Worthy Of Psychologist's Playground

Morning Folks,

I'm still fighting this cold/allergy goofy thing, but at least it's getting better (I didn't wake up coughing last night).

Now onto today's topic:

I know, it's a weird title but being that I took a huge interest in psychology in high school (plus I have a sister who has her Ph.D. in psychology). But the thing is, I got to thinking about a story I once was thinking about writing a long while ago (I only remember the title and a vague idea about the plot). But the title was The Madman and I basically remember that the guy was going to go crazy after his wife dies. Don't remember much more than that, but there you go.

Then there's a book I recently read by MaryJanice Davidson called The Royal Treatment (by the way, if you're a lover of romance novels and you haven't read this author, get thee to her shelf immediately! I've read one of her mermaid books--and loved it and I'm getting into the Royal Series). I've read some of her vampire ones, but I like the other ones better.

Anyway, in The Royal Treatment her (MaryJanice Davidson's) character, Christina is sent to go to talk to a psychologist and she doesn't feel that she needs to be there. It's actually kind of funny.

Some characters that look like the psych world would have a field day with them are some of the most memorable ones...

Hamlet, for one. Think about it...like I said before, if your uncle murdered your father and married your mother and you knew he did it, wouldn't it mess with your head, too?

What about Ophelia? Poor thing. She basically was cast aside and went nuts.

Hannibal Lector, anyone? Not that I've seen any of the movies (I don't think I'd be able to sit through one) but based on what I've heard he was definitely one of those people would say the psych world would have a field day with.

But despite these people's situations, they are memorable. We remember them either because of their madness or because of the impression they made with how they thought and acted.

Now I'm not saying your characters need to be talking-to-skulls-with-crazed-girlfriend types or cannibals, but I am saying sometimes when you explore the how and why your character does or thinks something, that is often what makes them the most memorable to others.

Motivation is important. What motivates your characters is what determines their actions. They don't have to be on a psychologist's playground to be memorable, but the more you get "into their heads" the more you get to know them and the more your readers will have to go on.

Have A Tea-Time Tuesday!

(Meaning have a relaxing day!)