Liza M. Wiemer
If I'm stuck, it means I need to stop and listen to my characters. I'll explain more, but first I want to give an example.
With the ending of HELLO?, I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen. For several weeks, I tried writing it in the way I had envisioned. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I typed and deleted different variations based on what I THOUGHT should happen. Frustration grew. Finally, I stopped, sat quietly and asked Emerson. It was so different from what I had in my mind!!!!! And it's exactly how I wrote it in the novel. I love the ending. The last paragraph! The last word!!!!! I smile every time I see it.
Part of the writing process is asking your characters questions, interviewing them as if they're real. A writer needs to get into the "head" of their characters, know their secrets, fears, hopes, traumas, hurts, pet peeves, relationships with family and friends. At first, they start out as strangers or new acquaintances. But as time goes on, they become your closest friends. As the writer, you "build a relationship" with them. Interviewing is one of my best tools. I bet you'll be surprised by some of the answers. I certainly have been.
With the ending of HELLO?, I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen. For several weeks, I tried writing it in the way I had envisioned. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I typed and deleted different variations based on what I THOUGHT should happen. Frustration grew. Finally, I stopped, sat quietly and asked Emerson. It was so different from what I had in my mind!!!!! And it's exactly how I wrote it in the novel. I love the ending. The last paragraph! The last word!!!!! I smile every time I see it.
Part of the writing process is asking your characters questions, interviewing them as if they're real. A writer needs to get into the "head" of their characters, know their secrets, fears, hopes, traumas, hurts, pet peeves, relationships with family and friends. At first, they start out as strangers or new acquaintances. But as time goes on, they become your closest friends. As the writer, you "build a relationship" with them. Interviewing is one of my best tools. I bet you'll be surprised by some of the answers. I certainly have been.
More Answered Questions
Ruchama
asked
Liza M. Wiemer:
Was it hard/painful to write the the anti-semitic parts in The Assignment?
Emily
asked
Liza M. Wiemer:
Hi! This is Emily, we met at Pflugerville High school when you talked to our book club. I really enjoyed your visit and you made me very excited about writing. A question i did not get to ask is how did you know that Hello was the story that you wanted to write and how did you not get bored with it? Thank You!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more