KatReborn

So this is more of a vent then anything else. I'm trying very hard to decide how emotionally invested my main character is going to be with a person I know is going to be written out in the beginning of the book. I need the character to leave so the main character will feel a loss, but I'm not sure how big of a loss I need it to be, I don't want it to be overkill, but I don't want it to be understated either... so I'm frustrated...

Because of this dilemma I have got no writing done at all today, which is highly annoying. What do you guys do when your stuck on something?

Wintermute

When I'm stuck I usually read. I particularly like diving into my grammar books and reminding myself about the basics of grammar. You know, like the difference between possessives and contractions.

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courtneyv

I would get inside the head of my character. What do you want to happen? If this is a catalyst, a spur into action, the investment should be strong. If you want your character to break type and do something he or she normally wouldn't, it again needs to be strong. If it's just another break up and recovery can be had after a good cry, then you can keep it weak. Just don't have your character wallowing for half the book. No one likes wimps.

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ThePinkBookworm

I would make quick rough drafts of both, separate from your main writing, and just see what you think of both. I know that it can be hard to compare things in your head, but comparing two things in solid form may help.

Make one where the character feels totally lost, the other one where he feels a little bummed but moves on. One will speak to you, or you may hate both and decide on something different.

Just an idea!

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Mike C

I'd just write it. Often things work out differently to how you planned them, as your characters take hold and start writing the story for you.

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Non Serviam

My rule of thumb is, when stuck, do whatever's most unpleasant for the main character.

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Originally Posted by Olly Buckle The ways of the world are twisty and unknowable, the only way to be sure you are not caught out in something you regret is not to do things you may regret.

KatReborn

I LOVE that rule of thumb!

Jonny T

I realise this may be an "easier said than done" suggestion, but...

When in that situation I generally find I have an idea for how the scene should go, but am more concerned about how that pans into the future I've got planned for the plot. While it can be done, I tend to find writing against my instincts (in this case, trying to tone up/down the extent of the loss) more difficult than letting it flow and dealing with the ramifications as and when they come up.

Additionally, it sounds like the extent of this loss would most likely come clear over time in his dealing with it, rather than being obvious immediately, giving some wiggle room.

When stuck I generally read (or listen to music - I often find when I'm writing there's a particular album or song which will have the right feel for what I'm doing), or take a break and go back to it later.

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