After focusing on a few short stories, I have recently returned to working on my historical fiction novel based on Judy Garland. The reason I had stopped for a while is because she is so completely exhausting. What a fascinating and frightening head to get into. Between the issues over her weight, her abortion and nervous breakdowns, I sometimes find it hard to get back and really dive into her again. My brain sometimes doesn’t want to because it is so sad.
Last week I began to push on when I discovered the new stuff to be removed and superficial. It was too much telling and not enough showing. This was when I turned back to research and simply reading through some of the draft to find her again. I also watched a couple of movies of hers to remind myself about why I’m writing this. She was amazing. She was tragic.
Do you find it hard to get back into a character’s head after being out for a while? Are there characters’ heads that you’re afraid to get into?
Amazing and tragic indeed! You capture that, though, don't worry. 😉
I've never been afraid to jump back in, but it does take a while…
Sounds like a great book you're working on!
Sometimes it can be hard to get back into a character's head, but I don't think I've been afraid to do so.