They say only 10% of an iceberg floats on the surface of the
ocean while 90% of that iceberg exists under the sea. They say the surface area of a tree’s root
system below the earth can be three times the size of the crown far above.
The enormity and the complexity of all that’s going on below the surface of sea and soil to keep the iceberg afloat and the tree upright are hard to comprehend, and at the same time are essential to the iceberg’s and the tree’s magnificence and survival.
The enormity and the complexity of all that’s going on below the surface of sea and soil to keep the iceberg afloat and the tree upright are hard to comprehend, and at the same time are essential to the iceberg’s and the tree’s magnificence and survival.
It seems to me that just like the
iceberg and the tree, we're reliant upon remarkably complex systems below our surfaces to hold us up, keep us balanced, keep us alive.
The anatomical aspects of ourselves are a marvel, but what I'm wondering at right now are the enormous and
complex systems of emotions, values, impressions, beliefs, and desires below
our surfaces that are essential to our magnificence and survival as individuals. And when it comes to imagining and writing characters for our stories, it’s what lies below the surface of our characters that is often the most difficult
to decipher and express—and the most crucial to figure out.
An iceberg is made almost entirely of fresh water; as it melts,
its center of gravity can change, causing it to roll over and settle in a new
position with a new center of gravity. Even in winter, when the portion of a
tree that’s above ground appears to be dead, the root system far below the soil
is coursing with life and vitality, readying the sap to flow and the tree to
bloom come spring.
What is it deep within our characters that keeps them buoyant?
That keeps them brave in the face of disaster? That keeps them flexible in a hurricane? That keeps them
afloat in a storm? What is the complex root
system or center of gravity that keeps our characters from
toppling? And if that which our characters are up against becomes too great to
withstand, what is it that suddenly becomes exposed, is unexpectedly revealed,
that cries out for comfort or healing? And what happens if all that's exposed of our characters' undersides can’t be healed? To figure out the answers to these questions, we need look no farther than ourselves—delve
below the surface to explore what it takes for us to withstand physical,
emotional, and psychological storms; what it takes to right ourselves when we
topple; what it takes for us to shift our centers of gravity or bloom again; what it takes for us to keep going even if we're thrown off our axis, even if our very roots are exposed.
I’m inspired by the poetry of Marge Piercy in her “The seven of pentacles” (Circles on the Water): “Connections are made slowly, sometimes they grow underground. / You cannot tell always by looking what is happening.” The more we’re willing to explore and trust what lies below the surface of our characters, the more resonant stories we will write. The more we’re willing to explore and trust what lies below the surface of ourselves, the more resonant lives we will live.
(c) emma d dryden, drydenbks llc
I’m inspired by the poetry of Marge Piercy in her “The seven of pentacles” (Circles on the Water): “Connections are made slowly, sometimes they grow underground. / You cannot tell always by looking what is happening.” The more we’re willing to explore and trust what lies below the surface of our characters, the more resonant stories we will write. The more we’re willing to explore and trust what lies below the surface of ourselves, the more resonant lives we will live.
(c) emma d dryden, drydenbks llc
This poetic reflection manages to make me feel both vulnerable and strong, both exposed and covered, all at the same time! It is lovely. On my very short journey thus far as a writer, I find it hard to know whether self-discovery or character-discovery comes first? Maybe they have to go hand-in-hand as we dare to dig below the surface. Thank you for the challenge, Emma.
ReplyDeleteJoanna, I do think the discovery of self and character can indeed go hand-in-hand. And it is brave to go on the journey, but necessary.
DeleteLovely post and it really makes me re-examine my characters. Are they one-dimensional with no depth to them? What can I do to help readers connect to them? It's so hard to build a character's backstory and still stay on plot. But the most memorable books for me are those that find a way to present characters who have deep roots and still keep the plot moving.
ReplyDeleteBeverly, these are great questions to ask yourself of your characters. I do find that authors can delve deeper into what lies below the surface of their characters by conducting interviews with their characters - and not just posing easy questions, but also the really tough ones. Invariably, I find when authors conduct such interviews, they tell me they've always been surprised by the answers their characters provide!
DeleteBeautifully written, Emma. I'll have to think about the depth of my characters (stick creatures called Twigs) in relation to your meaning, though. I mean, they already have roots anyway. And their antics on ancient glaciers are already on the tip of an iceberg, sort of.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I realize my experiences also drive my guys. I do believe I'm going to have to devote more consideration to their motivations for being the stick beings that they are, so thanks for that!
Lovely, thoughtful piece with important ideas, even if I'm out of my depth. Oh, and I love the photos!
Cheers! Jo
Thanks, Jo. I think it's always wise and helpful to evaluate and explore a character's motivations, no matter whether they are human, stick or otherwise! Regardless of the "format" of a character, you want readers to be able to identify with that character - and the very best way is through motivation and all that lies beneath the surface.
DeleteAs always, very wise words, Emma. Reading them I am feeling even more sure that the time I spend meandering with my characters in places that won't necessarily land in the story are often some of the most important pieces of the story. What runs beneath the surface of me, echoes in the blood of my characters.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes! That's exactly right, Susan - it's so important for authors to know what courses underneath the surface, which doesn't mean it all makes it into the story -- at least not obviously. As you say, it's in the blood. It's in the emotion. It's in the core.
DeleteLike Joanna I felt rather vulnerable yet stronger after reading this reflective post. I know I am moved by stories that can make me sob or laugh out loud, I hope my characters will convey such depth. Thankyou Emma.
ReplyDeleteDiane
Interesting to think about the vulnerable feelings being evoked--and it makes me think about how as authors it's our job to allow our characters to show or feel vulnerability as much as it is to allow them to show or feel strength.
DeleteWe once had a large oak tree removed from our yard because the acorns were persistently pelting our tender noggins. The arborist explained that the root system mirrors the branch canopy of the tree almost exactly, weaving around boulders and other unseen obstacles. Another factor to ponder, as we imagine what our characters have come to accomodate as they grow.
ReplyDeleteIt is astonishing to see some of the old-growth trees in Central Park and along Central Park West or Fifth Avenue and what their root systems have done to survive amidst and among concrete, bricks, cobblestones, and other man-made obstacles. It's remarkable to see the complex pathways root systems will take to grab hold where they can. Ah, just as people can and do...
DeleteGreat post and comparison, was not expecting that at all. Also beautiful tree.
ReplyDelete-Oscar Valencia
Thanks so much.
DeleteDear Emma: Thank you for the beautifully written post. The key for me is "to know thyself". Life is my teacher. Each experience in my life increases my self-awareness. The foundation for being aware is connectedness. And when I combine compassion and love, the shift within is constant. As a new author my process of evolving, growing has helped me to let go, allow the magic while writing to manifest.
ReplyDeleteRemaining connected to my heart keeps the magic coming!
With gratitude,
Melanie
This is lovely, Melanie. Keep allowing yourself to experiment, explore, and stretch your writing.
DeleteEmma! Whatever drives us, and/or our characters comes from a deeper source, yes. I guess this could even be the unconscious or the place we go in meditation, where our truths reveal themselves. It is interesting, and profoundly revealing to delve beneath surfaces. The constructs that foundationalize our being are beautifully complex, as you described. I shall never look at a tree or iceberg or my characters in quite the same way. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGood day! I just wanted to tell that you sure have made a magnificent portal. And I have a question for you. Did you take place in any kind of competitions among bloggers?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. No, I have not been in any competitions among bloggers.
Delete