Comments on: I’m Trying To Write My Own Novel And I Need Some Advice…?

By: johngree

johngree — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:05:17 +0000

You lay out a very compelling story line, and I think you have a good foundation to start with on your novel.
I do not think anyone would be offended by the idea of a girl as a messiah. You are writing in the realm of science fiction, which is a place that has its own rules and laws: the ones that have been established by you, the writer. I also do not think there is anything wrong with having a basis for the formation of your character (in this case, Heather O’Rourke). I think many people were fascinated by this young and talented girl; and her death at such a young age was heartbreaking. However, you may want to consider how far the inspiration goes. In other words, are you trying to re-create her (to the point that you’d need to ‘tell your reader’ that she is a reincarnation of Heather O’Rourke), or is she just the image you have in your mind? If it’s the latter case, I’d not worry about it. We’re all influenced by many different things, and they all have equal weight to us.
The relationship between the ‘protective boy’ (hero) and the girl (protagonist) is interesting but lacks some substance. It may just be how you’ve described it. Why is he so devoted to her? Why will she be the way to salvation to him? If he is so obsessed with her, would he be drawn to do things for her that go against his own idea of right and wrong? I think it would be very intriguing if the hero were to have his own conflicts – in other words, perhaps his own devotion blinds him to his need to protect her?
And lastly, as to the relationship between the girl and the boy – this is probably the most challenging. Yes, I think it makes sense that she’d be a ‘younger sister’ to the boy, but also, she IS the messiah to other people, whether she likes it or not… this does put her in a different place than the boy. Perhaps part of her tragic flaws as a character could come from the fact that she doesn’t know how to handle this power. Perhaps she would look to the boy to help her understand it.
Best of luck to you.

By: Bookworm

Bookworm — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:18:13 +0000

You can’t go through life never offending anyone. In fact, some of the best things in life offend people.
That said:
1. Not distasteful. Just don’t name her Heather or any name the little actress went by in any of her work.
2. Nothing wrong with a Messiah character. Christians will think you’re wrong, but we won’t be offended. We don’t offend easily – it’s unbiblical
3. Great idea. Do you think you can carry it out? From your writing of this question, I’m thinking you’ll do a fine job!
4. Keep the love out of it. She acts the little sis, but inside her, she’s strong, with a protectiveness of him. This shouldn’t show up to soon, but should be hinted at in small ways. She is, after all, the strongest of the two. At the end, he can fall for her, yet be confused about it, because he actually respects her so much – she is the Messiah, after all – so he’s not sure it’s so much a romantic love, probably just his platonic love and strong respect and such. She wouldn’t fall in love. A Messiah would be too busy – too dedicated to the work of being a Messiah – for that
This sounds like a GREAT story. You’d better let us know when it’s published. I mean it!

By: RushingG

RushingG — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:36:24 +0000

If there was, I assure that there would be very few good characters in stories today. Writers based their characters of SOMETHING, dead or alive. Einsteins dead. So’s Lincoln. Hell, alot of people are dead, and it hasn’t stopped them from basing their characters off them.
2. The messiah role is probably one of the most used role out their. Its old as dirt, and most if not all cultures have stories about the messiah. If anyone accuses you that having a messiah in your story is wrong because Christ is the messiah, then that person has been in their closet too long.
Like a previous comment said, its impossible to offend no one. There are six billion on this planet. I guarantee you at least ONE will be offended (just to prove it, I’ll eat my leg it there isn’t.)
3. The relationship you described is a pretty common one in stories, love and not. Theres no problem with it, but I suggest you give a personal spin on it.
4. Not sure how to answer this one. You’ll have to figure that one on your own.
Good luck.