Experimenting on Humans
that’s really what I’m doing, when I write a story.
They are only thought experiments, and my characters aren’t exactly human either, so I’m not doing a great deal of harm. The worst I am doing is boring the people who have to read what I write – my other experimental subjects 
At the moment that is a limited number of people – but I suppose the positive side effect of sending my stories out to collect more rejections, is that more people have to read my writing. Even if they only make it through the first paragraph.
So in many ways I’m doing exactly the same thing in writing that I do in reading. I’m mostly interested in people, in what makes them tick, why they behave the way they do. In many ways reading is the closest we ever come to seeing the world through the eyes of another person – the writer.
In the words of Atticus Finch, the lawyer in To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
You can also learn a great deal by trying to get into a fictional character’s skin sufficiently to write a story from their point of view.
I’ve frequently read about writers whose characters take over, but it was one of those things I’d never actually experienced. Until this week, trying to write a story from the point of view of a character who is agoraphobic. That’s not something I’ve experienced, although I do have occasional phobic moments when it comes to things like the Underground, and I know how it feels to be shy in some social situations.I also like to think I have a certain amount of empathy for other people’s feelings.
But I was somewhat surprised that it took me four or five pages to get this poor character out of her home and onto a bus, into a place of danger. I suspect there’s going to have to be a lot of cutting when it comes to revising the story – hopefully leaving the impression of how difficult it was for her, and at the same time allowing the reader to stay awake.
Anyway, I left her in the middle of a very uncomfortable scene, and I suppose it’s time to go and see how she survives the crisis.
It’s odd. because at one level I have a strong idea about where the story should go, but at another I find I am discovering how it actually happens as I am writing.
Why do you read? Do you just love story (I confess that’s my other major motivation). I’m told some people enjoy crime fiction because there’s often a glimpse into a new world, for instance. Or do you prefer to read non fiction – history or biography or science?
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About Ann GodridgeAnn Godridge has just completed her first crime novel, The Mermaid's Shroud, and has started work on the sequel. Her story the Tree of Knowledge was shortlisted for the Asham Award. She writes about writing and sometimes about textile arts at her blogStraw into Gold. You can find out more about her here - About Ann G.
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15 Responses to Experimenting on Humans
All that jazz – All in A Day
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Some people think that we professional writers do something else in our spare time, but that couldn't be further from the truth! I read voraciously, mostly consumer stuff and nonfiction, if only because when I get stuck into fiction I like I have to keep going until the end even if it's until 04:00 hrs. One difference for me, though, is that I prefer to do my leisure reading from printed material – especially as I'm working (plus reading and writing) on a screen all day.
Twitter: SuzeStMWrites
I read altogether too much Suze, and I know what you mean about that impulse to get to the end of a story.
I do have a few fiction e-books that I read on the computer, but I still prefer old fashioned books.
well I just love the stories and I read for those, I also read history and some science. A science fiction history book would suit me down to the ground
I don't like reading crime or misery lit though, there is enough of that in real life – I prefer to read anything but those. Kev buys me books (like most people do for birthdays etc) it has taken 5 years for him to understand those murder collections he buys me don't get read! Last year I got a few religious thrillers… well they are better than the murder thrillers
I read because the books exist!
Seriously, I too am a voracious reader, and nothing pleases me more than when I go out for a meal with my two boys and we sit there buried in our books until the food arrives. Sometimes I catch a glimpse of other tables where mum is talking to dad and the kids are either ripping up serviettes or attempting to attack each other. I want my kids to be able to entertain themselves, not turn into monsters when their parents don't give them all their attention!
I read pretty much anything except horror stories (though I do like Edgar Allan Poe). My neighbour once said he'd never seen as many books as in our house … he didn't realise that he'd only seen the downstairs once, and had no idea of the extra bookcases and books stacked high in cupboards upstairs. The bookcase in my bedroom is full, with books piled up on top and now I have a 3 foot high stack of extra books in from of the bookcase books. As well as those by the side of my bed. Is this too many books? Not by my calculation.
I generally can't bear true crime, but don't mind in fiction…although I am more and more in favour of happy endings.
I'm really not so keen on horror, although there are always exceptions.
Talking of religious thrillers, have you tried Andrew Greeley, Susan Howatch and Phil Rickman? All very different but very enjoyable reads.
Sounds good, Morag. I don't understand the phrase “too many books” – although I suspect Ryan does…
I have read and been terrified of some Susan Howatch's – The Heartbreaker was one of them riveting but evil books that you know is very close to the truth in the way Gavin was treated and the authorities act. Carta Graham is a very interesting character too and how she deals with her pain and becomes stronger through it. The high flyer should be on everyones reading list.
I think I have read some Phil Rickman too, though at the moment I would struggle to recall what – too much sunshine going to my head!
when i was young i liked and read most of the bestsellers in the Arabic, English, American and Russian literatures… particularity the love stories so i think i had enough of that. now i rarely read fiction or novels. i prefer real topics and i enjoy thrillers in general.
and i look forward to reading your novels, Ann…………
Easier to say which ones that don't appeal to me and high on that list would be the Crime variety. I like drama in novels, one of my favourite is MISS GARNET'S ANGEL can't remember the author's name sadly
Yes, I enjoyed the High Flyer.
Merrily Watkins the C of E exorcist is Phil Rickman's character. Some of those are seriously scary
It's Sally Vickers, Ida. I've read one of her novels, but not that one. I'll put it on the list!
Just keep on nagging me to write it Suhad
Just trying to finish off this one short story then back to the novel. I do have some new ideas brewing for it already…
I love your writing Anne – this is the first time I've had time to read a blog of yours here. The quote is SO brilliant – walking around in someone else's skin to try and understand how they tick … SO wise. If all the world did a little more of that, there would be no conflict to speak of would there?
Why do I read? Mostly because people accuse me of being educated and I have read virtually nothing from the Canon and I feel bad about that … Someone once said “The Canon comprises all the books you feel you ought to have read” … yep … and then occasionally I read a bit of trash. I just finished reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and adored it …
Twitter: dreamingspain
Bum – I just wrote my comment and it has nipped off!!
I love your writing Anne – you come across as a considered, thoughtful woman who cares deeply that her audience be drawn into her world – a feeling I personally enjoy when reading.
I love that quote from To Kill A Mockingbird – if only more people did that – me included!
I read because I am accused of being educated while having actually read so few books it's embarrassing. Who was it who said “The Canon represents all the books you feel you should have read” … I feel like that and so aim to read Canon books so I feel better educated!
Saying that, I just finished Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and HUGELY recommend it!
Twitter: dreamingspain
Funny you should talk about the canon – I'm thinking of writing a blog on that very topic sometime- and on genre and what that means.
I haven't read Eat Pray Love, but I was very impressed with Elizabeth Gilbert's talk on TED – very inspiring.