Friday, July 26, 2013

On Writing Melia: The Freedom of Flight

When you write a story, when you create a character, what subconscious influences are at work?

I don't know the answer to that question, but I do know that I grew up listening to the John Denver song The Eagle and The Hawk over and over and over again. Now, discussing the power and freedom symbolized by flight—specifically, the flight of the majestic eagle—with a reader, my memory offers up this song like a gift.

And as I listen to the rhythm like a heart beating hope, and the chords layering a known but impossible to describe revelation, along with John Denver's soaring vocals, I think…maybe…maybe this is why Melia is an eagle.

Maybe this is why she flies.

And maybe this is why choosing between freedom and true love is so difficult her.
And I find myself pushing play… over and over and over again.

Just like when I was child.

Just like when I hoped.

Just like when I dreamed… of so many things.