PhD problems...

Post Reply New Topic

I'm doing a PhD in creative writing at the moment which involves writing a novel. I love *writing* and did an MA writing short stories but have always had problems with plot and character (i use a lot of science/philosophy theory and description). I've just about got the plot sorted out (mirroring Hans Christian Andersen's 'Snow Queen' and 'Little Mermaid' stories- fairy tales are my main interest) and I'm also using Einstein's theory of relativity and philosophy of identity in relation to fairy tales and the concept of stories as the theory behind it, but my tutor said it's too dense and the characters are lacking in emotion. I'm finding it really hard because I tried really hard to get the characters 'real' and I have no idea how they would react. I'm also scared I don't have the 'emotional depth' to write a novel. It kind of reminds me of when I saw a psychologist for a few years and she said that i was 'intellectualising' everything and not talking about emotion but I genuinely don't have a clue! My tutor doesn't know about AS and I don't really want her to. Any advice?

I can't imagine how the Theory of Relativity would play into a fairy tale.

What's this philosophy of identity?

try thinking of the best and worst things that ever happened to you and how you felt. use those emotions to describe your characters in appropriate situations.

Characters' emotions are revealed in the choices they make, moment to moment and through dialog. In my opinion, as a reader, description when it comes to emotions falls flat. You can't have gotten to the aspiring PHD level without having done a ton of deconstructing dialog.

Revisit dialog deconstruction with an ear tuned to how it tells you about the characters' states of mind.

Ass backward.

For one thing: thats his very problem- too much intellectualizing.
For another: you're telling him to put the carriage before the horse.

The problem is: creating fully formed characters who react with realistic emotions first- before he gets to the point of showing their emotional states in the stories.


He needs to create those emotional states first before he figures out how to illustrate those states.

Is it a coincidence that all 4 replies so far are from 'veterans' from Phoenix?

Until me, that is.


Just curious

They're not from Phoenix, that's their WP rank.

I see

sure, rank....

"rank" having to do with senority on wp, and how many zillions of posts youve made.

Gotcha!! Merci!