Monday 23 January 2012

A Grain of Courage!


I don't know about you, but sometimes I wish I had little more self believe, particular when it comes to my writing. If I know who is reading my books I suddenly feel very critical and wonder if what I have written is interesting enough to keep them turning the pages to the end. I have this every time despite some wonderful reviews.
 
 
It is times like this that I know I would benefit from a pinch of  Henry Bryant-Smythe's character. Henry is not only ruthless, but totally absorbed in his own importance and gives not a jot for what others might think of him. He goes about his business and his life unconcerned about his impact on those who have contact with him, including family. Henry Bryant-Smythe is a powerful and rich Squire in my novel, Satchfield Hall. Of course I wouldn't or couldn't be like him, but maybe a tiny grain of his personality, the part that stops him dwelling on what others think about what he does or says would be very nice indeed.

As I writer, I know I am not alone at being sensitive about my work, but which character would you like to have a grain of personality from, either from one of your novels you have written or from a book you have read?

6 comments:

Michelle Betham said...

Pauline, you are not alone in sometimes lacking self-belief when it comes to your writing. I do too, and also like you, every time I know someone is reading one of my books I constantly worry and hope that they're enjoying it. I think it comes with the territory of being a writer.

As for which character from a book I'd like to have a grain of personality from I think it would have to be Stevie Stone, the female rock-band roadie from my book See You At The Show. She's strong, outspoken, forthright, and does what she wants without worrying about what others think, something I would truly LOVE to be able to do!

Pauline Barclay said...

Hello Michelle, now that character of yours, sounds wonderful, if only we could be a teeny bit like that :)

Janice said...

Well this is timely - as I have just finished Satchfield Hall and loved it! I was gripped from the outset and must admit that I shed a few tears along the way too. I'm just back after a couple of weeks away but will get a review up on Amazon for you as soon as I can. Thanks for a great read, Pauline xx

Character traits - I admire Orley - my heroine in Bagpipes & Bullshot

Rosalind Adam said...

Sounds like we could all do with a bit of Henry Bryant-Smythe's attitude. If I could choose to be a character I think it would be someone brave like Lyra from Philip Pullman's Dark Materials because I'm not.

Pauline Barclay said...

Hello Janice, thank you for your kind words on SH and so pleased you enjoyed it. Also hope you had a fabby holiday with your sons in Tenerife, I waved to you! And yes, I agree with Orley from your wonderful book.

Hello Ros,well to me you always sound very brave. Have a fabby day x

Anonymous said...

What a great question to end the post! As you know, I based my main character on myself so I suppose I'd have to choose her - but it wouldn't make much difference to my life, lol.

I also feel this way, Pauline. When someone tells me they've downloaded or bought my book and are now reading it, I get a little sense of dread that they'll think it's rubbish. I imagine most authors, especially self-published or new ones, are very similar.

CJ x