It is easy to assume that what other people write is normal and something that we should deliver, but that easily become forced. On the other hand, reading characters whom are not like ourselves is the best way to learn how to write them.
I have just finished my manuscript, "Art, Love, and Golden Handcuffs". I'm surprised that I'd rather hang with the characters in my book than most of the actual people I know.
I like your point about whitewashing, as you call it. Being an immigrant twice in my life was a definite catalyst in the development of my characters. Given that I look as white as anyone could, with blonde hair and blue eyes, it was fun to make a point about the backgrounds of all the characters I created. They are all multi-ethnic, if there is such a thing, and they are all thriving in the cutthroat International fine art. The old school blue-blood characters generally are unable to adapt to a changing society and are rather clueless. My protagonist is Spanish /Swiss, while his wife is adopted. The gallerist is Apache American, the Attorney is Israeli and Indian.
Together these characters reject the golden handcuffs of fame and fortune to help expose the dirty deeds of the art world, while saving a cherished art institution for future generations. Hopefully, it's a compelling Adult Fiction novel offering a mix of romance, mystery/thriller, and social commentary.
I plan two more books with these characters, I just hope others find them as interesting as I do.
The more I learn about the ‘after process’ of writing the book the more hats it seems like authors have to wear. Makes me appreciative of beta readers, editors, and agents helping to navigate the industry.
It is easy to assume that what other people write is normal and something that we should deliver, but that easily become forced. On the other hand, reading characters whom are not like ourselves is the best way to learn how to write them.
Absolutely!
Lars Sjostrom!
Så häftigt att hitta ytterligare en svensk i författarvärlden.
Jag håller med dig.
Michael
This is so helpful! ✨✨
I have just finished my manuscript, "Art, Love, and Golden Handcuffs". I'm surprised that I'd rather hang with the characters in my book than most of the actual people I know.
I like your point about whitewashing, as you call it. Being an immigrant twice in my life was a definite catalyst in the development of my characters. Given that I look as white as anyone could, with blonde hair and blue eyes, it was fun to make a point about the backgrounds of all the characters I created. They are all multi-ethnic, if there is such a thing, and they are all thriving in the cutthroat International fine art. The old school blue-blood characters generally are unable to adapt to a changing society and are rather clueless. My protagonist is Spanish /Swiss, while his wife is adopted. The gallerist is Apache American, the Attorney is Israeli and Indian.
Together these characters reject the golden handcuffs of fame and fortune to help expose the dirty deeds of the art world, while saving a cherished art institution for future generations. Hopefully, it's a compelling Adult Fiction novel offering a mix of romance, mystery/thriller, and social commentary.
I plan two more books with these characters, I just hope others find them as interesting as I do.
Mike
The more I learn about the ‘after process’ of writing the book the more hats it seems like authors have to wear. Makes me appreciative of beta readers, editors, and agents helping to navigate the industry.
There is certainly more to publishing than what meets the eye!