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

[http://users.livejournal.com/anam_cara_/]

As a parent, what charms me is when an adult acknowledges and treats my son as a person, more than a child. He usually is charmed by that as well. When they ask more sincere questions than "how old are you? how's school? what do you like to play?" when they actually give direct and sincere attention to him, not as a child, not as my son, but as if they are honestly interested in getting to know them.

I don't know if I'm articulating it right, but if Jack treats her like a young lady rather than a little girl, really, that goes a long way. I find the most charismatic people to be those that seem able to focus so sincerely on each person they deal with. It sucks when it's just an act, but it's hard not to fall for it when someone makes you the center of their attention, and seems to automatically know your insecurities or doubtings or frustrations and plays on them, in the sense that they turn it around (by not treating you as too young or too old, or making you feel beautiful, or intelligent or charming yourself). Flattering you at your weakest spot without it seeming like flattery. They seem to sense that those little holes one has inside and fill them up, though sometimes (when one is deceptively insincere) in a superficial or sneakily self-serving way. But it's hard to see through it, because you are getting acknowledgement that you may not even realize you crave inside.

Eh, I'm rambling. I don't know how to really explain what I mean...