I've got a personal connection to the Olympics, many years back I had friends with the Canadian gymnastics team and was actually hoping to be an Olympian myself (that however, never occurred, thanks to boycotts - and who knows if I'd have made the team).
I was watching the crowd around me this morning and saw a number of different reactions to the sight of the flame. Some people pointed and cheered. Many started running along side it (but not too close, obviously, security was tight). Everyone was smiling and waving flags. Some, like me, had tears in their eyes.
Magic.
Let your characters experience strong emotions. Each character's reaction will be unique. Try to remember (as I'm certainly trying) to let them experience joy as well as sorrow. Peace, as well as turbulence. Love as well as hate. Some might get quiet, some might bow their heads, some might shiver. But let them have the full range of emotions.
Actions, sometimes, speak louder than words.
I'm so happy you got to see the flame. What a great experience that must have been. Excellent post.
ReplyDeleteSo, so true! So many times when I'm editing, I have to mark places where the writer is telling instead of showing. "She was happy." What does happy look like for this character? Let us see it.
ReplyDeleteHelen
Straight From Hel
Carol; It was incredible. You could reach out and touch the energy on that street this morning.
ReplyDeleteHelen; That's the trick, isn't it? It's always good to be reminded.
Yes, great post. I'm envious of you being so 'close to the action'. In this case, I'm on the wrong coast of the country...
ReplyDeleteAlan; *waving at you* They're Canada's games, they just happen to be here. I'm soaking up all I can; it's a once in a lifetime experience.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic sight! Enjoy...we'll be enjoying them, too (on TV..sigh!)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Elizabeth; Although we're heading in to take part in the free celebrations (and there are TONS), no actual events tickets for us. I wasn't able to get any and WOW, unless you were willing to practically mortgage your house, they were incredibly expensive.
ReplyDeleteThat's great! Our daughter saw it go by in Kelowna and was really touched. Her company has purchased two large screen tv's so the staff can catch some of the events at work. The torch bypassed our little town so the powers that be decided to organize our own little winter olympics. Could be fun!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!!! And great advice to let your characters experience stromg emotions.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting. And I agree, I am doing my best to illustrate emotions in unique and interesting ways.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing to experience. I can't wait watch the Olympics, I only hope it snows there...
ReplyDeleteDeb; I was shocked at how emotional I got. It was a memory that will live with me forever.
ReplyDeleteJW; Strong emotions are good. Not all the time,mind you, but every once in a while it ramps everything up a notch.
Elizabeth; I'm confident you're doing a fantastic job.
Carolyn; Whistler is fine. It's just one mountain here in town they're worried about. And even then, athletes are practising there today. They've got backup plan after backup plan.
Oh, an actual, in-person, Olympic flame sighting. How cool! Seen it on TV, of course, but never in person. Bet it was stirring, especially with Olympic connections.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes Galen.
Imagineering Fiction Blog
So exciting! It was great seeing it in our city a few weeks ago. You're so right about the energy & the group excitement.
ReplyDeleteHate to ask if the answer's no, but... did you ever get any mitts??
Galen; Stirring doesn't begin to describe it. I'm a sap when it comes to the Olympics.
ReplyDeleteJemi; NO. Thanks SO much for reminding me. ; )
Yikes! Sorry!!!!! I thought for sure your stores would be restocked by now. *cringes away and hides*... :)
ReplyDeleteBetter than faboo. I love that you connected to the energy of it.
ReplyDeleteAt this moment, I really envy you, Elspeth. Not because you almost made it to an Olympics team, but because you saw the Olympic flame up close.
ReplyDeleteI have a lump in my throat when I see it on TV - can't imagine how amazing it must be to really see it.
Very cool that you got to see the flame!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the reminder- I had been keeping a secondary character from getting emotional and it was snagging up my novel. Now she gets to go wild and crazy- the story's much better for it!
Elisa; I'm so glad I went!
ReplyDeleteRayna; I tear up every time watching the Opening Ceremonies; when my country's team enters, when the Olympic flag gets raised, when the cauldron is lit.
Stephanie; Let her go wild! She probably deserves to!
I second this emotion.
ReplyDeleteMarvin D Wilson
That's why writers have to study and watch people around them, to see how they express their emotions physically and facially, those little details are the essence of a good writer.
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