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April 11, 2011

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E.C. Smith

Swinging the perspective pendulum does make a big difference. So does the negative language we use on ourselves. By changing the way we speak to ourselves, we change the way we view ourselves and that in turn, helps us click onto another perspective. A more positive one.

Thanks for the reminder, Donna. Great post!

Donna Cummings

E.C., I love your description of it as a pendulum. When I'm having a bumpy day, that's what keeps me going, knowing it'll swing back the other direction soon. And I completely agree with changing how we treat ourselves--which can affect others as well. :)

Maureen

Your blog reminds me of when my therapist said it's okay to be depressed. You just use it to pamper yourself and do what you need to pamper yourself right out of it.

Right now, I want to be pampered. Not because I'm depressed, just exhausted. But today, I will write!

Donna Cummings

Maureen, pampering is ALWAYS appropriate! LOL In fact, we don't get nearly enough of that. I think every emotion is appropriate, and there's usually a reason for it, but we're a little wary of certain ones overstaying, so we try to avoid them. But maybe if we pamper them, they'll move along when they're supposed to. :)

Clarissa Southwick

Sunshine? I'm there. I'm always up for a new perspective. It's funny we blogged on very similar topics today, yet ended up with 2 very different posts. Yours was wonderful, as usual :)

Donna Cummings

Clarissa, you're right--they are similar topics! I have to remind myself sometimes to look at things from a different angle, and as you said in your post, sometimes you need to do that by NOT writing. :) Thanks for the kudos!

Kari Marie

Whenever I'm in a funk, I try to look at what's happening from a different perspective. Maybe I joke about it, or make up funny stories. Often I tell myself how it could be worse, which is always worth a giggle. In my writing, if I'm stuck with a scene, I'll try writing it from another character's point of view. Wammo! I know exactly what should happen.

Donna Cummings

Kari Marie, I try to do the same thing, although sometimes the funk can get in the way of that! And I love the "it could be worse". LOL

Changing the character's POV in a scene can be amazing, can't it? It really points out how everyone sees the same situation so differently.

julie

I needed to read this today. Have hit a bit of a wall with my WIP (it's a wall I can keep moving, but I have to push hard and it edges forward one inch at a time...)

In any case, I think I need to take spring break and work on other projects, spend time with the kids, recalibrate.

Then come back to my novel with fresh eyes.

A new point of view.

(fingers crossed...)

Donna Cummings

Julie, I'm glad you found it helpful. I do think it's important to recalibrate (one of my fave words), and sure, we can keep pushing against that wall while it pushes us back. Or we can find another way around it. I think you've got some great ideas there. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. :)

Terri Osburn

I'm not good at changing my POV, but I'm always better off when I manage it. Like I've gone back to wearing glasses full time and keep thinking I'd like more than one pair to choose from depending on my mood. Then I remembered my old glasses are the same prescription so I wore them today. I now have two different looks. Ha!

When it comes to writing, brainstorming with a fellow writer does wonders for me. Couldn't figure out this opening scene and then emailing with Hellie this morning made the answer as clear as day. I just couldn't *see* it until our conversation.

Donna Cummings

Terri, I thinking managing your POV is just as good as changing it. :) And I like the idea of having different eyewear to suit your mood. I switch between my glasses and contacts for the same reason. :)

It is amazing how brainstorming really does clear our vision, especially when a writing partner can see the things we're blind to. Maybe we're trying so hard we've closed our eyes tight, so we can't see anything. I'm glad the opening scene got all worked out!

Anita Clenney

I like changing POV between the hero and heroine. I love writing my villain's pov. It occurs to me that changing pov isn't only good for writing, but I think it would benefit writers, people, all of us, to change our own pov in life. Step into someone else's shoes and see things from their angle. Not just so we're more understanding of a person or idea, but so we can see things from a fresh angle.

Donna Cummings

Anita, yes, we do benefit from seeing things from another person's POV in real life. I try to approach it that way, especially when I can't figure out WHY somebody is doing something! It does give you a fresh perspective, and of course, as writers, we use ALL of that stuff we learn. :)

Liz Fichera

There are times in real-life where I'd love to switch from first-person to third-person!

Donna Cummings

Liz, you're too funny! Now I'm going to go through the day trying to imagine what it would be like if I did that. LOL

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