Creating Characters From Life

One of the best things about reading a novel is finding out what each of the characters want and then learning how they go about getting it. What is at stake? And, for whom? Do you remember finishing a chapter that you just couldn't close the book on - didn't you just have to read on to satisfy your curiousity? That's when you know the author did his/her homework. Homework? Really?

The truth is, every good author spends time working on Character Profiles, or Bio for each character in your story. Beside age, gender and what part of the country the story takes place, you can begin with a listing of attributes. Going deeper then, is the consideration of what is the driving force to make that character behave in certain ways or situations. What are their flaws?  - Be sure to add them, because nobody wants to read about a perfect character, especially since none of us reading are...perfect.

My first novel developed from release writing. After a year or insomnia it was complete. That was ten years ago. Then I began to study the craft of writing. Wow, was there a lot to learn! While there are a myriad of aspects to consider and plan for, creating and keeping a log of character details is extremely beneficial when drafting a story. Each character needs their own worksheet to help you keep their nuances straight; this also applies to what they might say or do.

As we well know, each story has a problem to solve. It's in the telling; the weaving of characters and how they go about responding to and solving the problem that makes it interesting. The most fascinating thing I stumbled on in this process is creating each character's voice.

When considering my antagonist, Emerson Gray, (in my forthcoming novel, The Forgiveness Factor) I needed him to have a sinsiter voice, one truely psychologically scarey. To me, that cinamatic voice comes from Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins' has portrayed a host of psychologically scarred individuals and it's easy to recall his voice from any of those movies. So, in an effort to create a living, breathing character, Emerson Gray comes to life with Hopkins' voice. Although Gray's physical characteristics differ from Mr. Hopkins, what Gray says, his demeanor, etc are deratives of Hopkins' screen performances.

Putting a real life voice to your characters will help set the stage for a good reader connection. Give it a try!

Read and keep writing,
Diane Rau

Tip of the Day

Writing,reading and action are all interrelated.  Something worth writing is more times than not something worth reading, Something worth reading leaves you with a hint of inspiration, perhaps motivation, at the very least a sense of satisfaction. The simple truth is, you never know who you will inspire by your words, so...keep writing.

The Promise of May

Happy May first everyone! The break of morning on the horizon promises to show off aspects of my garden that I've been running past coming to and from the house to avoid the onslaught of recent rain. Shockingly my bleeding hearts have miracously grown two feet tall, rivaling the pink and white peony bushes and a host of other early spring bulbs reaching out of the earth.
It never ceases to amaze me how rain can make everything grow so fast - including grass, which until yesterday competed for height recognition of the flower bed. Now that the lawn has been cut back to proper scale, there are no worries of loosing small children. Ah, the fragrance of freshly cut grass and spring flowers...I fully welcome the promise of May.

April Showers

April showers bring May flowers. As most of you know, this April offered up a  parade of tornado and flood watches. Despite the unusual weather I've be fortunate to experience like-minded friendly gatherings, which soften the soul and serve to ground us on windy days. Reconnecting with friends reminds us that our bucket need never be dry, and that the walk to the well is worth the trip.

Yes, April has thus far had it's share of excitement. With two days left, there is still the Royal Wedding and a very busy end of sale day for me at work...still much to be done. May is sure to burst with color from our April showers.