[stylist] do any other writers ever feel like this?

[Semirhage]

Well I definitely feel that my characters are real, at least to me. The 
friends in my head as it were, and I try to tell their stories as best I 
can. Often this means waiting for days to weeks until I 'hear' more of what 
happens. Recently I thought of a way to  write something that would simplify 
the plot, make sense and all that, but  I don't feel that's how it really 
happened. So it's be true to the characters and what I feel they say 
happened or make it easier for me by tying something more complicated into a 
neat  efficient bundle. I opted for the truth as I feel it, not what I 
wanted to do. I realize this is not the same as what you're asking, but I 
would say to dig deep, and find out if you feel it's what really happened vs 
what you want or even what they want as sometimes they don't enjoy harsh 
things happening. LOL. But if it's really the way you feel it goes rather 
than what is wanted, be  true to that and I really feel the writing goes far 
smoother. The few times I"ve gone with what I thought would be nice it got 
chinked up later so I just don't do taht. LOL.
I thought I was insane for thinking of characters the way I do, not that 
there is anything wrong with that, LOL, until I read my very favorite 
author, Diana Wynne Jones, saying the same. LOL. Not all authors feel such, 
so it's just the way one receives info I suppose, or creates it.
I won't even plan ahead with people in our RPGS as often I never know what 
my character  will do until they do it and I"m writing. I never want to say 
a thing can happen then they change it up in the end because I never know. 
LOL.
I hope the story works out for you.
Sem
I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.