Hello, blog readers. I am back.
First, let's open up the meeting by going over the last minutes from the previous meeting. (Sorry. I have been in so many FFA, FCCLA, and student council meetings in school that it just comes out of nowhere.)
Anyway, when last we met, I was drained and exhausted. I said I was taking a vacation from writing and I did for about a week or so. The truth is, I was jumpy by day three and looked into some writing jobs, but didn't apply.
I am not entirely sure if the rest did any good, but it was nice to not think over the holidays.
In further developments of my life, the holidays were great. It wasn't much of a big deal, but it was just nice to be with family.
In the writing area, I am working on sending my first novel to its third publisher. I received my check from Brio and am still working on finding ways to make more money.
In spiritual matters, I have taken on a Bible in a year plan. This one I am reading is from Tricia Goyer and I will have the link up by the end of the day for anyone who wants to read it.
I love it so far. I started on it a little late, but so far I like it.
I am also trying to lead a Bible study with two other girls from my church. I don't know how well I'm doing, but so far, we are all still here.
Now that we have all of that cleared up and out of the way, let's get on to new business.
Last year, I learned that every villain has at least one good trait about them and the hero should have at least one bad character flaw about them. I saw an example of that today while watching the 1982 version of Annie.
Who remembers Miss Hannigan? That lovable alcoholic thief that was in charge of the orphans' home where Annie grew up.
Well, does anyone remember her one good trait?
Well, if I could jog your memory, it happened in the end. I won't give away the scene, but she had a hand in rescuing the orphan she hated so much.
I went on Youtube to view the scene again and the video's comments and I almost felt sorry for her--almost.
The 1930's Great Depression was no joke, no matter what state you lived in. I couldn't imagine what it must have been like in New York, but if the prices filled people with fear like they still do today, Miss Hannigan had a lot to cope with.
What was her way of doing that? Homemade liquor, of course.
This was during the Prohibition era, so you had to make it from whatever you had.
Now in no way do I endorse this behavior whatsoever, but we have to see it from her side. There is this sad middle-aged woman, unmarried, and judging by her lifestyle, probably from a poor background and unstable and unloving family. She knew taking in kids from off the street brought in ready money from the Board of Orphans and charity handouts, and in the Great Depression, you do whatever you have to do to make a dime.
So, when one of your orphans is up for adoption by one of the richest men in New York, you do whatever you have to do to make a dime, even if it is kidnapping.
This was what was going through her brain throughout the second part of the film, but her saving grace came when Annie was in trouble and she felt moved to save her.
Are villains all evil? Well, not necessarily from the outset. They have to keep going lower and lower into the gutter to reach that point of feeling heartless.
Are heroes all good? God forbid if they are. Even Orphan Annie lied to a cop, even if it was to keep a dog.
So, if there are any writers out there, remember to keep your villains bad, but let the reader see their side of things. Also, make your heroes flawed; they're more relatable that way.
Believe me. No one wants to read 200 pages worth of a hero who is so pristine and sweet that she belongs on the back of a box of Ivory soap. It's boring.
Anyway, that is my two cents for the day, people. Let's bring this meeting to a close.
