Rough Edges

[wayfaringwordhack]

I know that 99% of the people on my friends list are writers, and I'm pretty sure than a 100% of that 99% are interested in character arcs, specifically helping their MCs improve or grow stronger over the course of novels and, perhaps, shorts.

But a conversation with frigg  got me thinking and wondering: How many of you have the same concern for YOURSELF? Do you actively try to make yourself a better person? Are you aware of your faults/weaknesses, etc., and do you accept them or try to change them?  Want to share how? I don't suppose you go out and try to save the world or arrange to have redshirts  friends killed simply so you can grow through grief and strive to be a better person. *g*

I know I have plenty of rough edges, and I swear that every time I get one smoothed out, I find another jag in need of attention.

Comments

[mindseas.livejournal.com]

I always remind myself that my writing is only a reflection who I am, and so that for my writing to prosper, I need to be the best person I can be. If, as Walt says, it's those who know us who have the final word on our lives, that's pretty scary, because I don't think anyone really knows me, and that's because I don't express myself. Even though I'm a writer. So I'm trying to learn to speak up about what I really beleve both in my personal life and in my writing, but it's difficult. A long time ago I got into the habit of concealing myself (a sort of peasant mentally, I think of it. As long as you don't stand out from the other peasants they won't single you out for punishment. Just do what they want you to do and there won't be any trouble.) I am trying to change myself, for instance, by closing the store and concentrating on more creative endeavors. It's time to stand up and admit that I don't really want to run a store, even though other people looking at me might think it's a fine thing.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Two very good points there: First, we have to express and stand up for what we believe in. Otherwise, how can we expect people know that X is a value we hold, and Y is something we cannot condone? Second, taking risks to be the kind of people we want to be is a very large step in the right direction to improvement. The road may not be smooth and obstacle-free, but we'll learn a lot and have a chance to extend ourselves a bit more.