Through The Fur & The Claws!

     As a writer, I know I’ve mentioned several times before that I was always with writing Modern/Realistic fiction. However, this has changed it seems since I finished my last book “Whispers” which is strictly a paranormal piece. I was going back through the manuscripts that I’d started on and one character in mind came very clear to mind. For those who follow me on Twitter, and on Facebook you have seen me mention him several times, I lovingly and adoringly refer to him as “The Wolf”. Is he named? Yes. Does he have a unique personality? That’s an understatement. But why do I refer to him simply as “The Wolf”. It’s really a series of two different things. The last blog I wrote about was dealing with animal totems. I strongly feel that my animal totem (Amongst three others) would be that of a Wolf. Often times, I can find comfort and strength both in this animal which is why many times you will find several pictures of wolves or wolf related things posted on either my Twitter or Facebook. It’s a friendly face that I can unremarkably find comfort in when comfort is needed. That? And it seems to affect my overall attitude with my writing and personality as I brain storm. But, at any rate back to the point at hand with me and “My Wolf”.
      Not only do I feel a connection with this particular character, but an even stronger ambition to really tell his story and to get it out in the open. But in the same instance, writing from an animal’s point of view always seems to be harder than when dealing with a normal human character. Some of the biggest differences I am finding is that they are limited. Animals are extremely limited to what they can and can’t do. Either because they lack the vocalizations and being able to talk with each other. Or, they can’t figure out typical things that normal human characters would be able to find out on how to use almost right away. The biggest example I could share there with you is doors. Opening doors, and going through them. Using weapons is another large one. The only things that these particular characters have are there claws, and the brains that were given to them. But as a writer, I fully embrace the opportunity to take on a challenge like this. Every character in my mind, has the right to tell their story and let themselves be heard where they have fur or fingers everything in my mind has a right to be heard. The other part of this particular challenge is writing from the first person view of an animal. Typically, all of the stories I’ve ever done have revolved around a third person point of view. Though you are still allowed inside of their heads you can clearly hear what they are thinking, opinions, or thoughts on other characters.
      I’ve talked a bit with Mrs. Michaels as well to help the wolves communicate a little better without making them entirely human. I’ve got notes on how this can be done, but am also looking into other ways. Being in the first person view of this animal, you find out what they are thinking constantly. They don’t have the advantage of knowing what their enemies are thinking or friends are thinking. To me, that’s harder but the outcomes of the actions are a lot more exciting because of the surprise you feel along with the character as a friend or foe makes themselves onto the scene. You have to go by what the main character is thinking and you start feeling these biases towards these characters because you start relating so well to them. Another thing that has taken some time is doing the research for “The Wolf”. I want it to be somewhat realistic when there are interactions between him and the other wolves in this story. I’ve done a lot of research on pack behaviors, as well as general displays with teeth, tails, and any kind of submissive details. I am very happy that I am not tied to having to do what kind of genre. I think since I finished “Whispers” and the initial conception of it has really helped open the door to a lot of other different options to me as a writer, and shows me how easy it is to branch out and talk with other characters!

The Spirits Within

I’ve always been incredibly interested in Mythology, and various other aspects of different Faiths. Now, before you decide to not read this log here me out. This isn’t going to be standing on a box preaching about a religion or any particular views I have on it, but it’s close. What am I talking about? I’m talking about the Native American believe in Animal Totems. I am sure that everyone here knows what an animal totem is. The best way I can describe an animal totem is the large single poles of wood that have several different animals sculpted into them. You see them typically on movies, that might have a campground or a woodsy kind of scene to it. As of late, there have been several ideas running through my head and one of those involves writing about an animal from his point of view. As a writer, I’m always looking forward to a challenge, and that can be from choosing to do another type of genre? All the way to different view points of characters. Trying to write perhaps, from the bad guys point of view or something that I don’t typically do. This character has made his presence known several other times before this particular idea has come back to me. He had his own short story (Maybe fix to six pages) a year ago and gradually I’ve worked on it here and there. But as of late, he has come on strong again and seems to be watching me from a distance, like an animal of this kind is known for. But, with this I always think back to what I’ve been told about animal totems and the Native Americans beliefs on animal spirits and how they can play a normal occurrence in your daily life.

Again, I am not going to be getting on any kind of soap boxes here about Faith, Religion, etc. that is a whole different bag of discussions and topics that I find better to NOT talk about. But several years ago, on a way back from a field trip I was having a discussion with a friend of mine that is a Native American and we where discussing animals. I asked her what her favorite animals where and she in turn, she asked me. Which at the time, was a hawk and the Velcioraptors from Jurassic Park. She proceeded to ask me if I’d ever given any kind of thought into maybe that these particular animals I didn’t choose to be my favorites what if they chose me. I quirked a brow at her, and continued to press forward by asking the all questioning of questions Why? There belief is that when a person is born, the particular person does not always choose there favorite animals. There thought process and belief is that the animal chooses them. She says there are always different aspects of why the animals pick particular people, but a lot of it will have to do with there attitudes, moral standing, work ethics etc. Now, let’s flash forward to today and the topic at hand with this character that seems to be following me around. I’ve always felt very drawn to the Red-Tailed Hawk, and I’ve always felt very drawn towards that of the Wolf. But it wasn’t until several years ago I had a firm attachment grow TO the Wolf. I’m in absolute awe by this creature, and the beauty that they carry with them. Sure, they are a predator at heart, but the intelligence, and the society they setup within there packs, the way they hunt. The animal is very intelligent.

I have noticed that during times of trial and tribulations in life, I find that pictures of wolves will pop up before me, or in movies, songs, videos all of the above. That’s part of the belief is that the animals will appear to you when you are in need or you need guidance from them. There have been instances where people can meditate and embrace these particular spirits and have discussions with them. From what I’ve read online during the research is that it happens more like a vision, or a dream. Now, with this said and continuing on the subject as of late I had several trials and tribulations going on in my personal life. When again, I saw the wolf appear to be on several different occasions. During this particular time in my life, I started seeing my familiar character again that I’d written on a year ago. He seemed to be wanting attention, he had something to say, and was very loud in my mind. What would you say? Is it more than coincidence that I started seeing him again? Or is it because the muse wanted me to. I think that it Is definitely very interesting to keep a kind of perspective open on all things in the world. Reading the article on this particular webpage I found it to be very interesting and fascinating. What kind of animal are you drawn to? I would look forward to everyone’s responses, comments, at the bottom.

Website about animal totems:

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems.html