#character #writing #whodoyouwanttobe #write #highschool #mystery #coolkids #blogwriting #newblogentry #grownups #whoyouare #tobe #meanttobe
I want to be able to take a step in the right direction on my first real blog entry here. I want to get to know you and I want you to get to know me. But, how much is too little and how much is too much? Do we really ever know the right balance? Do we ever really know how to curtail our monologue before we let too much of ourselves leak out and there is no mystery left?
I began my adventure in the world of imagination when I was around the age of twelve – the freedom of expressing myself without consequence, judgment, and ridicule excited me. That began my journey through my diaries and later on poetry. I never really felt the confidence in myself to allow others to read or experience my writing. I didn’t feel the need to share until I was a senior in high school.
No matter my age, no matter my job, or path I took, the writing bug never stopped stinging me. I considered the world I created to be my world, the characters I created were my friends and in some cases my chosen family. It may sound strange at this stage of my life, but those characters never left me. They’re with me – even now, under the surface.
So, who do I want my character to be? How do I separate the me I want you to see and the me I really am? I don’t know if that’s something I can do. Or, even want to do. I want my character to be as closely similar to me as possible. That’s why when I wrote Class of ’95 the character of Eunice was as much me as she was I. She was who I wanted to be high school. Although she had a rougher time moving through life, she was so much stronger than I was. She never let anyone take advantage of her. She felt constant love and support from her parents and she did exactly what she set her mind to and was successful. It may have taken me longer, but I think I have finally reached the level of success I am content with.
Have you ever asked yourself who you want your characters to be? How much of yourself do you write into your characters? How much of a mystery do you want people to try and solve?
Let’s begin with – my name is Laurie Oknowsky. I’m a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a wife, a mother, and now I can call myself a – writer!
Who are you??