In the Thursday class of week 2, we were challenged with the idea of listing something we like and dislike – reasons for our likes/dislikes, and reasons why someone may see it differently (and like the thing we dislike, or dislike the thing we like) – as well as who these people may be.

Having played a gig the night before (and having gotten slapped with a large parking fine that same night) I chose two very topical likes and dislikes – that is, my appreciation for wine, and my disdain for parking tickets.

Wine

I like

  • the taste of it
  • how it can accompany a meal very well
  • the associations with it (classy image)
  • how it makes me feel
  • how you can get different types depending on what you feel like (table red/white, champagne, dessert wine, etc.)

Why people may dislike it

  • Alcohol (some people are averse for various reasons)
  • People may not like the taste of wine
  • Some people may find it “snobby”
  • Environmentalists who dislike the amount of water usage at vineyards
  • Other negative associations (bad previous experiences, etc.).

Potential story-tellers:

  • Reformed alcoholic
  • Disgruntled farmer whose wine-growing neighbours won’t allow him to use pesticide.

 

Parking fines

I dislike

  • having to pay money
  • how the fines are often disproportionate to the action
  • how they are awarded even late at night (10:30pm)
  • how they are difficult to dispute, and there is no leniency
  • that I have to pay one by the end of the month.

Why people may like them

  • they keep cars from congesting the streets
  • form of council revenue
  • form of employment for people (council workers)
  • form of regulating the parking in the area
  • maybe entertainment from annoying people( bit of a stretch ?)

Potential story-tellers:

  • Parking inspectors with stories about people who have tried to avoid paying fines.
  • Residents who are glad their streets are kept clear for parking

 

I feel like this was a pretty interesting exercise. It is easy, as a writer, to be tempted into writing merely from one’s own experiences and view of the world; as this is the easy way to create characters and it feels natural. But understanding those who oppose us, and perhaps breaking down their points-of-view to understand why they oppose us; opens a whole new world of character creation.