Hello once again, Readers!!!So I wanted to blog about something important since NaNo is in a couple of days. I have been going back and forth with myself on whether or not I am going to try it. I’m just not sure I can squeeze both, From the Embers and another WIP, in at the same time. I think what I will do is attempt it, but not hold my breath. If I succeed then more power to me, but if not, then oh well…there is always next year.
But I digress.
Let’s talk characters. It is important to jump into NaNo with a clear idea on who you are going to be writing about. If you aren’t sure yet, don’t fret…you are only a few steps away from figuring it out! There is an easy way to familiarize yourself with your characters so you will be a set for the big month. 10 steps to success!
Below I have compiled a series of questions that I use for my own character development. These are basic questions that will mold your character into a real, believable person that a reader can relate to. So grab a notebook and a pen and lets begin (I’m a poet and didn’t know it…lol)!
- What does your character look like? (Try to really envision this person. If you aren’t clear on the appearance, neither is the reader)
- Detail you characters appearance down to scars on their body and how they got them. Hair, hygiene, style, ect.
- List five personality traits and then detail each one as to why they are that way. (Make sure there are good and bad traits. For the bad, explain why and how it affects others. Do enemies occur from this trait? For the good, how they got that way and what ways they use it in their daily life.)
- Greatest strength versus greatest flaw. (They need to have at least one of each to avoid Mary-sue-itis.)
- What are their likes and dislikes? (Take time to get to really know them. What do they find attractive in the world and in people. What do they despise in the world and in people? Make them as real as possible down to food choice and movie selection.)
- What is their dream/aspiration? What goals have they set?
- Where were they born and who raised them? (Get into detail on who raised them and how this molded their POV.)
- What is unique about your character? (The reader needs something to root for. Something that sets them apart from every other book out there.)
- What is their biggest fear? (Knowing this will help you add this into the plot as a character builder. Something they can overcome by character growth.)
- Do they have a love interest? How do they feel about love? (You need to know how they deal with relationships.)
If you take a good day to sit down and answer all of these questions, then you are on the right path to writing a believable character. Keep these notes with you and read them again and again to really familiarize yourself with them. Soon enough, it will be a no brainer. Your character will be as real as you or me.
From there you can begin plotting your story or like me, wait until the last minute and just write. I don’t limit myself with a chapter by chapter outline. It’s too confining. I have an idea where I want the story to go and I try to stick with it.
Now I have three characters that I need to sit down and interview! This is the fun part. The beginning stages to an entirely new world. I hope this has helped you. There are so many different ways to do things out there; it’s nice to share and learn new ways.
That being said, do you have any added questions to share?
Echelon out ♥
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I completed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
