“my characters decide where the story leads. I’m merely the translator.” Part 4
As I sit here, nearly two hours into writing I realize that I’m only two pages further than I was before. When I looked at the clock I thought it must be wrong. But I’m the type of writer that will dwell on a sentence, the right verbs and structure and feeling, forever until it’s right. There are times when I read it back and I’ll adjust it a little, but most of the time I reread my writing and think, “Wow. I wrote that?”
It’s the greatest feeling in the world to read something you’ve written and to think how incredible it is, as if you were reading a famous author’s book.
I know in school we’re taught to plan out the story, create points that lead to a specific ending. But when you grow up and start writing things that you truly love, that you’re interested in, it’s so freeing to write without a destination. Your imagination takes over and takes you places you never knew existed.
I had no idea Liliana was going to learn to fight from Gladiators until I started writing. The original plot line idea was to have her jump in and out of books experiencing lives she never got to live growing up.
That was a very playful, fun plot that I thought would be enjoyable to write. But along the way Liliana decided that after enduring so much pain and isolation growing up, that she was a fighter. So, the book has now morphed into that.
I had no say in the matter — which confuses a lot of people — but my characters decide where the story leads. I’m merely the translator.
So, here we are 6 chapters into this book and I’ve already cried, cringed, and gawked at Liliana’s story. She continues to surprise me in her decisions to push through the pain when you think she’s endured enough.
And somewhere within me I know I am Liliana. That she is accomplishing the things I have or wish I had done. She’s the bravest version of myself and I hope that she encourages you to be the bravest version of yourself.
Follow along for more about Life Between the Pages, the rollercoaster writing process, and the inspiration behind each word.
I’m so happy to have you following along <3
Your friend,
Emma
