Swift action needed: Capture the Escapee Character!
Lev Raphael, a prolific author with over 24 books across various genres, discusses the intriguing phenomenon of characters seemingly taking control during the writing process. This experience, where characters act unpredictably or influence plot direction, is often linked to the creative flow state and the deep familiarity and empathy authors have with their characters.
The psychology behind this phenomenon involves subconscious creativity, the flow state, and personification. Writers internalize character traits, motivations, and histories so thoroughly that their imagination can simulate authentic character decisions and dialogue spontaneously, resembling autonomous behavior. Writing in a state of flow can blur conscious planning, creating a sense that the story "writes itself." Treating fictional characters as real entities allows authors to interact with them mentally, facilitating creative problem-solving for plot or dialogue.
This characterization can elevate the mystique of authorship, create misunderstandings, and influence expectations of creativity. Non-writers might regard writers as having special insight or almost magical control over fictional worlds, while readers and the public might expect writers to produce work effortlessly.
While characters may seem to take control, they are, in fact, extensions of the author. Lev Raphael clarifies that everything in his books, from plot and setting to dialogue, characterization, action, punctuation, and the final form, is his creation. He states that saying a character surprised him is not accurate; he surprises himself when unexpected connections are made during the writing process.
Lev Raphael's books can be found at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. He maintains a blog called Writing Across Genres, where he shares insights and experiences about the writing process. After readings, a common question he gets is if his characters ever dictate the story. He reiterates that everything in his books is his creation, and he speaks through his characters, not the other way around.
The article was contributed by Lev Raphael as a guest post. He has been doing readings from his fiction since the early 90s. The importance of likable characters, particularly in women's fiction, is another topic Raphael touches upon in his writing.
Readers can share this post on various social media platforms and via email. If you're interested in learning more about the creative writing process from a seasoned author, be sure to check out Lev Raphael's books and his blog, Writing Across Genres.
The creative process of writing, as argued by Lev Raphael, involves treating characters as real entities and immersing oneself so deeply in their lives that they influence the direction of the story, reminiscent of home-and-garden chores nurturing the growth of flowers and plants. This living-and-breathing approach to character development, where character traits, motivations, and histories are internalized, not only elevates the mystique of authorship but also fosters a lifestyle of continuous creativity.
Lev Raphael's books, brimming with captivating characters, offer a glimpse into this profound relationship between author and creation, serving as a guide for aspiring writers and a source of entertainment for avid readers alike, much like an intriguing home-and-garden magazine sparking inspiration in its readers.
