Help me, my characters are revolting.
I’ve started to write a novel about the Vikings. I started writing in third person, then changed to first person because my protagonist had a strong voice which seemed worth listening to. However, as I wrote I could not quite see the way in which this character would fit into my plan for the novel.
At five o’ clock this morning he gave me an ultimatum. Apparently there is too much going on in his world to allow me to send him abroad. And his best friend is resolute that he won’t leave England. Not while there are armies to fight and villainous masters to try to trick.
‘I invented you,’ I wanted to yell. ‘You’ll do exactly what I want you to.’ But I knew this was mere bravado.
I sighed and agreed to their demands. They can stay in England and find their own destiny. I shall have to seek other characters to go voyaging with the Vikings.
They were right. I, after all, am merely the author. Now I know what Flann O’Brien felt like when he was writing ‘At Swim-Two-Birds.’ 
Related articles
- At Swim-Two-Birds and an absence of frantic sorrow (richardgwyn.wordpress.com)
- Writing in First Person (fangirlingthroughfiction.wordpress.com)
