Men nurtured by their moms. May 27, 2012
I wonder what constitutes a fatal flaw. We’re
writing. We’re told to introduce a fatal flaw. Well, don’t take that too
literally unless you’re writing tragedy. Or some fatalistic or nihilistic fare.
No room for a romance with a happily ever after.
A man not loved and nurtured by his mother is
nearly ruined IMO. If you have a situation like that, you’ll walk a mind field
with at least two deep arcs. One arc over his mom and the other over being able
to love someone in a mature way.
It’s a great excuse to read case histories and
studies on this subject. When done, try a man without a father figure or a
father who didn’t love or nurture. The same goes for women.
It’s a rare child who can see he or she isn’t
loved and decides he or she is of value and will grow up normally and be able
to love. Because without examples, how will they be able to figure it out?
Maybe Sponge Bob has something to say. No really, kids could learn from some TV
character or later from some book or some great teacher how love works. Somewhere
along the line, they’ll need to experience it.
I created a thirteen-year-old girl in one of my
stories who has lost a father who had loved her. Then she lost her mother to
drink (over the loss of a husband). Then her mother dies. Will she be able to cope?
Yes, she remembers better times. Although she starts the story swearing off
love, she’ll come around.
Men, nurtured and loved by their moms, make better
heroes or at least ones who are a little easier to write. There are plenty of
other demons lurking to give your hero ‘fatal flaws.’ Try to save mom.
No more wire hangers.
