Thursday, July 05, 2007

Sometimes my own cheesy capacity makes me want to shoot myself in the kneecaps

So, um, let's say that you're reading a YA novel. And let's say that there's some snogging going on. And let's say that the author inserts this interchange about soul mates . . .

Would you *hate* her? For being such a sappy psycho cliche piece of cheese?

Or is the idea not as distressing as I think it is?

And if it *is* as distressing as I think it is . . . Could one of you offer a brilliant substitution that would keep the pace of the plot going? Preferably before tomorrow morning when I . . . I mean, this theoretical author has decided to send it off?

12 comments:

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Depends so much on how it's done. The concept of soul mates isn't what's cheesy, it's the usual presentation....the, "They stared itno each others eyes and instantly knew they were soul mates." line. Uck!

It's the simplicity of it that galls the reader. The notion that soul mates are a common thing, and therefore require no further depth of understanding. We don't want them to be common, but we crave insight into the experience. Does that make sense?

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

p.s. I decided I liked you enough to start reading your archives this evening and I'm so glad I did. You're a hoot! Love your honesty...the "realness" of you, if that makes sense. Looking forward to reading more.

Idalia said...

Well one of them could be like "do you believe in soul mates?" and the other one could be like, "of course not, that's ridiculous" and then the other one could be like "yeah, ridiculous" and they could kind of look at each other and you could use your magical writing skills to sort of let us know they were both lying.

Idalia said...

But whatever, also, teenagers believe in soul mates, I doubt they will blink.

Idalia said...

And also, if they were really soul mates they would be able to be honest about this. So. Comment rescinded!

SWILUA said...

Hi Kimberly! There is a very good reason for the fact that I seem real. Are you ready for it?

I *am* real.

Whoa, huh.

:-)

SWILUA said...

In all seriousness, though, the fact that I am real has TOTALLY freaked me out before. I'd be sitting in p-chem and suddenly, I'd realize that I *existed.* And I'd get SO weirded out.

My study partner in p-chem--a delightful boy who reminded me of Guy Smiley--once called me up YEARS after we'd graduated and said, "Hey! I just had a Kerry moment! I realized that I existed and I was like, WHOA!"

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I'm laughing out loud - seriously glad I came back and read the comments. =P

My most common "moment" is the realization that everyone exists in the same way I do. That they live their life with their own inner dialogue, and see the world as it pertains to -them-.

I don't like those moments. I'd rather believe it's all about me.

Steve said...

Hmm. Delightful, huh? Just let me get my hands on that muppet...

SWILUA said...

So many thanks to all of you for your ideas!

I love you all passionately!

(Except that a heck of a lot of people have been objecting to my use of the word passionately lately. I think it's a great word! Someone explain?)

SWILUA said...

muppet, Steve? I don't get it.

SWILUA said...

oh, I get it now. Guy Smiley. Yeah. You always *were* jealous of him. Don't be jealous of muppets, baby! They're made of *felt*!