A cool character...but now what

[Christian Soldier]

First off, you need to read my previous posting on telepaths in the world I am building. I need to go back and do some overall world building, but I need an overall story first.

Now to the subject of this post. Her name is...erm...well, she doesn't have one, yet. Any suggestions would be welcome. For starters, she's blind and deaf due to a condition that I'll give some oriental sounding name later. This condition is not curable by science when the story takes place. They do have several brain implants that can assist some, but they cannot restore hearing and vision, only allow some communication.

She grew up this way, dark, silent, and alone. the only break she had from her solitude was from her implant, but even that was just words and ideas, and few would stay near. It wasn't until she reached adult hood that an extraordinary research effort began: to bond persons like herself to a cat, giving them the gift of their Bond's eyes, ears, and telepathy.

Training was hard, she had to learn how to walk, talk, and do for herself all the things she was forced to depend on others for. Her Bond, a massive main coon, was loving and patient with her through it all, helping her through it, and gaining her love and trust.

The story would start here: her first assignment. But...what is it? I already have a detective series out, and am not interested in making another. Her abilities would be amplified by what her lack of sight and hearing, so where could that come into play?

WHAT IS THAT BLASTED SENTENCE! AHH! Okay, I'm calm. really, but this is driving me crazy. I can't do anything without that starting sentence. *Sigh* Okay, I'm working on it. More than likely she would be asked to join a deep space convoy or scouting mission. Hmmm...the juices flow now. This is good. I should go without sleep more often. Who needs it really?

Okay, That's all I got for now. When I have more, I shall post it.

In His perfect name - CS

PS - I'll also type up my own version of the Snowflake method that I used for Demonic Intent and Combatant's Glory, but that will be later.

[scholar]

She sounds like a great character, CS. Lots to work with. I'm sure you'll do a great job on this. Take care over there.

[sparrow]

Why can't she walk? Do you mean without being lead around by someone else? Did she learn to read like Helen Keller did?

She's a compelling character. I would like to think so much silence would give her time to think outside the box. You know, her ability to formulate answers to problems and complex ideas would be different, perhaps more creative, but you would need to address her education, unless in your world that can come from implants as well or even the close attachment to her sentient cat. Maybe between the two of them they could be talented in solving complex problems. Also I like the idea that they can sense details about others, you know, read them beyond Sherlock Holmes ability.

Just some thoughts.

[Christian Soldier]

I need to do more research on the subject to be honest. I have no idea how such persons learn in todays world, much less the future. Once I've done that research, I could drive on. But you're right, her mind would work completely different from anyone else's, made worse by the Bond. . . or better, depending on your point of view of course.

Anyway, thanks for the comments, they are always welcome.

God Bless! CS

[sparrow]

Read about Helen Keller. She was both blind and deaf and as a result "dumb" as well. She was taught to read sign language by the teacher signing into her hand, she learned to read braille, went on to college and if I'm not mistaken wrote an autobiography, not sure on that, would have to look it up myself. She learned to say a few words too. Says she understood who God was in her darkness before anyone ever "spoke" of him to her. In the movies about her, the scenes where she (while still a child) first understands that the signing into her hand had tangible meaning, are quite moving. Of course, she was able to accomplish these things because she had a dedicated teacher.

Your character can either have that benifit or not. If you don't want her to be that accomplished give her a half dedicated teacher, LOL

Blessings and inspiration in your research. I already want to read this story.

[Jeff Gerke]

CS,

This IS a cool character. When you have your main character--and you know this character's inner journey for this book--you really have about 75% of your story already.

Check out Tip #50 at my Fiction Writing Tip of the Week column, which is here:

www.wherethemapends.com/writerstools/writers_tools_pages/tip_of_the_week.htm

Jeff

[Christian Soldier]

Thanks guys!
I need to do a lot of research before I'll be able to understand this character. For starters, I've downloaded Keller's book and am reading it through. She seems like a strong character and a good person...even if I disagree with her political choices.

As for this character, she'll be on the back burner, growing and learning until she is mature enough to write about. I also need to be careful...I'm not sure that I understand women enough to write one, but this character is definitely female.

Anyway, thanks for the advice, Sparrow and Jeff! God Bless -- CS

[sparrow]

>>I also need to be careful...I'm not sure that I understand women enough to write one, but this character is definitely female. <<

Never a better time than now to get to understand us more, LOL. Seriously though, since you don't feel comfortable with it yet you could start writing about her and ask a female reader or two to critique your characterization of her, asking them to let you know if there is anything that's not quite right from a woman's perspective.

You know, I often hear the phrases "a woman would never say that," or "a man would never say that," in regards to writing. I was in a writer's work shop recently where it was mentioned about the difference in speech between men and women. According to the instructor men use words from old English and women use words that come to us from the French, such as a woman might say, "my stomach hurts" when a man might say "my gut hurts". It was just a mention, though she says she has done workshops on the entire subject. If it ever comes up, I'll probably sign up for it. One can never be too clear on such subjects.

How is the Keller book? Can't say why, but I've never read her biography. I think I will add it to my list of books to read.