Writing Challenge Tuesday: Walk a Mile

So, one of my favorite things to play with in the writing world is perspective. Specifically, perspective of characters, and how things differ from person to person. What seems like a disaster to one character can often be a perfectly sound idea to another. What seems like a great plan to Daniel, for example, might make Caitlin eye him dubiously. I’m sure she’s done a fair share of that in their various heist-like activities. I just sort of take the side-eye for granted. 

The question I’d like to ask, and challenge for writing, is: What happens if your characters are literally in each other’s shoes? I’m reminded of the episode of Buffy where Giles turned into a demon. There Daniel would be, trapped in Caitlin’s skin, unable to walk in her high heels, and breaking off door handles. Caitlin would likely be able to use Daniel’s magic to devastating effect, but I can only imagine how vociferously she would rant about his weak meat-suit that can’t even open a pickle jar without help. (Daniel would stress that he loosened it for her.)

I imagine characters like Jennifer Juniper mixed up with Daniel. In my head, she’s sort of perpetually played with the female equivalent of Keanu Reeves. I think the first thing she would say is, “Woaaahhh.” I think the female version of Reeves is Wynona Rider from Reality Bites, but now I’m just revealing how old I am…

So for this week’s writing challenge, contrive a reason for your characters to be flipped into each other’s bodies. Maybe hilarity ensues. Maybe it’s extremely serious, because one can’t really harness the power they’re given and the other has to walk them through it. Maybe it’s terribly dangerous because they’re being hunted by mafioso hitmen, or assassins, or pageant moms. 

Whatever the circumstance, see how they react in each other’s skin. Maybe it opens up a whole new line of thought and understanding between the characters. You decide.

See you Thursday for more Inspirations!