Discover Your Fictional Characters' Personalites

Story and Character – the two primary elements entwined in the writing of your story. If you like writing short stories and novels, you probably get ideas at the weirdest times – like in the shower or walking down the street, or picking up a box of cereal at the grocery store. Hopefully you’ve taken my advice in previous blog posts, you have some way of getting that idea down; a voice recorder, your phone that will record notes, or just a note pad. Make note of it or you'll lose it. Simple as that. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Then comes the hard part: character – figuring out how this person respond to situations, how he feels, what his background is and what might motivate him to do what he does. 

There isn’t room here to talk about all the aspects of personality – may I suggest you study up a bit on psychology, perhaps visit your library and read a few copies of something like Psychology Today?  Read the newspaper to see what the interesting folk in your are ae saying and doing and what seems to motivate them. Visit Wikipedia's entry on 16 Personality Factors and branch out from there.

With those suggestions on the side-burner, we can hit some of the highlights and hopefully get you thinking in the right direction.

Is your character more of a follower or a leader? Does he (we’ll continue to call the main character ‘he’ here for simplicity’s sake) act or react? Forceful and assertive or more reserved?

And that leads to shy or bold? Does your character have to be drawn out, or is he the sort to thrust out his hand and introduce himself? Is he one to observe more or participate? Sip a drink alone or socialize?

Think about whether your character is a perfectionist, can tolerate disorder in his life, or initiates it! Does the character realize where he stands in this regard and have some kind of internal dialog about how it affects him? If his apartment is littered with clothes, magazines strewn about and old take-out containers gooey with former contents, does it bother him or is it just part of his life?

How about tension? Is your character relaxed or stressed? Is he hyper to the point of driving away girlfriends and social friends? Or is he so laid back he gets himself fired from a job he likes?

Does he like change and spontaneity or does he avoid last minute dates?

Is he self-reliant to a fault – unwilling to consult or partner with others, but rather doing things ‘lone-wolf’ and getting himself into many sticky situations?

As writers we need to recognize it’s the small things that make the character breathe with life. What is hisr favorite drink?  Does he dress predominantly in one color? Is your character afraid of snakes ala “Indiana Jones”?  Does he love high speed or skydiving? Does he enjoy crowds or solitude?

It helps to reflect on your own thoughts and personality, but don't make that the only template for developoing your characters.

Having a hard time coming up with character traits from the ground up?  You might try thinking about close friends and casual acquaintances - what is it about their personalities that makes one a close friend, the other not so much? How do they match or complement you? How are they opposite you?  It can help to sit down and do a short writing excercise in which you describe the inner workings you perceive of that person as well as what shows on the outside. We're all human, we all hide a lot and even in that hiding, expose ourselves.

The next time you sit down to write a story, flesh out your characters in your mind at the beginning and you’ll find that story opening up in ways you wouldn’t have thought of before.



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WritersWebsites Wednesday - InkyGirl

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is an active writing presence online.  At her InkyGirl.com site she offers tips, tools, inspiration and links for writers of all abilities and kinds. She tweets at twitter and she's one of Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers.

5 Steps to The Writer As God

One thing about us writers is we get to play god. (I'll use a small 'g' here out of respect - and small 'g' or large 'g', you know what I mean.) We do it every day. Write a book, write a screen script, write a TV pilot and you're creating your own world with your own rules; all of it, your way and all you have to do is make it believable.

And of course it will no doubt take you a bit more time and God took to create the world (depending on your beliefs). I mean the generally accepted week thing probably won't work for you.  Afetr all, you have many more distractions like getting that second cup of coffee, maybe going to your day job, remembering a friend's birthday or playing with Wii.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."  - Lao-tzu

So, for starters, number one, decide what your story is meant to be - is it a book, a script, a TV pilot or Movie of the Week? You can change your mind later, but just to get things going, which is it to be?

Now if we're going to think in terms of 'faith' as opposed to scientists who say it took  a couple of billion years to create the world (I'm sure you can accomplish your writing project faster than that) then think about the WORD. Because you're a writer the word won't echo across the universe - you  must in fact write it down or your new world won't spring into being .

So, Number two, write something down. Something. Anything. Begin with whatever you already have in your head about the project. A location? A character's name and/or info? Some plot twist?

Just as an example, do you have a character in mind? A main character or one who will be major in a subplot?  You do.  Great. Write down that character's name, make him or her real.  No name?  Make one up knowing you can always change it later - more than once if you like. Be original. Make the name ultimately fit the character, but don't go crazy and don't name him or her after yourself.  Got that name written down? Now, add something you know about the character. Anything. Age? Married? Buddhist Monk? Capable? Confused?

Not you confused, your character. Anyway, make it something definite. If you're struggling with too little information that should get you started.  If you're excited to begin and overwhelmed with what you think you know, that should help you pin things down and shuffle lots of less relevant material to the background for now. Not that that surplus of information isn't important, it just can't be part of the mix right now.

But on to Number three - suppose you don't have a character yet, supposed you just have an idea.  Okay, start there. Where does the story take place? Another dimension? The downtown supermarket? A retirement home? Focus in on that for the moment. Yep, I'm gonna say it again. Write it down. Then do the same as I mentioned for character. Write down something you know about the place where the story is set.  Is the dimension parallel to ours in time or is it future or past? Are the people the same as us or something entirely different? Is the supermarket clean an dtidy or a mess? Is it close to everything or isolated?  Is it open 24 hours or less?  Is the retirement home an excellent environment, the setting for a good-natured comedy, or is it grim and sad - like something from a horror story?

So hopefully you've taken a couple of steps here: writing things down!

Now, number four, you can begin combining your elements.  Just as an example, Jason Smith works down at your local home improvement store and he's just fallen through a fairy pothole into a parallel dimension. Or, Eleanor Reems is 87 and lives in a delightful retirement home where her children have put her, but she hates it and is plotting her revenge.

You've got a few things established and while it may not seem like a lot, it is a solid beginning, something you can add to and build upon.

Okay, step number 5. Think about a problem for your character. What might it be? Review what you've already written down. What kind of problem could spring from that? For example. If Jason Smith is in another dimension can he get back?  Is there a time constraint wherein after it the pothole will colse? Is there someone on the other side he sets out to rescue to bring back with him before the pothole closes?  Or what about Eleanor Reems - is she 'dead' serious about revenge as in the ultimate ancient black widow?  Or is she set on petty retaliation? How does she get out of the retirement home? She's not a prisoner, but she is watched. Or maybe she doesn't get out - maybe she sets traps there for her unwary children.

Whatever it is write it down.  It doesn't have to be good yet - that comes later - just play god, create your world and write it down!


 

Writers Websites Wednesday- Being Healthy

It may seem less than exciting, but today's website is dedicated to healthy writers.  If you wanna write you have to keep healthy and keep that brain clear of fog. So today we visit Healthy Writer.  It's a blog dedicated to the idea of writing and health. They offer resources and articles, ideas to keep fit and combine it with the link to writing world. Oh, and it's written by "healthy writers".

A Few Words On Horror Writing

The horror genre isn't really mine, but writing is my thing and I do enjoy reading some of the horror genre.  One of my favorite authors is Dean Koontz because he handles it so well; a great blend of suspense, mood and spook all mixed up in the real world.

Many folks think horror is just gory, bloody, violent and not at all to their taste.  I can understand that since some books and movies are filled with meaningless violence and bloodshed used for shock value. That can make it pretty horrifying - but I doubt it's in the way the author or screenwriter actually intended. That kind of work is more shock and nausea than anything else.

However, true horror writing is about suspense, atmosphere, character emotion and how they've been developed. It offers plot twists and dialog consists of more than screams.

Let's face it, fans of the horror genre read that genre for heart-pounding chills, but in order for it to be more than blood, gore and splatter, the writer has to give his or her readers a great story as well.

Keep in mind that readers - all genres - are there for the ride. They're willing to suspend disbelief and their first hand experience of the real world (in fact there's a name for it - the reader's trance), but the writer has to give them a reason to read other than fountains of blood (that never got me to read anything).

So if you're of a mind to tackle writing in the horror genre remember you need to start off with a really great hook - give your readers that reason to read.

Pick up a few good (emphasis on 'good') horror novels and read the first paragraph or two.  Hooked?  Want to read more?  What was the hook that got you? Some begin with a strange, perhaps spine-tingling occurrence; others start out in 'normal' world and bring in the horror elements so quietly you hardly know they're there until Wham! you get your socks knocked off.  That's why Dean Koontz is one of my personal favorites. He's a master at slipping up on you from behind.  It's sort of like starting a small snowball rolling down hill go discover it's an avalanche at the end.

As a writer you have to realize as well that though your characters may well be ghosts, ghouls, witches or werewolves and vampires, they still have to be possessed of characteristics with which the reader can identify. They don't all have to be lovable or heroic, they can be out and out jerks, but something for the reader to get a hold of is imperative. Give them emotions and human characteristics. Give them names, mannerisms, actions and a way of speaking that makes them stand out to your reader. Think about names: How would you name your 'hero' and what kind of names would you give to a vicious villain? And apply the same standard for horror as for any other genre: don't give similar sounding names to our characters. Don't confuse your readers. Don't make them puzzle so hard over who is who that it distracts them from your story.

Think about descriptions as well.  Remember you're aiming for atmosphere, tension and suspense. Less is more. Dole out details that tell  your reader something about the character, but don't go crazy and fill your book with them. Let your reader get into the skin of your characters and use their own imagination to fill in some of the details. Point them in the right direction and let go. You don't want to stop the flow of your novel. Keep in mind all of your senses and bring them into play. Smell, taste, sight, sound and feel. Think about them as they apply to your characters, then pluck out the best ones to build  your horror tale.

Breath life into your characters by making them real.  Let them make mistakes. Let them think inappropriate thoughts - like how fat his business partner has gotten since he started spending all his time behind a desk.

And think of the detail in your story. If you are indeed using werewolves as main characters, how do they look?  If they're completely normal as human, what happens when they transform? Do they  have enough time to shed their clothes? What happens to their shoes? Are they naked when they change back (one would think so - but you may have an original take). Whatever you create in your world you must make it believable. Let your reader identify with the world you create, then give it some fantastical twist.

And, needless to say, in addition to character and setting, you need a really great plot and conflict. You can't just string together 'horrifying' scenes and expect it ti be a readable book.

Read a lot in the horror genre if you want to write in it.  Find exceptional writers to analyze their storytelling. Don't think it will be an 'easy sale' to just do what's been done. Stretch yourself, grow. Read articles on the craft and books by great authors. Then, when you dream up something that seemingly could only exist in nightmares, you'll be well equipped to create a great novel from it. 

You might also want to check out the Horror Writers Association.

Enjoy those things that go bump in the night.

Writers Websites Wednesday - Shortcuts To Stronger Writing

This one's a posting at the  Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America website.  It isn't new, but it sure applies for all writers.  Not a bad review for the established and lots of good advice for the new writer. Writerisms & Other Sins sit back, read it through and give it some thought.  As they say at the site, "Writerisms: overused and misused language. In more direct words: find ‘em, root ‘em out, and look at your prose without the underbrush."

Have at it! 

Top Five Free Resources for Broke Writers & Some Extras

Want to get started writing, but you're broke and think you have nothing to start with?

Well, you're wrong.  One of the best things about freelance writing is you don't have to spend a lot of money up front to begin writing and hopefully making some money from your work.
You will need some basics though:

Paper of some kind (you can frequently get this free), ask around, companies change letterhead and throw out the old, some notebooks get partially used before someone tosses it out - tear out used pages & use the rest. Use the back side of one-sided paper someone has thrown out. Be creative and think. Watch for sales at office supply at the beginning of the school year; they frequently offer notebooks at $.01 each or maybe $.05 each.

Writing implement - you can score free pens in the bank or maybe left lying around somewhere. You can get them really cheap at beginning of school year sales. They're probably just lying around the house and lots of places hand them out as promos.

A flash drive whether you actually own a computer yourself or not.  Again, watch for sales at office supply stores. I've gotten a 3 meg flash drive for as little as $5.00 - sometimes with rebates you can get them free. Maybe a friend has a bunch lying around and wouldn't mind sharnig one with you. Ask for one for a birthday or holiday gift.

Okay, so you have the rudimentary basics. Here are some things you can get for free or use for free.  Some of this may not be terribly convenient, but convenience usually costs $$$ so once in a while that has to be sacrificed until you can afford your own set-up.
 

With that in mind:

 

You need a computer but don't have one yourself yet.

1.    First resource: Public Library - Yes, they  have computers for public use.  Most want you to reserve time so keep that in mind. If using this resource it's best if you do your draft work on paper, then plug in your flash drive, transcribe your work, proofread and save to the flash drive. At that computer you can also create a free email account perhaps at www.yahoo.com www.care2.com, www.gmail.com or some other you may know of.  That account is from where you can later send your queries. Just make sure you remember to create a password that can withstand a nuclear hit and make sure, since it IS a public computer, to sign out when you leave - every time.

The library will have rules for computer use and accessing the internet. Some have very short periods you can use the computer. Obey the rules. Type fast! Make friends with the librarians.

Oh - a side note - you're in the library, they do  have a lot of reference materials. It doesn't work like the net, but it defintely fills a need. Don't pass up that great resource.

 

You actually do have a computer with internet access, but you can't afford all that software.

2.    Second resource: Free Software - Yes there is software out there you can download free (hopefully when you make some money you'll donate to help keep them going). A really great one is Open Office www.openoffice.org Check out the freeware there. They offere a suite of software that does most of what you need. Words processor, spreadsheets for your bookkeeping or query tracking, and several more I haven't had need of yet, but came with the package. The word processor is compatible with Microsoft Word so people can open your .DOCs  when you email them. And, if you plan on some self-publishing you can make PDF files with Open Office very easily. They also have lots of templates for things like books and screen scripts. Check it out.

Spacejock offers free software for the writer-especially novels at http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter5.html

Plotbot offers free online screenwriting software http://www.plotbot.com/


 

You have a laptop computer with wiFi ability but no internet connection of your own.

3.    Third resource: Free Wi-Fi. There are lots of places now that have signs posted offering Free Wi-Fi. Just look around. Coffee shops frequently offer it. Your library may offer computers for use as well as free Wi-Fi. There are even 'hot spots' that offer free Wi-Fi such as bookstores & cafes. Check out your own town with an eye to those places. If you can't buy a cup of coffee try sitting outside and see if the Wi-Fi extends that far. But remember, don't become a problem or an obstruction. If the joint starts jumpin after you arrive and you're taking up valuable table space with one cup of coffee for two hours be considerate: pack it up and come back later.



You're a writer but sometimes you get stuck or just can't get it moving, you need some motivation.

4.    Fourth resource: Dr. Wicked's Write or Die:  http://www.WriteOrDie.com You can use it online free or purchase a desktop version for $10.00 (no I'm not selling it). Look to the right on the site and you'll see the Write Or Die Online box where you can type in your goal of number of words, your own time limit and a 'punishment' level. It does have sounds so either turn those off or use headphones. You're gonna love it. He now offeres the "Edit Minion" as well.



So now you're rolling, what the next thing you need? Writing work!

5.    Fifth resource(s) There are a number of places out there where you can bid for work, check for job postings, etc. There's www.elance.com (lets you make a number of free bids per month - but remember with Elance you're bidding against low bidders so it can be tough to make any serious bucks) and of course you can post on www.craigslist.org offering your writing services. www.writersweekly.com offers advice and market listings as does www.fundsforwriters.com.  Most magazine websites list writer's guidelines or submissions under "contact us" or something along those lines. If you want to write for a particular magazine and the masthead doesn't give online contact info check out the editor section, get the address and use snail mail (as primitive as that sounds).  You acn also find publsiher listings in books such as Writer's Market, Writers & Artists' Yearbook, Writer's Online Markets and more at your library. Another thing to do while you're there!


These recources should get you well on your way. Plainly, using a bit of creativity and being persistent there are ways out there to get started and earn money with your writing even when you're too broke to put some cash out. Have at it and good luck.