Yesterday I started chapter two and (just like the previous time I'd tried to write it) found myself changing my mind. After the fourth attempt I got something I was satisfied with and that's when queries started occurring...
My hero is stood looking at a neglected field and he curses. Now if it were in English then it wouldn't be a problem, I could have toned it down, but he curses in Italian.
(I had already decided that this story was not going to fit the pocket novel formula and this moment confirmed it.)
I considered whether I could find an alternative way, but that wouldn't have been true to how I see and hear him in my imagination; it would also have denied part of his back story.
So off I went and googled Italian curse words and phrases. I discovered that just like the UK, there are different dialects in various areas of Italy too. Plus I have to remember that my story is based in the early 19th C not the early 21st...
So whatever I choose will be simple (and likely to have been used at the time) but will still get over his anger and upset at that moment.
I think I will be looking into the Italian language in a little more depth, and it won't be wasted- yes, there's an attractive Italian waiting for his story to be written, he's the brother of another character's love interest...
But I mustn't get sidetracked, those are other stories. :-)
Carol Bevitt's blog on her writing and inspirations, along with occasional literature related news...
Sounds like you've given yourself some work, Carol! But I like the Italian character.
ReplyDeleteFortunately my husband works with an Italian, so I'm going to get him to ask his colleague to translate a suitable phrase and one or two words that I will need for this story.
ReplyDelete