Writing: The Perfect Couple
Oct. 2nd, 2011 06:54 pmThere are many pairings in this fandom, and so many great stories about almost all of them; but which one is the perfect one? Kris/Adam? Brad/Adam? Adam/Tommy?
For me, the perfect couple begins with two imperfect people.
When I’m doing character sketches for a new story, I list the positive and negative qualities of my characters. I note the areas where they are alike and where they are different.
Regardless of considerable differences in background or personality, they always, always, share the same basic value system. To me, the perfect couple must agree on moral and ethical issues; they must share the same world view. This is the common ground that will help them resolve their conflicts and that forms the bedrock of their relationship.
Kris and Adam, for example, appear to have almost nothing in common, except being contestants of American Idol. Their backgrounds, personalities, goals, and basic natures are not even similar. But the underlying values and belief systems are identical. They both love music. Both are people of honor and integrity. They may not understand each other, but that does not stop them from loving one another.
The perfect couple also brings out the best in each other. They want to be a hero in each other’s eyes, and will question and if need be, change damaging opinions, attitudes, beliefs, or actions.
The partners will try to change themselves to be the best they can be, but they accept the other’s flaws and limitations.
And of course the perfect couple is deeply in love. Their love is a mature love. They share a passion for each other, but they haven’t confused lust with love. Because they understand and completely accept each other, we know their love will last and grow.
What I love about this fandom and the stories is the variety of the definition of the perfect couple. Our idea of the perfect couple is often different. And that’s good. Otherwise, we’d all write about the same people and present the same perfect couple.
For example, some of us don’t believe in love at first sight. Some believe in lust or attraction at first sight, but not love.
My concept of the perfect couple is based on my fantasy or sometimes my reality. I can’t create a silly cutesy character, for example, because this type of character is definitely not my fantasy idea, and I don’t want him as part of my reality. I enjoy the writing the most when my selected couple can have a profound and committed love that will evolve and endure.
So, what is your perfect couple like?
For me, the perfect couple begins with two imperfect people.
When I’m doing character sketches for a new story, I list the positive and negative qualities of my characters. I note the areas where they are alike and where they are different.
Regardless of considerable differences in background or personality, they always, always, share the same basic value system. To me, the perfect couple must agree on moral and ethical issues; they must share the same world view. This is the common ground that will help them resolve their conflicts and that forms the bedrock of their relationship.
Kris and Adam, for example, appear to have almost nothing in common, except being contestants of American Idol. Their backgrounds, personalities, goals, and basic natures are not even similar. But the underlying values and belief systems are identical. They both love music. Both are people of honor and integrity. They may not understand each other, but that does not stop them from loving one another.
The perfect couple also brings out the best in each other. They want to be a hero in each other’s eyes, and will question and if need be, change damaging opinions, attitudes, beliefs, or actions.
The partners will try to change themselves to be the best they can be, but they accept the other’s flaws and limitations.
And of course the perfect couple is deeply in love. Their love is a mature love. They share a passion for each other, but they haven’t confused lust with love. Because they understand and completely accept each other, we know their love will last and grow.
What I love about this fandom and the stories is the variety of the definition of the perfect couple. Our idea of the perfect couple is often different. And that’s good. Otherwise, we’d all write about the same people and present the same perfect couple.
For example, some of us don’t believe in love at first sight. Some believe in lust or attraction at first sight, but not love.
My concept of the perfect couple is based on my fantasy or sometimes my reality. I can’t create a silly cutesy character, for example, because this type of character is definitely not my fantasy idea, and I don’t want him as part of my reality. I enjoy the writing the most when my selected couple can have a profound and committed love that will evolve and endure.
So, what is your perfect couple like?