Glare report, 9/23/04: Trying to get a handle on Jack

[pegkerr]

Words: 175
Stopping because: I am stuck and I am literally nodding off over the keyboard
Notes: Still stuck trying to write a scene I trying to write yesterday, where Jack gets introduced to Ingrid (at the farmer's market) and I think, okay now, here's where he pulls out the charm but I can't think of a single thing for him to do that is calculated to charm a six-year old. Again, this is that discomfort about Jack: I am at a total loss to think of how he reacts to anything, and I don't know how to write a guy who is a trickster who oozes charm. I said yesterday that I don't know how to write a simple declarative sentence because I got to the point where Solvieg hears him behind her and turns to him and--and what, for heavens sake? I put him on the stage and he is a mute puppet who refuses to say anything. Do I have to totally rethink my perception of who/what he is? How?

Will try to read some more of that book on writers' block.

Mood: Still frustrated, but with a twinge of pride that yes, I did sit down and glare at it again, despite how crappy I think it is. Note please that for months that I have thought is crappy and so have avoided doing anything on it. Now, I have had a shift in my emphasis and so I sit down every night and contemplate how crappy it is, but I'm actively trying to do something about it! This is progress, people!

Please be aware that my reports will probably include quite a bit of whingeing for awhile until I get this beast moving again. You have been warned. But at least I'm trying!

Comments

[pixelfish.livejournal.com]

I always think kids have control of situations like that, particularly if the adults involved are trying really hard to impress them or their parents. Maybe you should try some kind of role reversal, where Jack, normally so charming, feels like he's sliding around on ice himself. The harder he tries to win this kid over, the more it fails--because kids hate condescension. (Unless they are stupid kids. But I remember hating it, and adults would try to bribe me, and I would be suspicious of their motives, because adults always seem to want something from something.) And when he finally stops trying, maybe that's when he's able to charm Igrid. (I don't know your chars, but I hope that's how they sort out, because that's how I read it.)

I also like jbru's suggestions--that instead of conciously trying to trick Ingrid herself, or charm her, he sets off to use his skills on other people, and she notices that and tries to emulate him in some way.