It’s a noun, it’s a verb, it’s an idiom! A multipurpose word with a big place in my writing.
Whether it’s the action of carrying someone or something or carrying on a conversation or a container holding something for transportation, this word makes a lot possible.
I had a character carrying an object for a reason. They had it with them when they stopped for a conversation then later I realized I forgot to keep it on hand. As I scrolled back to see where it was left it occurred to me to leave it there on purpose. To make it part of the story. That object was a safety blanket of sorts. Something that meant a lot to the character. Her subconscious decision to leave it behind turned out to be a big moment for her. My point is if it’s in their hands and they’ve used it or its part of the story make sure to follow through with it. A parcel picked up and carried from the mailbox to the house needs to be set down or opened. Why did they bother? Is it important? It could be. That action filler can easily become something more significant. If not now then later or even carried forward to the next book.
My friends and family listen to me carry on about my book. They are my support group that carry me forward through my journey with encouragement. As I write, I carry a character from a feeble unhappy person to a strong and independent one. It is better to have someone carry a cup of coffee and sip from it time to time during conversation than to have an inactive conversation. I sometimes get carried away by my own enthusiasm as I wade through the process of writing and publishing my work. It is my hope that one day everyone will carry a copy of my book in their bag and their heart.
It is an important word but not necessarily the only one used for its purpose. One does not want to overuse a useful word.
-Joe walked alongside Sylvia hugging his precious notebook to his chest.-
Joe is carrying the notebook without my actually saying that he carried his notebook.
My advice about.
Keep track of important items people carry. If they aren’t important, could they be? The habit of wearing a simple hair elastic on her wrist could be the difference between life and death if you make it that way.
Whether you write, paint, take photographs or whatever it is that makes you happy. Do carry on the way you do, and make this world better for it.
-Sheryl
Copyright © 2016 All rights reserved
I wrote a book. Now what? 
You make two good points there: that you need to follow your characters as if they are real people, fully fleshed out, who can’t change their eye colour, suddenly lose a birth defect or change their accent at will; and that really great part when you’re writing a scene and that hairband, safety pin or whatever from scene one comes in really handy 🙂
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Thanks Jane.
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I enjoyed your post. I feel like working on my memoirs now though, that elusive book I carry. Thank you for your inspirational conclusion, “Do carry on the way you do, and make this world better for it.” Great way to conclude your piece!
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Thanks for reading. I have been blogging about my journey as a novice writer and what I’ve learned along the way. The hard way 😉 I will continue to do so in hopes of inspiring others. I hope you do continue on with your memoirs and find joy in your writing.
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