Life Experiences and Writing

I started writing about the age of 9. My family often watched movies and they inspired me more often than not. When I began my first book at such a young age, I practically regurgitated a combination of every fantasy movie I'd seen up to that point in my life. My characters met the intended roles. I wrote the intended tropes. I told more than shared, and I took WAY too much time describing the trees from the forest.

It was the best time of my life as a young writer learning the ropes of becoming an author.

But my first little book lacked something I later in life embraced a writer: relatable emotions.

What sets our works apart is the human factor. Sure we can describe emotions as they come in our character's existence but think of why you tend to cry or laugh or gasp with the character at certain points in a book.

In the Count of Monte' Cristo, we watch our hero's betrayal, hardship in prison, loss of a close mentor, and then rise to levels of revenge and victory over his betrayers. We're attracted to these stories because we can relate on some level to the hero.

We've all been betrayed or experienced loss. Many of us know what it feels like to be trapped in our own mental prisons, longing for help or direction. We know how deflating the loss of a loved one can be, and may reflect on all they've sacrificed or taught us with an eye of gratitude.

But we also know what if feels like to keep going despite our drawbacks or obstacles. How many of you fantasize about the looks of shock on your oppressors' faces as you complete the one thing they said you could never do?

Weaving our life experiences into our works gives our characters/plots an extra relatable layer. Our experiences don't have to be big milestones or overwhelming, they can be as simple as the sheer enjoyment of a popcicle on a summer's day, or thrill of a first kiss.

Don't be afraid to pour yourself into a character's emotions.

Liam Fredricks, in The Cold Springs Killer trilogy, is an example of me sharing my life experiences. I may not be a youth councilor, but I know how if feels to watch the youth I care deeply about make choices that contradict the lessons I'm trying to teach them. I know what it feels like to watch somebody struggle and want to help them so desperately. I also know the feeling of struggle on a personal note and wished I had reached out to others who offered to help.

Though subtle, adding my thoughts into Liam's dialogue whenever he talks about helping others, gave him a more relatable trait. Though, unlike me, Liam has developed a strange savior complex by book two.

So as you work on your projects, think about your feelings and experiences and see how they relate to your plot or characters.

Happy Writing!