Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Thursday's Children 11/1/12

Sandy provided the spark for this week's post.
Weather.
I like to make it work for me in a story.
Which sometimes means making it work against my protagonists.

Fair weather might be the pleasant backdrop of a scene.
Maybe it reflects the serene inner landscape of your MC...

This is Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire, photo taken in August

Or the calm waters your MC is enjoying--before or after the storm.

Rachel Carson Refuge Wells, Maine August
I am extremely fond of fog. It can be peaceful and soothing.

Sailboat, Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport ME October

It can also be eerie and disorienting.
Familiar landmarks disappear.
You think you are alone, then suddenly someone appears right in front of you.
Sounds are sometimes muffled. Sometimes clearer.

Goose Rocks Beach Kennebunkport Maine The day before Sandy's arrival
Weather can be a living nightmare, an antagonist in your story.
In UNQUIET SOULS the main characters have to contend with supernaturally gifted villains and their Scottish deerhound familiars, during a blizzard slash ice storm.




Weather can be a catalyst, forcing your characters to take action.
In TENDRIL, a hurricane creates opportunity for the bad guy, and forces the somewhat reluctant good guy to act courageously.

Portland Head Light Maine October 31, 2012
How have you made weather work for you in your stories?

This is a bloghop-we're trying a new linky tool. I think you'll be able to add yourself to the list here. If not, go to Kristina Perez 's blog.

Here's the Thursday's Children theme song.



4 comments:

  1. I love how in some stories weather takes on a personality and becomes an almost full-fledged character. Lara Zielin's book, The Waiting Sky has a great example of this.

    I love the photos you used - particularly the fog one! :)

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  2. That sounds like a book I would like, the title alone is evocative. Yes-fog, I think I have a fog fetish.

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  3. I second your fog fetish. Followed closely by mist. And all other forms of condensation.

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    1. Yes, mist, fog's sister (or something). Vital elements of Gothic atmosphere.

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