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Oh goodness, how the hell should I do this?
14 years ago
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In my novel, Reve (the hero) makes a deal with a soldier stationed in the Temple; in wake of recent fires in the village of Virandene, Giacomo (the soldier) has heard nothing of his love, Lea. Reve agrees to go forward and bring back word of Lea on his return in exchange for Giacomo's help in securing the theft of a priceless artifact that is housed in the temple.
Close to the end of the novel, Reve knows what happened to Lea. I won't say what the truth is, but he has to compose a letter to Giacomo telling him that Lea is dead.
Now, the question is: how the hell should I do this?
Would it be better if I simply say that he wrote the letter with regret and sent it off? Or would it make a good chapter opening if I actually print the letter in the book?
I ask the latter because I have tried to write it out, but it just sounds so horrible. How would a roguish hero in a fantasy novel tell someone he barely knows, but who has helped him, that the lover he pines for has died?
It just feels so impersonal. Should I go on my first instinct and simply say that he wrote it and sent it off, or should I use it as character development and try to write it out? My gut instinct is really winning out here, but I *AM* curious to know how others would write it, if they had to.
I can't help but feel that even if I don't include it, I should write it anyway. It might help me better understand how to write Reve's feelings around the time of the scene if I've seen how difficult it is to write the letter, myself.
-HD
In my novel, Reve (the hero) makes a deal with a soldier stationed in the Temple; in wake of recent fires in the village of Virandene, Giacomo (the soldier) has heard nothing of his love, Lea. Reve agrees to go forward and bring back word of Lea on his return in exchange for Giacomo's help in securing the theft of a priceless artifact that is housed in the temple.
Close to the end of the novel, Reve knows what happened to Lea. I won't say what the truth is, but he has to compose a letter to Giacomo telling him that Lea is dead.
Now, the question is: how the hell should I do this?
Would it be better if I simply say that he wrote the letter with regret and sent it off? Or would it make a good chapter opening if I actually print the letter in the book?
I ask the latter because I have tried to write it out, but it just sounds so horrible. How would a roguish hero in a fantasy novel tell someone he barely knows, but who has helped him, that the lover he pines for has died?
It just feels so impersonal. Should I go on my first instinct and simply say that he wrote it and sent it off, or should I use it as character development and try to write it out? My gut instinct is really winning out here, but I *AM* curious to know how others would write it, if they had to.
I can't help but feel that even if I don't include it, I should write it anyway. It might help me better understand how to write Reve's feelings around the time of the scene if I've seen how difficult it is to write the letter, myself.
-HD
Sorry if i wasn't much of a help here. D:
That's just me, though.
I suggest an opening to the book, because some times that works for the overall story. Sets the mood for a drama without really saying so. Perhaps a letter from Giacomo, that includes a small note, a sort of off-handed, "He sent me a message." I'm not sure, I don't know the character so well to say it'd work for any of it.
If anything, writing it, or anything out for you own benefit is the way to start. If you can find a place for it, then add it in.