Five Star Friday – Human Nature Edition

Five great things I’ve learned about human nature this week.

1. My editor has had me working on character profiles. I’d been carrying all this information around in my head but, on paper, it has taken on a life of its own and I’ve discovered some interesting stuff that will make Memory of Water and Spirit of Water more layered. One of my favourite expressions is “love is blind, friendship closes its eyes” and I’m looking at my characters in a whole new light. Some are driven by feelings of abandonment, others lust, some by the need to protect, and I see aspects of myself in all of them.
2. I interviewed a psychic medium last Sunday and he said something that struck a chord with me: “It doesn’t matter if you’re worth one pound or one million, we all go through uncertainty and loss.” I get on with pretty much everyone I meet but this reminded me not to make snap judgements. Even in a room full of people, you can still feel alone, so I’m going to make more effort with everyone.
3. I sell more books when I’m not trying to sell books. Just by interacting with people I either already know, or share interests with, on social networking sites my book sales go up. I guess people don’t like being sold to and they become more curious about what I create as they get to know me better. Also, I’m able to relax into these interactions and be myself, not some slightly desperate author who’s anxious to sell copies. Besides, I’d rather tell a good story than make money.
4. Although I don’t know him very well (read: “at all”), I’ve been in touch with Marcos Brito, a rapper and DJ from London. Marcos filmed a documentary for Channel 4 back in 2007 and I watched it for the first time last night. I found it a fascinating insight into the changing attitudes to coming out for young men. You can watch the whole documentary on YouTube.
5. I don’t feel very well today but, no sooner had I been at my desk for 5 minutes, a lovely friend popped round to see me with a very thoughtful gift: a Wonder Woman cosmetic bag. I may not have any makeup to put in it but I’ll find a great use for it. What really touched me was that she had thought about me while she was out doing other things. That’s more than enough for me.