I have several thoughts on the subject.

1. I believe all writers inject themselves into every character they ever write–whether or not we’re actually aware that we’ve done it–we do. I don’t think we can avoid it. For one thing we’re complex beings and all closely related in some regard to our emotions, quirks, fallacies–whatever. For another thing, we know ourselves better than we know anyone else or better than anyone else knows us.

2. I believe we all have a good side and a bad side. How we’re raised and our own moral values usually control which side is prominent, but there is good and bad in all of us. I’m sure even Mother Teresa wanted to smack someone once in awhile. Circumstances can also change how we behave. People who would never harm a fly are capable of severely hurting you when it comes to protecting their children.

The thought of ever having to take another human life is horrifying to me. But if someone were attacking my children (who are all grown now) or my husband, I think I would react and never even flinch. But committing a cold blooded act doesn’t necessarily make a person cold blooded. The human mind, the human heart and human emotions are not only complex, but tricky as well.

3. Yes, I’ve wondered about Stephan King. Knowing how twisted his creative mind can be, I don’t really think he’d ever act upon many of the things he writes about–but it makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
I also find it amusing that people (readers) do come away from a book with the inkling that the writer may have a dark side (albeit hidden) and that they’ve injected themselves into the character in some way. But that’s also part of the intrigue of being a reader.

In my bookshelf I have a book on psychology, one on abnormal psychology and the Faber Book of Madness. Does that make me twisted? Nah, it just makes me a writer with a fascination of the human psyche’. But as long as our readers keep wondering–I guess we’ve done a good job.

I’m really enjoying the workshop at SavvyAuthors. It’s top notch.

Great job on the workshop over at Savvy Authors. I think all the participants are appreciating your work.

Steve said:
“And I’d say in light of this information we should beware of anyone close to us that has a tendency to act like a psychologist in the first place.”

I’d best watch out for my daughter-in-law creeping into a story then as she IS a psychologist.

Sandra

I’m going to hold off on the story about a cross dressing circus clown who dreams of winning “so you think you can dance.”

And I’d say in light of this information we should beware of anyone close to us that has a tendency to act like a psychologist in the first place.

As a third-level character, he didn’t really influence the plot, etc., but just popped up every now and then.

If anyone asks me, I can say, “No, Bob Reynolds isn’t me, but take a look at Ben Talbert.”

Glad I read this. Very glad.