Sometimes, the subtle sneaks up on you.

So I’m closing in on 20k words on “From Whence You Came” and I realize that – unlike all the other characters – there are two who have no names, who are only referred to by their job description/titles.  And they’re important minor characters, with dialogue and roles to play in the action.  So they should have names, right?

But once I thought about it I realized that no, they shouldn’t.  Not yet, anyway.  Because they are seen by and interact with a character who –despite other positives – is somewhat…blindered.  And that character sees them only in terms of the roles they play, not as people in and of themselves.

By not giving them personal names, I show more about the main character, and hir interactions with the world, than if I’d had someone comment on it directly.

As lovely as it would be to say Look how clever I am!” the truth is that I didn’t sit down and think this out – “oh, I know how to show hir behavior!”  It just arose out of the writing, wherein these characters are seen only in relation to the services they offer.  Surprised the hell out of me, when I looked back and realized what I’d been doing.  I’d thought better of hir… or maybe I hadn’t.

So these brave secondaries get names?  Does the main character learn better interactions?   I… don’t know yet.  Ask me again in another 10,000 words….

Original Published at Practical Meerkat: A Blog 

these things we put up with....

Dear novella. What part of NOVELLA did you not understand? No, you may NOT have a subplot. Or another secondary character. Stop that. Sit down, and do your letters. No, you may not color outside the lines.


*sighs*

All right, fine, color anywhere you want. But no subplot!

*ahem* she said, shuffling her feet.

This post is for Active or Associate member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.


I am reminded (h/t rolanni) that the Nebula Nominating Period is open, until February 15, 2012. This is where titles are thrown into the hat at the rate of five per category per member, and it is from these titles that the works appearing on the final Nebula ballot are drawn. So I henceforth commend THE SHATTERED VINE (The Vineart War, Book 3) to you for consideration in the Novel category.

You might also consider DRAGON VIRUS for Novella. If you are so inclined.

Thank you for your patience and good humor while I do my little shill. :-)