A new month is upon is and as you know the Wednesday write ins each have a different monthly theme. This one I find incredibly interesting. I know part of that is because I tend to lean into fantasy but I promise it can be a good exercise regardless of what you write.
For July we are going to look at Religious Objects. I know, talk of religion sometimes sends people scurrying, but we are not going to talk about religion. Well, not exactly. When writing there are times when it is important to imbue certain objects with meaning. Sometimes it is personal meaning, a broach handed down through generations, an item given that symbolizes some threshold reached. And as writers we need to make certain that the reader understands the meaning that the characters in the story give to that item.
As I often write fantasy I have on occasion found it necessary to invent various religions that fit the worlds I am creating. Sometimes I borrow from religions that either currently or once historically existed, other times I make them up solely to suit the story. Other genres too have cause to write about religious objects. Whether the religion is made up or actually exists the writer has to make a reader see the details and understand the meaning behind the piece. And that is what we are focusing on this month. Objects with meaning beyond themselves and the elements that make it up. If you want to take religion out of your writing, I understand. Just take the religious aspect away and concentrate on making the item have a meaning that deeply affects your character.
Today’s Object: An Amulet
Again I feel some of you thinking, I don’t write fantasy. That’s fine. If you are sticking with religion and think amulet isn’t part of your genre then pick some other religious emblem worn on a chain around the neck. Or if avoiding religion all together, an important necklace.
It can be small and unassuming. It can be spectacular and encrusted with rare gems. We can watch as it is taken from a special box in a ceremony or simply know that it is tucked under a shirt by the shape of the cloth over it. Think about the amulet. Decide it’s shape and style. Is the curvature of one of the elements significant to a certain branch of the faith, is that branch scandalous or currently dominant? Your narrator can be impressed, disgusted, in awe or disturbed by the presence of the item. But make them have a reaction. Have their reaction show the reader the meaning behind the element. Thee are so many positive and negative emptions to choose from. Think about the item, tie it to a deep level of significance and show how that significance affects the story.
As always, happy writing.
Ten til Midnight 