All right. Anyone who isn’t a writer will tell you to see a doctor if you mention hearing voices in your head.
And yes, this is fantastic advice. At some point, if you can’t tell if these voices are characters or not, definitely see a therapist. Don’t hesitate.
However, these voices are an integral part of my writing process. Lots of writers will talk about their characters taking on lives of their own, characters begging to go a certain way, against the plot. Sometimes even stealing the spotlight. Often, this goes against what you have planned.
Let me get one thing straight, though. I’m not a planner. Not by any stretch. I write with the end in mind and let the story and characters go where they will. But this is still advice that I follow myself, because those little voices in the back of your mind often see more than you can in that exact moment.
So, follow the voices. Even if it breaks your plotted story, if it smashes everything to pieces.
The voices are a part of you that notices inconsistencies, or is honest about your main character being flat.
As an example, Jillian is currently working on the third book in her series The System. She’s been working on it for quite a while now, and when I asked her why, she told me it was because of one of her characters. Basically, one of them seemed wrong where that person was cast, so Jillian listened to that little voice. Now foreshadowing in the first book makes a lot more sense, not to mention that the series ties together a lot better.
Yes, those little voices can lead to a lot of inconvenience for you, the writer. I’ve had to recast an entire story because of one. But your story is usually better for it.
Anyway, that’s all for tip number 25. Already a quarter of the way to 100! Fantastic. If you haven’t, check out Screenshot on Amazon or as an ebook wherever you get those, and email scribbler.collective@gmail.com if you wanted a free ebook for Unidentified.
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