Jun 25 2008
Get Revenge Without Getting Caught
Ok, I know the title sounds like a “how-to” guide, and in a way it is. But, it’s not about going out and doing something immoral or illegal. I’m talking about getting stuff off your chest without starting a brawl. Have you ever met someone, or knew someone you just wanted to smack? I’ll be honest. I’ve known a lot of people that just needed a good butt-kicking, but I wouldn’t do good in jail. So, rather than doing something that would get me put away, I put it in writing.
First of all, as a creative writer, you can do anything to anyone. Now, I’m not talking about sitting down and writing out a plan to rid the world of them, I’m talking about using their persona in a story and making them the patsy. For instance, I knew a woman who was more than just a little interested in my husband. Trust me, it was all I could do to keep from knocking fire from her ears. But instead of doing any physical harm to her, I wrote a story about the whole situation. I used fictional names and places, but in my mind’s eye, she was the antagonist of the story.
This is also a great way to get all those pent up frustrations out of your system. You can make yourself the main character of a story and anyone who has gotten under your skin during the day is a potential villian for your story. Do you work for a jerk? Turn that person into your arch-rival and become the hero. It’s a great way to get your revenge and not end up in trouble.
Now mind you, I’m not condoning violence. I don’t believe that any human has the right to bully anyone else. However, we all have a few people in our lives that we’d like to smack. Don’t Do It!!!! Instead, write it. It will make you feel better and will make for a great story.
I like the idea, but only to a certain extent.
As a form of practice and stress-relief–power to you, and go get ‘em. But as something to be published… well, there you’re going to have to be a lot more careful. Not because of libel issues or the whole “resemblances are coincidental” disclaimer, but because of how you view the character.
Thing is, both your antagonist and your self-insert character are going to be colored by your own emotions, which makes it far too easy to color yourself inordinately positively and turn your antagonist into a two-dimensional idiot/control freak/whatever suits your fancy, and… it doesn’t make for as good a story. I should know; I’ve done it.
So–usable, but you’ll want to be careful.
Great idea. I like this because it can both get something off your chest and cure your writer’s block at the same time.
Ravyn–You are absolutely right. This is something you’d want to be very careful with, but it is a great way to get the creative juices flowing. I’ve also used this in some of my stories and it made for some pretty good scenes. However, I did have to remember that my “me” character wasn’t a perfect creature and had her own flaws. Thanks for the comment.
Sire–”knocking fire from her ears” is a nice way of saying “kicking her ***”. Just trying to keep this blog family friendly. LOL I’m sure that some authors have done this before. I wonder though, if Stephen King has ever done so?
Toddwins–It is a good way to cure writer’s block. It may even lead to a whole new twist in a current story. As Ravyn said, you’ve got to be careful, but when you’re in a grumpy mood, it’s good for the spirit.
Hey if it keeps you from damaging people, it sounds like a good idea to me! I’ll have to let some our teenagers (who pick on their younger siblings) in on this tidbit.
Jen @
www.happyfibrofamily.today.com