I'm thinking tonight about how our characters move; how they get around.
It says something about them: their gate, their step, what they drive.
A hitman who travels exclusively by public transportation? How about a mob boss in a VW beetle: the new ugly kind? Or a mini?
Every choice matters.
Jimmy walked across the restaurant to meet her; his left foot lagging a little. He never arrived anywhere all at once anymore.
So, we move them. They stand or sit. They drive or ride. All of these choices have meaning.
Don't let a subtle characterization drift by for the expediency of with the verb "walked" unless that is exactly the motion you intend.
You wouldn't put a down-on-his-heels detective in a 2014 7-series BMW without reason. You might put him in a convertible MG which idles poorly and whose canvas top looks like a summer camp duct-tape craft project.
Have fun with movement. It isn't just what happens between bits of action.
Now, I'm moved to write. I hope you are as well.
Write something moving.
2 comments:
Good point! Our mode of travel says a lot about us...and what's inside the car might, too.
I actually saw that Hot Rod Lincoln singer live at a street festival when I lived in AL about 18 years ago or so. Now his name escapes me. Of course. But he was very good.
Great !
Junior "guitar' Brown does a great version on stage, too.
Love that song! Thanks for stopping in ...
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