So I’ve been thinking about my first attempt to write Grace’s Diary. First, I that is just a working title–as I plan to alternate entries from 2 diaries. I have been thinking about the two characters and the larger themes I want to explore. I don’t want anything to be offensive but I fear I will run too close to stereotypical portrayals of slaves with Grace. I don’t know. My Grace is pretty content in her situation. Her mistress, Emma, is not. She craves freedom. I suppose I should just write it and then I may have to tweak it along the way. I foresee much re-writing. Yay…
I already see some stuff I need to re-write for my first entry. I need to draw Grace out more. I need to give her, or make clear her motivations. I can’t start off my novel with something as unexciting as what I first wrote. I almost think I need to start off with Emma’s entry. All in all I see the two women as two halves of a whole…I don’t see them having an out and out conflict but that may be down the road apiece. All is very fuzzy at this point. I am still feeling out their (the) characters. And I have much research to do. I will have to spend lots of time in the nineteenth century south. That’s all good. I also have another idea for a post Civil War novel…a reconstruction novel. I just need to get to work and I may soon have two solid novels.
But it’s hard to write/re-write with a kitty in one hand, lol….
Jacquelyn's Space 