsie
3/25/2016 07:19:37 am

I love imagining and inferring from what I see. This is so like the narrator of Girl on the Train. Let that character simmer and you will write something great.

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professional essay help link
7/29/2019 11:32:39 pm

If you already have your characters in the story that you are just about to write, then you must push through with it. If you believe that your characters will be enough to carry the story that you have in your mind then I suggest that you must proceed with your plan. I really love the fact that authors are very passionate in the characters they create. They put their heart as well as their mind into what they do and make sure that they'll come up with a good story with the help of their characters.

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arjeha link
3/25/2016 08:18:47 am

It is amazing what looking at a house can tell us about the people who live there.

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Diane Dougherty link
3/25/2016 08:54:50 am

Writers are thinkers. Most of my writing rattles around in my head for a long time before I see it on the page.
Looking forward to reading your story, Rose.

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Clare link
3/25/2016 08:59:31 am

Rose, I often think about houses like that when I run or walk the dog. I do the same of the people I pass on my running route. There are people I see at the same time, almost the same place, day after day after day. It is so odd - in some ways it feels like I know them, but I really don't. My running group often makes up stories about them -- we even have names for some. I never thought about it being a way to think about writing. I way to imagine character and setting. That is a great idea. Thank you for sharing... and I cannot wait to read your book!
Clare

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Tara link
3/25/2016 10:34:32 am

This is how books get written - when one sets imagination free.

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Lynn
3/25/2016 11:08:01 am

I'm a big people watcher, and have been really surprised at the difference between the reality and my own imagination. Most times however I never find out the reality, so my imagination can soar with ideas!

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Shelly
3/25/2016 12:08:20 pm

It's amazing what we can conclude by just observing and so much fun to let our imaginations run wild!

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Cathy link
3/25/2016 03:49:45 pm

Rose, I've always wondered how a writer gets to know a character. How interesting it must be to try to find the place she might live, consider the things she might do, and write little snippets from her world. Funny how a little walk can open our mind to new possibilities.

Cathy

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lynne dorfman link
3/25/2016 04:57:25 pm

Funny how stories are written. Lots of rehearsals and dreams and what ifs. I often marvel at how J.K. Rowling had the entire Harry Potter saga imagined before she wrote it. Sounds like there is definitely a book there. By the way, started rereading Pax!

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Dana Kramaroff link
3/25/2016 06:32:39 pm

Rose, I love your musings and wonderings! I once heard the idea of creating a Pinterest page for a character you are developing. Maybe you could begin to create one! You inspire me to find characters in my interactions!! Hope all is well!
-Dana

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