I’m Trying To Write My Own Novel And I Need Some Help…?
I’m in high school and I’m trying to write my own story…
One of the central figures in the story is a little girl, about 7 years old, with long, blond hair and blue eyes. She is supposed to a precious person to my main character, who’s a 16 year old boy, who acts as a sort of adoptive big brother to her.
First off, I have to be honest about my concept of the girl: She’s supposed to be based off the late child actress Heather O’Rourke:
http://heatherorourke.net/site/
who starred in the Poltergeist film series and passed away in 1988 at age 12. I primarily based my character on her. They have similar personalities and looks, but they’re stories are pretty different…
Second, the little girl in my story is supposed to play the role of the ‘Chosen One’ in my story… She’s supposed to have an inevitable destiny written out before her, that she (apparently) must fulfill, whether she wishes to or not. She’s supposed to be seen as a Messiah to certain characters in the story… They expect her to lead them to a certain enlightenment or salvation, even if it’s against her own will… She’s supposed to be used as a sacrifice in order to benefit others. This is supposed to lead to the conflict in the story, as the main character struggles to protect her from this fate.
So, here are my main questions:
1.) Is it distasteful that I’m really basing most of the characteristics of my character off a deceased child actor? I do not wish to offend anyone.. I am a fan off Heather’s work.
2.) Is there anything wrong with my character serving a Messiah like role in the story? Again, I don’t wish to offend anyone…
3.) Lastly, the relationship between the main character and the girl is supposed to be the strongest bond in the story… They’re supposed to live in a harsh environment and that is supposed to have affected their state of mind (mainly the boys…)
To the main ‘hero’ of my book, he cares about the girl more than anyone else in the world. He loves her and struggles to keep her safe throughout the story. He sees her as his light in the dark world he inhabits, his only reason for living… While their relationship is supposed to be nonsexual, he is supposed to be almost obsessed with this girl, infatuated with her…
This is supposed to be because he believes she is the only person who truly loves or cares about him and if he failed to save her, he would have no reason to continue living… He believes his existence without her would be meaningless.
4.) Also, from the girls perspective, how should she view the main character? I typically see her as playing a “cute little sister” sort of role around him… But, from a child’s state of mind, I think she should believe herself to be in love with him.
Mizzuz Spock
29 Jan, 2010
In my opinion, literature is a lot like stand-up comedy: if it doesn’t offend somebody, it isn’t good.
So don’t worry about how everyone is going to think of your character. Chances are, they won’t even know she’s based off of Heather unless you tell them. All authors get inspiration from SOMEwhere, so it’s perfectly fine for the child actress to be yours.
Nothing wrong with her role, either. It’s semi-original and has a lot of potential. Go for it.
The way the boy feels about her is a little unusual, but you can make it believable. These things happen in life. Brothers and sisters who have to raise their younger siblings often times feel like their parents, and have parental feelings of love and tenderness towards them. I’m getting that vibe from your main character. So, if it works, roll with it.
If you think your character is in love with him, let her be. Little kids often have that mentality. Some even believe their going to grow up and marry their parents. It’s totally okay to write in your story.
Hope I helped and good luck on future writing! =D
twi-girl
29 Jan, 2010
1. no
2. maybe
3. whats the question?
4. i think you should make her sort of intelligent for her age since she is a messiah to some
thechaos
29 Jan, 2010
Just put down the idea and walk away, this is a terrible idea for a book and you should feel bad.
Paxis
29 Jan, 2010
I don’t think it’s distasteful but maybe change the relationship to be more of a brother and sister one.
Xylon
29 Jan, 2010
this is like a child’s version of twilight?
keep writing it sounds awesome
strawber
29 Jan, 2010
love the story line and i don’t see anything wrong with using a dead actors characteristics or her being the messiah. this is YOUR novel and its what YOU want it to be. a lot of times novels are great because they go against the public views. the girl should have mixed emotions about her “big brother” and maybe in the next novel she would fall in love with another making the boy intensely jealous and turning into a murder.. i love your novel tell me when its done so i can have a copy