Discovering Characters: A Proper Introduction

I’ve mentioned before that I have been having difficulty with my current middle grade project. I’ve realized that my stopping point boils down to, “Now what would that character say?” or “What else would this character do?” But I don’t have any good answers. I’ve re-written and brainstormed and re-written again only to figure out that I don’t know my characters well enough. I’ve read books, attended conferences, looked online and read in my genre. I’ve filled out character questionnaires and done character interviews, but even then I ask myself, “Well, how am I supposed to know what my character has in his pocket?” or “I have no idea what she would say about her best friend.” Every answer I come up with feels forced and doesn’t help me get any closer to understanding my character.

Recently a friend of mine and member of my critique group, Heather Clark, attended WIFYR and went to a class taught by Martine Leavitt that changed her life and as a result, mine. You absolutely have to read her recent blog about it on Real Writer’s Write. In using the “Mechanics of Desire.” I’ve finally grasped the question that has alluded me for years: How do I develop my character?  

In recent brainstorming sessions I’ve started with a miniscule idea of who my characters are (on both sides of the coin--protagonist and antagonist). Then to flesh them out I’ve started a document for each main character. I write a separate line for each aspect of my character and fill in:

Emotional Desire

Concrete Desire

Controlling Beliefs

Announced Strategies

Obstacles

Stakes

By doing this I really get into the character’s head. I understand who they are and why. From here, any quirks they have, skills they have, or objects in their pockets only make the character that much deeper. By understanding my characters desires and motivations, I can easily go from one scene to the next, which is where my other plotting resources (Dan Well’s Seven Point Plot Structure and Craig Nybo’s “How to Write a Novel”) will come in handy.

I have come farther in brainstorming this particular version of my story than I have ever been before, just through fleshing out the characters. I think that once I’m done figuring out my main characters the rest will come. I can’t wait to write “The End” on this first version of my story and get back into editing. Have fun discovering your characters and bringing them to life. I know I will!

Writer's Block

     I've been working on a middle grade novel for almost a year now and am still on chapter five. Not that I haven't been writing, but because I keep re-working the same chapters over and over. I have had other people read what I've written and they like what they've read. However they've raised concerns that have halted my progress with completely finishing the book. Things like, "If you keep writing this story, what is the consequence if she doesn't escape her situation?" My answer, "She'll get eaten." Their reply, "Isn't that a little gross for a middle grade novel?" Even though I love my setting, after months of trying to make it work, I had to concede--on more fronts than just that one. My total premise was off. I've re-thought what I'm going to write, but I had to work through what I want to have happen with the story and what will actually work. I'm starting to work through my writer's block and I know the story I'm currently writing will be better than the one I originally thought of. The key is to stick with it and don't give up (an don't let anyone read it until you're done with the rough draft)!

Consistency Is Key

    For the past year and a half since I started my writing career I've been off and on with my writing. But recently I decided that I would make writing a daily habit. I started with just 15 minutes a day (yes, I use a timer). From my business training I've learned that small and incremental changes create lasting change, so I have been improving over the past few weeks. For two weeks I wrote for 15 minutes, the next two weeks for 16, and am currently writing for 17 minutes a day. Since I've started this process I have brainstormed, written, and edited an entire picture book story and even done some major brainstorming and writing for a second story. Not bad for only 15-17 minutes a day. Every two weeks, when I feel like I have mastered the time frame, I will bump the time up one minute. Soon I will be at 20 minutes and in no time at all, an hour. My productivity will go up and hopefully my chances for publication. Good luck figuring out your goals and consistently reaching them!

Present Tense

  I am not quite finished with The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, but I have to say that I am amazed at the technique of using present tense throughout the book. Not only is the tense difficult to maintain, but it is so fitting for this particular story. Even with the jumps through time it feels like we're right there, experiencing the Circus, seeing Chandresh's mansion, watching the Illusionist. I love the mystery it creates along with the sense of urgency, pulling you through the story. I've tried this technique before. I love the end result, but I couldn't imagine keeping it up throughout an entire book. Of course it is a fun technique to try, even just as a prologue or summary. I am going to re-try this technique this month for a new picture book. I'm not sure if I can work with this tense without giving a creepy or mysterious feel (not very good for picture books), but worth a try anyway.

Becoming a Writer

      I have been putting off starting my writing blog because I haven't gotten anything published yet (or knew what to write on my blog). Really, to be honest, I have only been actively writing stories for about a year. My sister and her family moved in with me while job hunting and she said, "It has always been my dream to be related to an author. So I will take over the household chores like laundry, dishes, etc. That way you can earn some side income to help cover the costs of us living here." Well, when you say it like that, sure, I'll jump right in. I felt a little guilty giving up the grunt work, but I studied Creative Writing in college and have loved listening to, telling and writing stories my entire life. So, why not? To tell the truth my start was rocky, but I got in with a great group of writers that are positive, uplifting, inspiring and so much more experienced than I am. Through writing, reading about writing, and my "Critiki" group I have seem major improvements in my work. Of course I have a long way to go, but now I've got two middle grade novels in process, a five book picture book series (so far), and three more on the way. Most of my manuscripts need a lot of work, but all of them have great potential. My sister moved out in November and I haven't really had any "side income" just yet, but the process has started, the fire is lit, and now I'm on my way--housework and all.