Randy Mitchell's Blog - Posts Tagged "creativity"
Those Characters We Love
As in everyday life along with the stories we read, what attracts us to certain people? What is it making us want to learn more and spend time around those we find interesting, fascinating, passionate, and in-your-face REAL? What draws us in, keeps us thinking about the next time we'll see them, or makes us want to read about their next move, conversation or adventure? In a nutshell, what makes certain ones so appealing to us on a natural level?
Like so many millions of other TV watchers, I love the mini-dramas that air on cable channels such as HBO, FX, AMC, and The Discovery Channel. These networks seem to understand what it takes to collect millions of viewers each week with their out-of-the-box programming. Imagine, making a TV show so hugely popular portraying a boring Chemistry Professor discovering he has cancer then deciding to become a meth-cooking drug lord in order to pay for his treatment; one where cameras follow backwoods Hillbillies into the Appalachian Mountains so they can film them making and distributing moonshine; and how about the saga of a California Motorcycle gang headquartered in small town USA whose members are constantly doing battle not only with rival gangs, but with each other to gain notoriety and wealth. Then there's the History Channel's mega-successful program, Pawn Stars, a show based around characters that own and operate a simple pawn shop inside the suburbs of Las Vegas. And how can I not mention Mob Boss, Tony Soprano of The Sopranos--one minute he's ordering someone killed the next he's crying on his psychiatrist's couch. All of these shows carry the same traits making them widely successful: interesting and realistic personalities displaying the "human" side of psychological behavior.
Think of things this way, which would you rather watch or read about: A conservative lawyer wearing shined shoes and walking inside his meticulous office, or a guy being chased by the cops while speeding an RV through the dessert (mainly because his meth lab inside the vehicle caught fire and smoke could be seen for miles). Here's some more: Watching a reality show such as Big Brother, or a re-run of Andy Griffin? Professional Wrestling or Golf? A Presidential speech or a guy walking a tightrope across the Grand Canyon? Opera or Aerosmith? James Bond or Woody Allen? Donald Trump or Bill Gates? An Outlaw like Jesse James or the Sheriff chasing him?
Here's something else, if you had your choice of professions which would you rather become: An Accountant or Astronaut? Doctor or Hollywood Actor/Actress? Fighter Pilot or Marketing Rep? Owner of a Biker Bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii or Government Analyst working inside a cubicle?
Which ones would you find more interesting and likely be drawn to? I bet I can guess your answers.
As you might imagine, I enjoy drama and characters I find attention-grabbing. I also love creating them while writing stories.
So, what's the best way to create someone cool enough we'd want to spend part of our day getting to know them? Manufacture conflict between them and their families, co-workers, lovers, or friends? Make them into, or do something that's completely out of their comfort zone? How about exposing them as a bigamist and make them race through the Nevada dessert on a motorcycle, at midnight, with three ex-wives (so they thought) hard on their heels? Would that grab your attention? Make you wish for that kind of excitement?
Producing impressionable characters is all about bringing their inner emotions to the surface, stretching their abilities and fears to breaking points, and making them who they truly want to be. Trying to convey this on paper or on the screen is where the writer, actor, and director sharpens their talents--it takes visualizing the people and places in your head, then basically living with them on a daily basis.
We all love the underdog, the one who tugs at our heart strings, and the villain or murderers making us want to seek revenge. They're the ones causing us to want to be them, feel what they're feeling, have the same goals and desires, and live where they live if only for a short while. It's good escaping into unforgettable characters. It jogs our inner self and makes us realize we all have other people living inside, begging to come out and desperate to be heard.
After all, where would we be without the ones making us laugh, cry, and wanting to pull the trigger?
Like so many millions of other TV watchers, I love the mini-dramas that air on cable channels such as HBO, FX, AMC, and The Discovery Channel. These networks seem to understand what it takes to collect millions of viewers each week with their out-of-the-box programming. Imagine, making a TV show so hugely popular portraying a boring Chemistry Professor discovering he has cancer then deciding to become a meth-cooking drug lord in order to pay for his treatment; one where cameras follow backwoods Hillbillies into the Appalachian Mountains so they can film them making and distributing moonshine; and how about the saga of a California Motorcycle gang headquartered in small town USA whose members are constantly doing battle not only with rival gangs, but with each other to gain notoriety and wealth. Then there's the History Channel's mega-successful program, Pawn Stars, a show based around characters that own and operate a simple pawn shop inside the suburbs of Las Vegas. And how can I not mention Mob Boss, Tony Soprano of The Sopranos--one minute he's ordering someone killed the next he's crying on his psychiatrist's couch. All of these shows carry the same traits making them widely successful: interesting and realistic personalities displaying the "human" side of psychological behavior.
Think of things this way, which would you rather watch or read about: A conservative lawyer wearing shined shoes and walking inside his meticulous office, or a guy being chased by the cops while speeding an RV through the dessert (mainly because his meth lab inside the vehicle caught fire and smoke could be seen for miles). Here's some more: Watching a reality show such as Big Brother, or a re-run of Andy Griffin? Professional Wrestling or Golf? A Presidential speech or a guy walking a tightrope across the Grand Canyon? Opera or Aerosmith? James Bond or Woody Allen? Donald Trump or Bill Gates? An Outlaw like Jesse James or the Sheriff chasing him?
Here's something else, if you had your choice of professions which would you rather become: An Accountant or Astronaut? Doctor or Hollywood Actor/Actress? Fighter Pilot or Marketing Rep? Owner of a Biker Bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii or Government Analyst working inside a cubicle?
Which ones would you find more interesting and likely be drawn to? I bet I can guess your answers.
As you might imagine, I enjoy drama and characters I find attention-grabbing. I also love creating them while writing stories.
So, what's the best way to create someone cool enough we'd want to spend part of our day getting to know them? Manufacture conflict between them and their families, co-workers, lovers, or friends? Make them into, or do something that's completely out of their comfort zone? How about exposing them as a bigamist and make them race through the Nevada dessert on a motorcycle, at midnight, with three ex-wives (so they thought) hard on their heels? Would that grab your attention? Make you wish for that kind of excitement?
Producing impressionable characters is all about bringing their inner emotions to the surface, stretching their abilities and fears to breaking points, and making them who they truly want to be. Trying to convey this on paper or on the screen is where the writer, actor, and director sharpens their talents--it takes visualizing the people and places in your head, then basically living with them on a daily basis.
We all love the underdog, the one who tugs at our heart strings, and the villain or murderers making us want to seek revenge. They're the ones causing us to want to be them, feel what they're feeling, have the same goals and desires, and live where they live if only for a short while. It's good escaping into unforgettable characters. It jogs our inner self and makes us realize we all have other people living inside, begging to come out and desperate to be heard.
After all, where would we be without the ones making us laugh, cry, and wanting to pull the trigger?
Barns, Barstools, Tattoos and Harleys
When an author of fiction sits down to pen a novel, he has a fairly decent idea of what his story is about. He has characters in mind, places envisioned, a general idea of the plot which can make or break his efforts.
Many, like me, write from the gut and develop the book as inspiration hits while typing. Not so easy, as oftentimes this can become a very time-consuming endeavor. Others, like mega-author, John Grisham strictly believe in formatting an outline first then placing the story on paper; specifically seeing the story from beginning to end and then crafting a readable manuscript. No outline, no book, those are words they live by. The rationale is you don’t want to arrive on page 250 of 400 and draw a blank, then, you’re in big trouble.
Both methods work, but first and foremost, you have to actually see the story, right? This brings up the question: What/Who do you see and where do you go to envision your stories? What propels the creativity fairy to arrive and pay you a much-needed visit?
We’ve all heard the saying, “Writers write about what they know.” Much truth to this, no? After all, many writers have places and people they draw inspiration from.
Personally, I’ve learned to write about cities lived and visited, occupations worked in, and people who’ve made lasting impressions on me, for good or bad. For various authors, their lives are colorful enough to fill thousands of pages. For others, seeking out new ideas and visions to accompany the ones they already have is the needed answer.
My newest work-in-progress takes place in a small town outside of Dallas; and as it just happens, one where some of my family resides. So, I’m very familiar with the landscape. And there’s something about the charm of small-town living that draws people in and makes great stories--especially when there’re jackals living among good God-fearing, non-drinking, dinner-at-six type folks.
I always thought a tiny town, one like this, which rarely makes the news or gains much attention, could use a giant shakeup. Something that makes people pace the floors at night, pulls upon their greed, and tests generations of family bonds. It would take a lot to change the lifestyles of small-town attitudes; however, nothing gets peoples attention faster than the lure of buried treasure, so to speak.
Here’s where I’m going with this. I’ve known for a while what I wanted the story to be about, yet, I couldn’t envision some of the plotline I knew lay beneath the surface. So, after plenty of frustration, I did what any crazed writer would do, I started visiting the places I had in mind, and it’s helped immensely
There’s the old gas station turned restaurant/bar in the middle of nowhere (GPS required) where I hear moonshine is bottled and sold after midnight, the historic-looking town square both at lunchtime and way past dark, the biker bar where I was noticeably overdressed (tattoos and pissed-off attitude required for admission), the racetrack down the road where RV’s find new homes and fights are frequent, the neighborhood Drive-In Theatre (home of teenage pregnancies), and of course, Wal Mart, every residents second home (great for people watching while dining on popcorn and beer). To most outside observers, this tiny spec on the map of Texas is a sleepy pit stop. But dig a little deeper and stories can be found.
Think of things this way: Ever spent time at a Truck Stop in the middle of the night (just picture the drug dealing, prostitution, and adultery you’d see), Topless Bar in Washington D.C. (is that Senator #@$& across the room!), Homeless Shelter (imagine listening to the reasons of why many are there), a chic Country Club dinner table (did his wife just wink and lick her lips at that other lady’s husband?), or how about that abandoned, rusty old barn where millions (and Jimmy Hoffa) were accidentally found seconds before burning it to the ground– it stood next to a busy highway for years, yet, if people had only known. But you, the creative writer, envisioned a story inside its patinaed sheet metal while cruising by!
Stories are everywhere; maybe the ticket is spending less time at Starbucks and more at Bubba’s Bar & Grill?
Many, like me, write from the gut and develop the book as inspiration hits while typing. Not so easy, as oftentimes this can become a very time-consuming endeavor. Others, like mega-author, John Grisham strictly believe in formatting an outline first then placing the story on paper; specifically seeing the story from beginning to end and then crafting a readable manuscript. No outline, no book, those are words they live by. The rationale is you don’t want to arrive on page 250 of 400 and draw a blank, then, you’re in big trouble.
Both methods work, but first and foremost, you have to actually see the story, right? This brings up the question: What/Who do you see and where do you go to envision your stories? What propels the creativity fairy to arrive and pay you a much-needed visit?
We’ve all heard the saying, “Writers write about what they know.” Much truth to this, no? After all, many writers have places and people they draw inspiration from.
Personally, I’ve learned to write about cities lived and visited, occupations worked in, and people who’ve made lasting impressions on me, for good or bad. For various authors, their lives are colorful enough to fill thousands of pages. For others, seeking out new ideas and visions to accompany the ones they already have is the needed answer.
My newest work-in-progress takes place in a small town outside of Dallas; and as it just happens, one where some of my family resides. So, I’m very familiar with the landscape. And there’s something about the charm of small-town living that draws people in and makes great stories--especially when there’re jackals living among good God-fearing, non-drinking, dinner-at-six type folks.
I always thought a tiny town, one like this, which rarely makes the news or gains much attention, could use a giant shakeup. Something that makes people pace the floors at night, pulls upon their greed, and tests generations of family bonds. It would take a lot to change the lifestyles of small-town attitudes; however, nothing gets peoples attention faster than the lure of buried treasure, so to speak.
Here’s where I’m going with this. I’ve known for a while what I wanted the story to be about, yet, I couldn’t envision some of the plotline I knew lay beneath the surface. So, after plenty of frustration, I did what any crazed writer would do, I started visiting the places I had in mind, and it’s helped immensely
There’s the old gas station turned restaurant/bar in the middle of nowhere (GPS required) where I hear moonshine is bottled and sold after midnight, the historic-looking town square both at lunchtime and way past dark, the biker bar where I was noticeably overdressed (tattoos and pissed-off attitude required for admission), the racetrack down the road where RV’s find new homes and fights are frequent, the neighborhood Drive-In Theatre (home of teenage pregnancies), and of course, Wal Mart, every residents second home (great for people watching while dining on popcorn and beer). To most outside observers, this tiny spec on the map of Texas is a sleepy pit stop. But dig a little deeper and stories can be found.
Think of things this way: Ever spent time at a Truck Stop in the middle of the night (just picture the drug dealing, prostitution, and adultery you’d see), Topless Bar in Washington D.C. (is that Senator #@$& across the room!), Homeless Shelter (imagine listening to the reasons of why many are there), a chic Country Club dinner table (did his wife just wink and lick her lips at that other lady’s husband?), or how about that abandoned, rusty old barn where millions (and Jimmy Hoffa) were accidentally found seconds before burning it to the ground– it stood next to a busy highway for years, yet, if people had only known. But you, the creative writer, envisioned a story inside its patinaed sheet metal while cruising by!
Stories are everywhere; maybe the ticket is spending less time at Starbucks and more at Bubba’s Bar & Grill?
Your Buried Treasure
It’s the Christmas season, meaning most are thinking of presents under the tree, trips to shopping malls and brightly-colored boxes filled with things on our wish lists. The holidays are a magical time, giving us hope and reasons to be thankful. The beginning of a new year will also start soon, dusting off those resolutions always filled with good intentions and promises to keep. But, aside from the gifts and changes we want, did you know that right now you’re already overflowing with everything you’ve always desired? That the person God created you to be is packed with the talent, creativity and expertise to become the individual you’ve dreamed of being?
There are buried treasures inside us all begging to come out. Books, movies, stories, promotion, businesses and the relationships you’ve always craved and wanted to create are waiting to be unleashed; all it takes is opening the door and allowing them to take place.
So many are living inside a “what if” mentality. They wonder, as each New Year passes why their prayers and aspirations go unanswered. Many ask, “Why didn’t I ever get that dream job, book deal, my face on the silver screen, or relationship I always craved?” They look at others and become envious, jealous, and even angry at the successes of those around them. There always seems to be someone, or something else we want in order to become happy and fulfilled. Yet, for all of us, those desires we have deep within are there and waiting, all it takes is letting go of the uncertainties and insecurity holding us back, letting loose the power within.
Perhaps, the single biggest factor keeping us from our dreams is, fear; that ugly, four letter word that lives in our self-conscious and always waiting to strike at the first sign of your success. It tells you lie after lie: That you don’t hold the talent, have the connections, the right family background, the will, the drive, or the creativity to make things happen--that you’re not good enough, pretty or handsome, or contain the proper motivation and patience to carry through with your efforts. That there’s too much competition running against you, and you’ll always be fighting a losing battle. And that some are just lucky, or born into winning gene pools.
Fear can be debilitating, suffocating and make you believe in a negative world. It can also cause you to wake up at a latter age, look around, stare into a mirror and reminisce about a life which could have been if only you’d tried. So many don’t go for their goals or to have a great relationship because of fear of failure. Others observe, and allow the disappointments of others to bankrupt their future.
Taking risks is something required in order to succeed at anything. It’s kind of like holding a winning lottery ticket; no one has ever won without walking into a store and taken that chance. Most don’t ever win, yet sometimes they do. And those are the ones never afraid of taking their shot.
Too many have succumbed to settling. They go through life believing that where they are is all there is, and all there ever will be. Many times they blame their upbringing, race, or others around them for lack of motivation. Yet, they always wonder how much better their lives could’ve been if only they’d taken an opportunity, and ignored the forces holding them back.
Make this coming year the one dedicated to new beginnings. Think about the one accomplishment that’s always lingered in the back of your mind and take at least one step towards making it happen. Don’t listen to any negativity; voices telling you it can’t be done or you’re wasting your time. Let go of the talent you know you possess and share it with the world. Go after that person which could make you happy, throwing caution to the wind.
Everything you’ve ever dreamed of having wasn’t placed inside you by accident; it’s there for a reason. As you move, God will also move, doing his part to fulfill your destiny.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord. He came upon this earth to bring us joy, peace and happiness, not to live unfulfilled lives. What makes one individual happy is different for another. But, it’s up to you to shift in the right direction.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…
There are buried treasures inside us all begging to come out. Books, movies, stories, promotion, businesses and the relationships you’ve always craved and wanted to create are waiting to be unleashed; all it takes is opening the door and allowing them to take place.
So many are living inside a “what if” mentality. They wonder, as each New Year passes why their prayers and aspirations go unanswered. Many ask, “Why didn’t I ever get that dream job, book deal, my face on the silver screen, or relationship I always craved?” They look at others and become envious, jealous, and even angry at the successes of those around them. There always seems to be someone, or something else we want in order to become happy and fulfilled. Yet, for all of us, those desires we have deep within are there and waiting, all it takes is letting go of the uncertainties and insecurity holding us back, letting loose the power within.
Perhaps, the single biggest factor keeping us from our dreams is, fear; that ugly, four letter word that lives in our self-conscious and always waiting to strike at the first sign of your success. It tells you lie after lie: That you don’t hold the talent, have the connections, the right family background, the will, the drive, or the creativity to make things happen--that you’re not good enough, pretty or handsome, or contain the proper motivation and patience to carry through with your efforts. That there’s too much competition running against you, and you’ll always be fighting a losing battle. And that some are just lucky, or born into winning gene pools.
Fear can be debilitating, suffocating and make you believe in a negative world. It can also cause you to wake up at a latter age, look around, stare into a mirror and reminisce about a life which could have been if only you’d tried. So many don’t go for their goals or to have a great relationship because of fear of failure. Others observe, and allow the disappointments of others to bankrupt their future.
Taking risks is something required in order to succeed at anything. It’s kind of like holding a winning lottery ticket; no one has ever won without walking into a store and taken that chance. Most don’t ever win, yet sometimes they do. And those are the ones never afraid of taking their shot.
Too many have succumbed to settling. They go through life believing that where they are is all there is, and all there ever will be. Many times they blame their upbringing, race, or others around them for lack of motivation. Yet, they always wonder how much better their lives could’ve been if only they’d taken an opportunity, and ignored the forces holding them back.
Make this coming year the one dedicated to new beginnings. Think about the one accomplishment that’s always lingered in the back of your mind and take at least one step towards making it happen. Don’t listen to any negativity; voices telling you it can’t be done or you’re wasting your time. Let go of the talent you know you possess and share it with the world. Go after that person which could make you happy, throwing caution to the wind.
Everything you’ve ever dreamed of having wasn’t placed inside you by accident; it’s there for a reason. As you move, God will also move, doing his part to fulfill your destiny.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord. He came upon this earth to bring us joy, peace and happiness, not to live unfulfilled lives. What makes one individual happy is different for another. But, it’s up to you to shift in the right direction.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…
