Travel - Writers Forum

RebelGoddess · 06-23-2005, 05:32 PM

I can't seem to figure out if this should be an issue or not.

My characters are basically on this long journey that keeps them outdoors for days at a time.

Should I address the issue of showers? The main character is a "girly-girl", but I don't want her to sound whiney. Also, she's the only one that i would even consider having mention/think about it.

Also, would it be gross?

I've been trying to think of other novels I've read where they've been on a long outdoor trip to use as an example, but I can't really think of many that would fit my purpose.

Any ideas?

Racheal

shadowseer · 06-23-2005, 06:36 PM

maybe have the girl go on a rant on how much she hates it outdoors, and go like this:
"But i hate it out here! It's hot and buggy and i haven't had a shower in three days!

Kikster · 06-23-2005, 07:16 PM

I don't know where exactly your characters are... if you answer a coupld of question for me I'll be happy to help:

1) are they walking? or are they using some kind of transopration?

2) where are they? mountians? great plains? seaside?

in any case I think you could have them find some kind of body of water, so they could bathe....

RebelGoddess · 06-23-2005, 07:48 PM

My characters were on horses, but are now on foot.

They're mostly travelling through forests and then grassy areas and such, thouhg coming up really soon is a mountain range and then foothills.

How long should be the longest they go without getting cleaned up?

I'm just wondering because in "book time" they woke up at a city the day before and will be going to someone's home about 4 days later.

Racheal

Dan101 · 06-23-2005, 07:53 PM

Riding horses for days, not taking showers, lol fun fun.

Try having them come across lakes and ponds every now and then on their journey, and then have them go for a swim or somthing to clean up. That would make it fit well, I think. Good luck!

Kikster · 06-23-2005, 08:18 PM

yeah, every forest has a creek or a lake somewhere. they could use it to clean up a little bit. horses... I mean I love them, but they stink like horses!

RebelGoddess · 06-23-2005, 11:51 PM

Well, they just crossed an ocean and spent the night next to it.

Is it safe to let the reader assume that they're doing everything to ensure their personal cleanliness?

Oh, and at one point I did talk about the main character brushing her teeth, but that's because the toothpaste tasted like a Juicy Fruit.

Racheal

Dan101 · 06-24-2005, 12:08 AM

Yea, I dont think you have to worry about it really. I doubt the reader will go, "um...it appears as though this story has not talked about them bathing...they are dirty dirty people" >_> lol

They will probably just assume they are cleaning themselves. I dont think you have to worry about this much.

mammamaia · 06-24-2005, 08:37 AM

i don't see why the subject of merely washing up would be 'gross'... showers are the least of her worries!... i'd think lack of toilet facilities would be the major problem for a 'girly girl'...

Verago · 06-24-2005, 10:13 AM

Not very many people use this sort of thing...I've asked a similar question before, about eating, and the responses I got, including one from mammaia (Thanks for that, by the way.) told me:

Only do it if some event, conversation, or realization about the character goes on while they're eating, bathing, travelling, etc.,

But that' just what I was told. Pretty sound advice, and it's worked for me.

Good luck with your story.
Ethanael.

RebelGoddess · 06-24-2005, 02:53 PM

Verago: I have to say that I completely agree with the advice mammaia gave you. I only have them eating when the food/action is relevant, so why not do the same with personal hygeine?

Thanks for the advice!

Racheal

mammamaia · 06-26-2005, 07:50 AM

gee, it's nice to know that the seeds i sow bear fruit now and then, kids!... thanks for the plug...

another reason to include less than savory details is to show how difficult the situation is for the characters... or, how silly/funny/ironic/whatever...

and even the most 'gross' of our necessary bodily functions can be written of in an effective way, without being tasteless... that's where the talent and skill of the writer comes in...

but the bottom line determining factor is still, 'does the reader really need to know this?'

hugs to all, maia