Hello everyone, Mel here.
Just like a science experiment needs a control to make it valid, a story needs a normal; a typical person or scene so that when the atypical arrives it will be recognized. But what if the normal was the
story? What if the character was just a regular guy, a girl next door type? What if it was your best friend, or you?
In "Haunted," the main characters are John and Andy. Both are normal. Both have jobs and dreams. Both could be your best friend. Both could be you. My story is the normal. That’s the problem. When and if you read it, you’ll understand.
Until then,
MEL
Sylvia here -
As society changes, so does our definition of normal. However, it is usually perceived to be "conforming to some preconceived standard of the usual or expected." If you live long enough, and you pay attention to what's happening around you, you'll witness a shift in what is deemed as "normal".
In "WIN", the story begins with one set of standards for "normal", but the situation changes drastically by the end of the tale. Just as in real life - expectations and circumstances change. The definition of the word may remain the same, but your views of it will NOT.
How often do YOU use the word "NORMAL"?
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The idea of what's normal definitely shifts over time. I love that picture!
ReplyDeleteI only have a passing acquaintance with the word "normal". ;-)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the picture!
Carol at My Writing Journal
So true how the state of normal changes with the times. Today's normal would blow away my grandparents. But normal in a story works: it's relatable. Look at Seinfeld: it started off being a show about nothing in particular and it charted the lives of pretty normal characters (normal including some eccentric) and it was an instant hit. I don't know if I'm getting the gist of what you're saying here in terms of bringing up Seinfeld, but your post just made me think of that...
ReplyDeleteHappy A-Z! Enjoy your day off tomorrow...
Michele at Angels Bark
The idea of normal does change over time. Nice post.
ReplyDeletehttps://ficklemillennial.wordpress.com/
What an intriguing concept.
ReplyDeleteWhat is normal? Now that's a question with a trillion different answers. :) Good job Mel and Sylvia!
ReplyDeleteNormal is relative :)
ReplyDeleteI once had a character who despised the word "normal" because she had an autistic son and "normal" was out of reach.
ReplyDeleteI once had a character who despised the word "normal" because she had an autistic son and "normal" was out of reach.
ReplyDeleteTamara - what a great concept!
ReplyDelete