Tonya Kappes, author of Splitsville.com, the Charming Series of books, and many other entertaining reads, posted, "Some days I just want to be a unicorn," on her Facebook Street Team wall, and it resonated with me. In reality, I don't want to be a unicorn (though there's something to be said for being a mythical creature beloved by many and highlighted in shiny sticker collections everywhere). But, the truth is, I write because I can't be a unicorn.I know, I know, where is this going? Stick with me a minute. I'll make it clear...crystal clear. Is there any other kind?
I'm a writer, which means, I use my brain as a tool to mesh reality with fantasy. It's not just something I want to do. It has pretty much been a compulsion of mine since I can remember. Every toy of mine had a personality and a story line. Couldn't help it. Just the way my brain worked.
Sure, I've been accused of being a daydreamer, a little weird, ADD, anti-social (whatever?), and maybe at times, I'm all of these. Yet, I'm also creative, imaginative, and slightly humorous. Combine these and you get someone who gets to be a unicorn some days. Maybe it's all in my head, but that's okay because I'm a writer.
Some days I might want to be a competing chef going against her ex-boyfriend in a televised cooking competition. This is the premise for my contemporary short story, "Into the Fire."
Some days I might want to be a teenage girl disguised as a boy in a futuristic, dystopian society, just trying to fit in and protect my baby sister from the monsters outside the wall as well as the human ones inside. Sound interesting? Check out Edge of Mercy.
Whatever I am today, it's just the way my brain works, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
What about you? What do you want to be some days?
Happy Reading and Writing,
Cherie Marks/C. C. Marks
I love that: I want to be a unicorn. And how true that as writers, we get to explore all those desires. At the moment, I would like to be independently wealthy. Oh, not what you meant? hehe. Seriously, though, I would like to be braver. I read about people who take opportunities and wrestle them into submission. I always wanted to travel, but when I had the opportunity? I bailed. I got scared. Instead, I write about far-off lands and research them through Google Earth, all the while getting more and more antsy to get out of town and actually experience those places. Until I have the money, I will have to live vicariously through Google Earth. In the meantime, I have to go be a Regency debutante. :D
ReplyDeleteI've never wanted to be a unicorn, but I can relate. I use to imagine being a lot of things when creating new characters. Right now I want to be a stay at home mom and full-time writer. Although I'm taking steps to get there in the next 2-5 years, it seems like a lifetime away.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Noelle. I love to travel and can't wait until I can go where I want. Right now it's Disney and visiting the in-laws.
Today I'm a psychopath.
At the moment, I kinda want to be Sleeping Beauty, so I can get more than three minutes of continuous slumber. ACK!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I want to be less self-conscious! I see my daughter second-guessing herself sometimes and I worry she got that from me. Sigh... I guess life is still a journey, no matter how far you travel.
I want to be more self-confident. And more retired :) I wonder if I'd really get as much writing done as i imagine I would if I didn't have to go to school every day and grade essays or other writings every week.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to join you girls and travel, too--especially to England. Wouldn't that be a fun trip? As for Disney--you all have a great time, Elke. I don't envy you that jaunt at all LOL.
Hugs All.
Sometimes it's not like I want to be my characters but I make them explore situations I'm afraid of. Sometimes I just want to experience that moment when they declare their love for each other. Great post!
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