The Kill (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It’ s a little frustrating for me when I kill off some of the characters I don’t like in my novels. Like the current one I am writing now, I had to kill off a guy I loved ( I thought he was going to be good and then decided against it) I noticed he’s got some hidden secrets and so I just had to let him go, if he stayed, it could ruin things for a lot of people (characters).
It’s funny because I actually FEEL my characters… I often questioned their motives, behaviour and reasons they are in the plot. Boring and time-consuming isn’t it? But that’s just me, a realist fiction writer!
I was still battling with my decision when my children came back from school and they asked me about the novel, this conversation ensues between my 6-year-old daughter and myself, her name is Elizabeth.
Me: ”Hey guys, how was school today?”
Elizabeth: ” It was ok mum, how was your writing?”
Me: ”Not bad, I am thinking of killing one of my best characters,” And I told her a little about the plot (She’s written a hundred word story by the way, we’re still looking for publishers, she told me she wanted to be rich like me, I wish!)
Elizabeth: ”I think you should still give him a chance…” then there was a pause and she added, ”Don’t you think you’ll go to jail if you kill XXA (name of the character)
Me: ” No, I won’t, I created him, so I can kill him.” I explained smiling, such innocence.
My son entered my office, ( a cool corner in the house) and the expression on his face was one of uncertainty (he’s ten), he asked politely if he could give his opinion and I agreed.
Samuel: ” Why not ask your readers what they want?”
Me: ”Thanks dear, I’ll put that into consideration.”
And that ended our conversation but I was back to square one, to kill or not to kill? At the end of the day, I decided to give him another chance but I am still going to kill him, soon…
I am a very shy writer, I get so protective of my work so I won’t be asking what you guys think yet until the novel is out.
And I am feeling emotional right now, I have met some wonderful people on this blog journey. Creative, intelligent and brilliant friends and I just want to say I love you guys!
Au revoir…
I’ll be back! (Arnold used to say that in most of his films, right? How weird!)
