Pets are an integral part of society. They feed people's emotions and even have a healing effect. Yet, their presence as friends, healers, and even taking the place of the wise mentor is gone from literature. Pets can make a good secondary character or even the 'entity' of the antagonist.
A pet can be used as a catalist, to cause conflict, to force characters out of their comfort zone, to bond with the reader at an emotional level, for put the character in a conflict, cause a conflict, move the plot forward.
Do some brainstorming, think of all the different ways to use pets to drive your story. This can be done with any item from a candle stick to a job. Don't just sit down for one afternoon and brainstorm. Keep a journal. Sometimes it can take a few weeks, or months, to find the 'break out' idea that sets your book apart from the pack.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Pets
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I think have animals/pets within a storyline, especially for children's books, adds that realistic and emotional connection many feel. Also, if you use animals as characters, some of their whacky dialogue, humor, and other personality traits, won't come off as 'human' bad traits and will connect more with children.
Lea Schizas
http://leaschizaseditor.com
You hit the nail on the head Lea. You are right. Why do most horror stories have monsters who look like an animal, something that 'should' look cute and cuddly - but who isn't.
The white gorillas in Congo are a perfect example. Cugo - a house pet which went mad.
There is something uncontrollable, untouchable.
I am glad that you mentioned the 'connection' - I had over looked that.
Post a Comment