Q is for Quixotic


conorbirney.com


kwik-ˈsä-tik

The adjective quixotic derives from the novel Don Quixote. It describes an impulsive, unpredictable, idealistic, extravagantly chivalrous person. For the life of me, I couldn’t think of how I would approach this topic today. Then, yesterday morning, an idea rushed into my head leaving me mentally occupied all day, ignoring all of my writing class obligations. (The process of balancing work, creation and a TV addiction takes longer than expected. Moving on…)

The personality appealed to me, and I couldn’t wait to attach it to a new character. My idea involves developing a female amateur sleuth with a quixotic personality living in Philadelphia. I’m still improving my characterization and story development, so an earlier post of mine discussing the infusion of a borrowed idea with my own experiences and perspectives lead me to make the connection with Don Quixote.

I plan to read the novel and loosely base the personalities and characters on those Miguel de Cervantes created. The plot of my story will revolve around a serial killer, which marks the break in resemblance to the novel. I can’t wait to put all my learning to work on this idea, starting with all the research. This summer I’ll immerse myself in understanding and developing my milieu and characters before I start writing in the fall. Right now, I need to get my ass back to class work.

Has the A-Z Blogging Challenge kicked your Muse into gear, providing you with new story ideas?

Comments

Sarah McCabe said…
I've never read that one. It's a bit daunting. One day I'll have to though. Unpredictable characters can be such fun. :)
April 20, 2011 at 2:02 PM
Roberta said…
Thanks for stopping by my blog! And good luck to you, too, in the rest of A-Z!
April 20, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Sylvia Ney said…
Very cool blog. I'm so glad to have found you. I'm stopping by from the A to Z challenge and I look forward to reading more from you.
April 20, 2011 at 3:43 PM
the writing pad said…
Glad to have met you via the A-Z - thanks for stopping at my blog! Great that the Challenge has kick started an idea for you - all the very best with developing it - it sounds exciting ...
Will be browsing your blog more, now that I've found it (aren't there a LOT of them out there?!!)
All best
Karla
April 20, 2011 at 3:53 PM
Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said…
This sounds extremely exciting Laura. Kudos on becoming so inspired!
April 20, 2011 at 6:03 PM
Manzanita said…
How exciting for you to gain inspiration in such a blast.Good luck with your character.
Manzanita
Wanna buy a duck
April 20, 2011 at 6:26 PM
A Girl and Her eBooks said…
Very interesting and unique post :)
April 20, 2011 at 6:47 PM
Carla said…
I love Don Quixote! Good luck on your project!

Carla
April 20, 2011 at 9:28 PM
Susan Kane said…
What a unique post with a seldom used word. I loved it.
April 20, 2011 at 11:42 PM
ali cross said…
Okay, for one thing, "quixotic" is a most awesome word. And Don Quixote ~ I don't know why, but I relate to his character with such intensity that it kind of scary. Or scares me, anyway.

And so, of course, I love your story idea!
April 21, 2011 at 12:43 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Insecure Writer's Support Group:Overwhelmed

Image
Source My road trip to Boston at the end of August arrived just in time to relieve me from the constant head banging on the wall between me and my writing, blogging and freelance career. The permanent knot on my forehead, bald patches and a jaw that clicks every time I open my mouth has transformed me into a monster you might catch in the dark alleyways of Gotham City. I overdosed on advice in writing magazines, on writing-related websites and blogs. If you peek through the windows, you catch me wandering around the house strung out, too jittery to sit down at my laptop. As an information junkie, I hoarded writing techniques, strategies and prompts. I shoved them into every available space in my writing toolbox, reminding me of an overly prepared-style of packing. Overstuffed. I would sit on the lid to force it shut if it weren’t for the motivational quotes spilling over the sides keeping me from latching the damn thing. Then I come across an article contradicting the no
Read more

L is for Location, Location, Location

Image
Source Readers look to novels to escape reality. An author’s words take them to distant lands. But a well-described location can do more than just take the reader on a trip away from home. It plays an important role in creating atmosphere and describing characters. The strength of location in a story transforms the setting into another character. Characters and setting rely heavily on one another not only to create images in the minds of readers, but also to describe each other.  A character reveals information about a setting. Their traits lead them to specific towns, cities, bars, schools, etc. A well-developed character personality can create the milieu. An uptight individual probably lives in a very neat and organized apartment. A character concerned with the environment might have a vegetable garden planted in the back with a recycling bin and compost heap. A young, single girl might feel stuck in family-oriented suburbia. Now, the same can
Read more

E is for Erasure Poetry

Image
rattle.com April is National Poetry Month . So, I thought I'd give  erasure poetry  a try. I chose an article about dating and race in The Philadelphia Inquirer .  Reading through the article, I underlined words that caught my eye. Then, I created a poem and title from my found words. Unfortunately, it was easier to type the words than scan the article. Enjoy! Talk About Dating First contact          Attitudes affect the messages Cut off from the real world          See the imbalance Healthy partners          Work together, no exclusions
Read more