Now that
the BirthRight Trilogy is complete, I have the time to work on all the other
writing projects singing away in my head. The tricky part, however, is getting
to know the characters. With the BirthRight Trilogy it was fairly easy, Cat I
based on myself, and her friends, on my friends. Loi is more a creation than
the other two, only because I’d known the ‘real’ Loi for just two months when I
started the draft (and who could resist a gorgeous, doe-eyed, Scottish girl).
It’s not
that creating characters is difficult – it isn’t, but the better you know them
the easier it is. So I’m trying something a bit different this time around. I
have bought three small notebooks/diaries (I’m working on three different
projects) and in no real order I’m just jotting down thoughts and responses to
situations for each of these characters. For example, when someone opens the
door for me I mentally jot down the responses that each character would have,
and then when I get home, make a note.
‘Some seedy
guy held the door open. Barely gave me enough room to squeeze through.
‘Accidentally’ stomped on his foot – next time he’ll look at my face, not my
boobs’
‘Was
carrying a load of fabric and so grateful to man who noticed, he held the door
until I got fully through. Nice to know some people will help the help.’
‘OG nearly
died. T held the door open for me.
Couldn’t stop stupid blush. Felt like such an idiot. T smiled and said something and I couldn’t get a word out. Can’t
even remember what he said!!?! Such a dork. He’ll never do it again.’
These are
just examples – not my actual entries, but you can see how it helps. It also
inspires random situations which I may play with later on. And I’m enjoying
sticking any pictures in that I think works for the character. I just love shredding
old magazines!! So much inspiration.
Do you have
any favorite methods for getting to know your characters? Share them in the
comments! I’d love to hear them.
Take care all!
Nic
Feel the Burn available at Amazon : AmazonUK : Smashwords
i have an inspiration book and when i see a nice model or outfit etc in a mag, or junk mail i cut it out and stick it in. I also google search for images of people "tall blondes" or "red-heads" usually comes up with actors and actresses that i like to base the looks on :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a fun idea. I love it. Maybe I'll have to give it a go and see if it helps me with my characters.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric one reminded me of the time I was coming out of McDonalds LOADED down with food for the family and it was raining and I couldn't get the car door open because my hands were full so this nice guy in a phone company truck got out to help me. It was very nice of him.
ReplyDelete