Tag: characterbuilding

by Donna Collins

Over the years, as a nurse, I’ve done my share of shift work. A lot of that was on the ‘graveyard shift’—eleven-to-seven working with a pared down crew. The time between two and four in the morning were known as the ‘witching hours.’ 

To fight the fatigue, one consumes copious amounts of coffee while struggling with the workload. Those were also the hours when people seemed to be most vulnerable. While most turned anxious thoughts inward, a few found the need to unburden. I referred to these admissions as midnight confessions. 

I remember several heartbreaking revelations shared in confidence. Secrets so painful and despair so deep that they could no longer be contained. Stories I can never repeat. 

Often, I had no words of wisdom, no advice, or even encouragement, but none were needed or wanted. These poor souls only wanted to be heard. So, I did the only thing I could. I listened.

I wasn’t a writer then, but even now, decades later, I will not share their stories. Their brave words belong to them and only them. But as a writer, I can take inspiration from their experiences.

What I have learned is crushing circumstances require strong believable characters, so I can build on the survivor’s traits in my fiction. Strong men can, and do cry. Broken women heal. People, thankfully, are incredibly resilient. 

The range of emotions I witnessed also can be woven into my writing. Sorrow, sadness, betrayal can transition into hope, joy, and acceptance.

I can assure you that no matter what situation I put my characters through, I will always try to provide a happy or at least a gratifying ending. Characters, real or fiction, deserve nothing less.