Blog Chain Blatherskite

Yes kiddos, it’s that time again! I feel lucky to have been invited to become a member of the blog chain with this multi-talented group of writers. Some may even have super powers, just go check out Elana’s blog (http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/ ), she posted before me. And H.L. Dyer will be next (http://hldyer.wordpress.com/).


The topic for our blog chain posts is different each time, and we take turns coming up with a question. As Elana said before me, we are getting closer to the time when we will have to pick, but luckily, she’s gonna have to come up with something brilliant before I do (but not too brilliant….then I’ll just look bad when I have to choose a topic).


Sandra (http://ulbrichalmazan.blogspot.com/) started this one, and she gave us a super hint. It was a video clip from The Princess Bride (check out her blog, it’s there). “As you wish.” Is definitely something that every woman would LOVE to have their man say to every simple request. So here’s the question:


What is the role of wish fulfillment in fiction? What personal wishes do you want your stories to fulfill? Are they the same ones you want to read about? How do our fictitious wishes affect our everyday wishes?


Now, I must admit (not for the first time) that I am a bit impulsive. I also have an imagination with a mind of its own. When I read the question the first time, I just skimmed it and then my imagination answered in lots of visuals. There was Gerard Butler doing my laundry, next he was mopping the kitchen floor, then he was cooking dinner. Each time I asked him to do something he would reply in his lovely Scottish brogue,

“As ye wish, Princess.” (okay, I threw the “Princess” in just so that I could imagine the “r’s” rolling off his tongue).

Now what does it say about me that I would fantasize about Gerard Butler doing my laundry or cleaning my house? Sad, isn’t it?

But then I read the first post by Sandra. Oops, I misunderstood the question.

Okay, I’m sure that most people agree that they read fiction as an escape from their life; being able to imagine yourself in a different time period, a different location, maybe even hob-knobbing with super natural beings. Whatever genre you read, or write for that matter, it’s usually because that’s what or where you’d like to be, at least for a few minutes of your day.

I think one wish for my writing would be that it takes the reader to another place. Whether you journey with Margaret to eighteenth century Scotland, get inside the head of Kathryn who is haunted by a young boy, or travel through the Veil with Gerard the Gede (***sorry Voodoo Priestess if that reference offends you), I want my readers to relate to my characters and experience emotions right along with them. I want readers to care about what happens to my characters. I think I want what most writers want. What do you think?


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http://terrirainer.blogspot.com/2008/09/open-apology-to-vodou-priestess.html

Open Apology to the Vodou Priestess

I want to take a moment to publicly apologize. It was recently brought to my attention that I may have offended some people (specifically Mambo M.B.) and perhaps even a few deities.

I'm sure most of you reading this are wondering if I have lost my mind. Let me back up a bit. I received a comment on an older post about my 2nd published Gede story. I'll just paste the comment, along with my response below.

mambo m.b. has left a new comment on your post "Gerard the Gede, Guardian of the Veil Part 2":


As a Vodou priestess, I'm offended by your marginalization of the Gede. The fact that you would imagine a character based on an actor to have the power of Baron Samedi, and not know anything about what the Gede represent or their power, is something I suppose should be expected from the ignorant masses... but it is still offensive.

Your writing also lacks description, plot, and forethought. There's a distinct reason why writers say: stick with what you know. Might I suggest you read more history and religion so that your writing will at least have depth?

I channel the Gede on a daily basis. They are not at all pleased with this gross misrepresentation at a 6th grade level. Not at all pleased is an understatement.

Even in fantasy, if you are going to reference religion, at least get your facts right and don't misuse terms and concepts from spirits of the dead who have been crossing into this world for 6,000 years.

Posted by mambo m.b. to Terri Rainer Published Author at September 14, 2008 12:16 PM


Here is my response:

TerriRainer has left a new comment on your post "Gerard the Gede, Guardian of the Veil Part 2":

mambo m.b.

I am very sorry if I offended you, it was certainly not my intention to do so. As for the name "Gerard", while reading about the Gede, Saint Gerard was mentioned, so I incorporated the two names of the Saint, and the Gede.

In my defense, these are short stories that I spent very little time on for a fledgling magazine. I have since decided that the Gede would make a wonderful full length novel.

I would much appreciate any information that you would like to provide about the Gede. I would love it if you emailed me.

I will most certainly do more research on the Gede, but you must understand that a bit of creative license is needed. I would also like to write it without being offensive to your religion.

Thanks so much!
:) Terri

Posted by TerriRainer to Terri Rainer Published Author at September 14, 2008 1:26 PM

Now, as you can all see, I have unintentionally pissed off not only a Vodou Priestess, but the Gede as well. I honestly meant no disrespect to anyone or their religion, and would TRULY love to hear from any out there who practice Haitian Vodou, ESPECIALLY if they channel the Gede.

It would be great to get first hand knowledge about them, what they may or may not find offensive and I really don't want any bad juju headed my way if I write a novel about the Gede!