I know it’s important. No story can move without it. And I’m learning how to write it. I am. But the thing is, it gets tricky sometimes.
Like this time.
When the horrible consequence I wrote for my character to experience shows up in the nightmares of my baby. I did NOT read my words to my boy. Not even one of them. And I didn’t talk to anyone about the struggle my MC is going through. But hey, last night Kid 4 woke up several times, sobbing at the things he’s hearing in his head during his nightmare. Specifically, the same sorts of things I wrote into my story, waking my sleeping baby from his peaceful night.
This is a guilt I can’t figure out. I know that my writing doesn’t harm my Kids, [1] but I FEEL like I’ve done this to him. I made up this thing, a punishment for my MC’s line-crossing, and now my Kid 4 is suffering for it. (As am I. Co-sleepers, I am in awe of you. I have never, never encouraged kids to sleep in my bed. I do not love it. There is no sleeping for me.)
Is this even sane? Probably not. Remember, I didn’t sleep last night either. But I have to say, when I got up to write this morning, I wondered “Why am I not writing about ponies and cupcakes and birthday balloons?”
Oh, yeah. I remember, Because conflict drives story. And I want a story.
With all that implies.
Sorry, Kid 4.
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[1] but that would make an interesting idea for a book, wouldn’t it? And I suddenly want to rewatch Emma Thompson’s Stranger Than Fiction.
(5) Comments for this blog
Poor little guy…and poor mama. I often have feelings like this. Sorry for the anxiety…you are a good mom!
(And you’re right…it would definitely make for an interesting story plot in itself.)
Aw, the poor guy. Yeah, I am not a co-op sleeper either.
Maybe your story ideas are just naturally absorbed by the people you live with. Is there a way you can use that your advantage? 🙂
Aw, I’m so sorry. My oldest daughter (9) wants me to write a book where she is the main character, sometime. But I’m on my third story now and I can’t do it. She loves my stories but always complains that bad stuff happens to my MC’s. I told her I can’t help it. That’s what you have to do to keep the reader hooked. And I can’t stomach something bad happening to my daughter, even if it’s only imaginary.
Hugs to you and your boy.
That’s really weird. I wonder what’s at the bottom of it all….
Stranger Than Fiction is one of my all time favorite movies. I’ve been hankering to watch it again lately. Maybe I will. “I brought you flours.” Love that.
Keep writing.