[Kiowa Warrior]

Yeah exactly: I think most people imagine themselves to be the hero of the day and save everyone no matter what they're experiencing...even though what they're experiencing could render them immobile. And just because someone really wants to help someone - and even knows that they can - does't always mean that they will. It's near immpossible to say how you would react to a certain situation: there's how you would like to react, and how you will react, and you can never be certain of one or the other.

Yes, writing in first person does take some of yourself into the character I believe, since if you've got to write from their point of view you'll be taking some of you pre-conceptions and beliefs into it as well...even though you may like to remain aloof from your character, I personally can't help but put some of my own personality into it when I write in first person...for me it's a lot easier and less exposing to write third person, since you're writing according to the parameters set by another person instead of having - or being able - write with a lot more freedom.

Writing has always been something that's come easily and naturally to me, and if I'm in the mood I can rattle something off without much difficulty. It all just depends on whether I want to put some of myself into that character or not! Yes, sometimes you want to write for the sole reason that you want to write, rather than due to a deadline or anything, and I believe that's when your best work can be produced.
I've never been a fan of standadised happy/pretty etc. characters! The more darker the more interesting imo.

We will both mourn our lack of help and involement in the crash together! It does sound good, since I would like to develop different aspects of my writing and you're a very good writer yourself!