When I write a story, or work on a novel, I definitely become the main character of that story. It’s almost a necessary precaution to become the character, for without directly exploring the characters in this way, the essence of human life can easily get lost in words. Only when I become the character do I get a true sense of the things that character might say or do, what they really feel, how they react to certain things, etc. I see what she/he sees, I taste what they taste, and may even cry when they cry! I no longer become Noni sitting at a desk, writing a story. I am there, 200 years ago running from a slave master in the thickness of danger. I feel that feeling of joy swell in my heart when a baby is born. I experience the deep-seated rage in seeing a mother sold away, or the fullness in falling in love with life. The easier I seep into the story and become the characters, the easier my audience and readers can really feel what I’m trying to portray. Becoming the character legitimizes me as the author.
It is also essential to allow my characters to become apart of me. Recently in New York, I heard actress Anika Rose speak. In response to a question very similar to this one, she stated that an actress or actor spends the same amount of time and energy stepping out of their own skin and becoming the character as they do allowing the character to become them. A character is always a reflection of some small part of me, because the creation of that individual comes from me. When I put my time and energy into writing a story, every character, “steals a piece of my heart”. When initially creating my character, I get to decide which part of me I want that character to become. Will they represent something I observe? Something I do not agree with? Something I have questions about? As the story develops, I have conversations with my characters, not literally (or maybe sometimes!), but rather through reading, re-reading, and reading again the ways in which I have pieced together their personalities. They become a friend or an associate to me; they share something that I share, they represent an aspect of human nature I want to explore, and thus directly become apart of me. They have carte blanche to dip into my thoughts, steal my secrets, express my questions, and examine my heart.
Getting into character sounds like a fascinating journey for you. Your book shows that you have the ability to do it exceptionally well. It is an awesome, touching read especially to have been written by one so young. I am very, very proud of you and your accomplishments in all of your 18 years. I love you with all my heart.
I can’t wait until the book comes out in January. Your a very articulate young author with a very promising future and career ahead of you.
So tell us what inspired you to write this book? Also where did you gain your knowledge base at such a young age?
So Noni, give us a preview!!!! How did it feel to become the character you stepped into in the following quote: “I am there, 200 years ago running from a slave master in the thickness of danger”.
So I seems as though you put a lot or research into the book. Would you say that once you had done the research and got into the characters that the book took on a autobiographical flavor?
You are a person who cares what words mean, what they say, how they say it. This seems to be your way towards truth and freedom, and so you use them with care, with thought, with delight. As you go through life, your words will make the souls of your readers stronger, brighter, deeper. You are an eloquent young author with potential and a bright future. We are so very proud of you and love you dearly!
Greetings Noni,
You’re an inspiration! And all this wisdom in one so young. How did that happen? Can you post a sneak preview of your book on your Web site?
Wishing you all good things,
Michelle
i think it’s great to see such talent come to light. I’m looking forward to reading your book.
As you create your characters, you have a matter and anti-matter, a hereo and an enemy (in some sense). How do you offer yourself to those unfavorable characters? The ones that anger you when a mother is sold, or when a person is cruely punished. Especially, when in some cases thier development is as important as the main character’s.
It’s so important for our generation to “know” and to “see” that our history is feeding the present and will put a stamp on our future.
Can’t wait to read your book and see how you explore these themes.
We will look out for you in nYc – hope your book is a great success!!
Saludos, Natalia
Good, vivid words. Good for you! I will certainly get your book.
Charlie Cobb
Such stunning, rich writing, Noni. What a wonderful experience for a reader! Looking forward to the publication of your book.
Hello all,
Thank you for your responses!
I am very excited about this process and your support.
For a response to all of your questions:
As for my knowledge base and inspiration- I believe this is the perfect moment to interject my appreciation for my parents, and their dedication to informing my siblings and I, from early ages, about our history and about humanity as a whole. As for my inspiration behind writing the book- please check out my site and read the excerpt from my author’s note! (www.nonicarter.com)
How did it feel to become the character i stepped into?
Did it take on an autobiographical flavor? How do I offer myself to unfavorable characters?
To step back in history, at many moments, was like riding an emotional roller-coaster. As with watching any great movie, you’re dropped in the spot, in the place, in the time, and you feel the affects of it all. No, this book was not an autobiography in disguise by any means, but I can say that many pieces of the story are reflections of myself, my observations, perhaps my experiences or experiences I’ve seen at one point or another in my journey thusfar. However, this was a historical fiction novel, and a lot of the ways in which the character is described and acts is a relfection of what I feel embodies many people during that period in time. Perhaps the most difficult part was taking a step into the minds of the “unfavorable characters” of the story. How can and why would they think this way? Have I observed anything of the like? How do I shape these characters in a manner that implicity shows the inhumane side of humanity while simultaneously making them real- real & human, nonetheless.
I hope my responses answer your questions, and I look forward to you all “perusing the lines” of my last two blogs- Sept 30th and October 4th!
Blessings
In order to speak and represent the character you have to take on the character. Words are the most powerful tool and weapon one have and how we chose to use them and display them can and will impact the lives of many. Words are felt much longer then they are heard. Congrat’s to you and all you have accomplished and will continue to do!!!
As a little girl I owned few books, but the public library was my treasure. The books within opened wide windows; my soul seemed to fly to other times and places. Historical fiction was my favorite childhood genre. From talented, dedicated authors, I absorbed an amazing amount of history and geography. Far more important were readings that led me to thinking through the eyes of the characters and finding deep commonalities. Quality historical fiction helped mold my perspectives and values. I am looking forward to the reading of Good Fortune, knowing with certainty it will be another deep personal connection. At any age, we need these gifts. Keep writing!
Noni, I work with your father who is SO proud of you. He has mentioned some great things about you and we are all excited about your upcoming book! Congrats on your accomplishments and best wishes on your future endeavors.
Noni.I am so proud of you,stay true and alway believe.I look forward to reading your book.
Noni, you are a promising author with wisdom beyond your years,keep up the good work and your dreams are destine to come true. I will definitely pick up the upcoming book!!
It must be exciting to have your first novel published. That is such an accomplishment. Given that it is historical fiction, what do you want your readers to walk away with and who is your target audience? Is it a book loaded with historical facts or can we anticipate
excitement…or perhaps both??? I am looking forward to reading it.
I am honored to have had the experience of reading and commenting on your drafts of your book. It gives me great pleasure to know that I will replace the drafts with a well written outstanding timeless novel. This journey has been exciting, stimulating,and informative. Your development of the characters and the story demonstrates your profound understanding of human nature and life. Your research was thorough and provided a stable foundation for you to draw upon. You have written a timeless story that mirrors unchanging and changing moral truths about life. This is just the beginning, continue to embrace the essence of life and share your great intellect with the world. Thank you.
I honor who you are and support who you are becoming as the world opens its arms to you. Thank you for being an awsome role model for our family. You are expanding our legacy by taking our oral history and perserving it in the context of this wonderfully written novel. I am definely getting the book and we will have several copies in the household to share. Cousin I congratulate you for all of your accomplishments.
We can’t wait for your book to be published! We are so proud of you and your dedication to your arts. It has been a joy to watch you grow from a smart and funny 4th grader, to an accomplished college student. The world is yours to explore. See it through your unique perspective and continue to share it with the world. Your writings and music will change the lives of others!
This is an exciting time for you. Best wishes for many blessed moments to come. I can imagine how hard you must have worked, but it’s most likely a labor of love. I know your dad as a colleague at DMC, and am so happy for him and your mom also. Thank you, Joy, for letting me know. Thaivi Tonnu
Your journey into the main character, as well as your technique and style, truly seems to to create a fascinating novel. I can not wait to read your published first novel. You are truly an inspiring and pure author, and I am confident that you will touch the lives of NUMEROUS individuals. Keep being who you are and doing what you do. You will never know all of the lives you touch.
Noni! I am SO excited to read your finished product.I know that your book has come a long way since the first draft, and I cannot wait to read it! You have an amazing God given gift that I am sure will continue to shine on through you, and I am sure that you will have many more novels in the future! Continue to use your gift to educate and inspire others like you have done for me. I am thankful to you for that, and I wish you infinite success!
Noni, You have a candid way of exressing yourself that surpasses your chronological age. I read your response to getting into character to my 13 year old daughter and 11 year old niece. They were both in awe of your candor and vivid details. You have earned yourself three new fans. We are inspired by you. Seize every moment. We anxiously await the book. Be Blessed :0)
Noni! I am very proud to know a human like you. You definetly will touch lives with your inspiring words. You are an amazing child of God. I send you warm greatings from Hillside. I cannot wait to read your book. I know as much time and talent you have put inside your book, it will be a SUCCESS! I just cant until January. Keep up the fantastic work. We love you dearly.
Greetings Noni, I am pleased to learn about your accomplishments, transitioning from high school to college and now your first publised book. I will call the Fayette Barnes & Noble Community Relations Manager in search of a date/ time for a book signing at home, Fayette County, Georgia. Realizing you are busy with studies, let me know a convenient day/ time for you after January, 2010. May God continue to bless you with overwhelming success in all your endeavors.
Noni, I wrote a comment on Sunday morning and do not see it so perhaps I failed to submit. i am extremely proud of you and delighted to have been included in your growth.
In the previous message I said it is so rare to have a first work published by a major publishing commpany. Congratulations.
I anxiously await a copy of Good Fortune. We will definitely want to host a booksigning at Hillside International Truth Center as soon as details can be
finalized.
Stay true to your principles. I love you, I appreciate you and I thank God for you.
What a marvelous book- I consumed it within just a few days despite my hectic schedule. You know how proud I am of you, and I salute you and congratulate you for being such an intelligent and decent young woman. I look forward to the release!