Monday, October 10, 2011

Death of a Character

4:17 a.m., the 10th of October. In a mix of moonlight, slumber, dusk and sleeping dogs, I came to a groggy conclusion: Allah Om Ilahi Elohim, the original (and fictional) author of Genesis, compelling as he is as a major character, does not fit into the tapestry of storyline in my second novel, Christmas in Mecca. Elohim is a diversion from what is evolving into the novel's central anchor, the plight (emotional, sexual and professional) of Dr. Harold Hawkins.

14 comments:

  1. It's always a bummer when you have to get rid of a character, isn't it? We grow so attached!

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  2. I know what you mean, Alleged Author. But you know, Elohim isn't entirely dead. I have a deep suspicion he'll be back in another work...just not "Christmas in Mecca."

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  3. It's hard getting rid of a character. I do use characters in future stories if I had to cut them out of current ones.

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  4. I like the fact that he's not dead, just sleeping for a while :-)

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  5. I'm loving the title "Christmas in Mecca".

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  6. I do the same, Medeia. Elohim lives!

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  7. You're right, Sarah...and while he's sleeping, he's dreaming....scenes that'll manifest in a future storyline....

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  8. Thanks, Agnes. It's a cubist, absurdist novel....so the title's an integration of the ironic and absurd :)

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  9. Ahh.. I grow so attached to characters too.. I have a hard time letting go!

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  10. Ditto, WritingNut....oops, maybe you're not old enough to know about dittos....we used them before copying machines....what I meant to say is, "Me too!" :)

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  11. Hi Mohamed..I like the title of your second novel 'Christmas in Mecca.' It has the intrigue factor that will perk an agent or editor's interest.

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  12. Thanks, Rachna. Hopefully, the writing's just as intriguing as the title :)...we'll see.

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  13. Sometimes ... they just gotta go. Good job to you, for not holding onto something that isn't working.

    Happy Writing & Oogie Boogie.

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  14. You're right, Spooky Whisk....it was definately Elohim's time.

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