Thursday, August 9, 2012

On Vicarious Living

I always hear that vicarious living is no good for us. As parents, we should not try to live through our children and their accomplishments or adventures, which begs the question: Is bragging about your children and posting impressive photos of them vicarious living?

(Couldn’t resist.)
And the bigger question: As writers, are we vicariously living through our characters?
I believe we are, in a manner of speaking, and if that’s wrong, I don’t want to be right.
I’ve now published five novels, all of which are focused on expatriate characters living overseas adventures full of romance and drama. I don’t have to be directly reminded (though I have been many times through unsolicited feedback) that I am living vicariously through these characters. But if I didn’t, what would my muse do? Sit around and torture me with grand ideas…that’s what.
So I follow my heart and listen to my soul’s voice as I write and write. So far, I’ve received very positive results and lots of wonderful reviews from readers who seem grateful for my passion. My day-to-day life holds its own wonders, but it is my writer’s life that offers a unique sense of fulfillment. For that, I say to all my writer friends out there, “Go on! Live vicariously. It is your art that feeds your soul. Eat it up!”

2 comments:

  1. Great picture!

    What's the point of having an imagination if we don't get to enjoy it? To write good characters, we have to identify with them.

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  2. Yay for your daughter jumping! As for living vicariously, sure that's what we do! Isn't that what all creative types do? I think we're lucky to be able to live in our imaginations while we write. And if we're even luckier, we get to share what comes of it with the world. :o) <3

    Great post, Wendy~ <3

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