I now know what it's like to be a fly on the wall!
Yesterday I spent about an hour getting to know my main character (MC). Initially he was a bit abstract, but it didn't take long before I was transported into his world - his home, school, and local hang-out spots.
Allowing myself that time to daydream was immensely helpful. Not only did I suss out the seemingly basic aspect of physical appearance, I was able to see how his physical appearance affects both his personality/mannerisms and those of the people around him too. Annoying habits and speech patterns abounded and my pen could hardly keep up!
Suddenly my view began to expand. He was no longer a solo character but part of a family and peer group too. In trying to figure out his place in the family my rough sketch became a vivid family portrait filled with memories. By watching him at school I got flashbacks of all his school experiences - past, present, and future.
Another unexpected benefit of being a fly on the wall has been the development of a cast of secondary characters and a potential antagonist.
I've yet to figure out the answers to the BIG 4 (see previous post) but I'm sure as the day progresses and I continue to tune in to my MC they'll become clearer. I suspect that they may remain a little elusive until I figure out what sort of crime my MC is going to have to solve...
Until next time, happy writing ;)
Showing posts with label Character. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Character. Show all posts
Today I've decided to invest a little time in planning my MG mystery novel. Although I'm still in the process of reading and researching I decided that getting to know my main character (MC) is aspect of my story I can start on.
One recurring message I've picked up has been the importance of investing time in getting to know your MC. Knowing your MC intimately is what helps the direction and development of an exciting plot.
There are a whole list of questions to help writers get to know their MC. The four most important things you need to consider are:
1. What MC's goal is
2. What the MC's motivation is for wanting to achieve their goal
3. What obstacles stand in his way and stop him from achieving his goal
and one final question that I wasn't an obvious part of my brainstorm until reading an article on the CBI website (it's a great site - you should really consider joining if you're not already a member)
2. What the MC's motivation is for wanting to achieve their goal
3. What obstacles stand in his way and stop him from achieving his goal
and one final question that I wasn't an obvious part of my brainstorm until reading an article on the CBI website (it's a great site - you should really consider joining if you're not already a member)
4. What might happen if the MC gets what he wants?
There are countless other questions to consider too.
Tip: I found it useful to play a game of Truth or Dare with my main character. I asked questions about his dreams, goal, fears...and noted his response to dares - this helped me to identify contrasting characteristics e.g. confident cool kid who doesn't care what people think about him but in reality cares deeply about what people think.
Another idea that sprang to mind was the idea of taking your MC on a speed date...or kid equivalent - perhaps more of a quickfire 'find a friend' meeting.
Tip: I found it useful to play a game of Truth or Dare with my main character. I asked questions about his dreams, goal, fears...and noted his response to dares - this helped me to identify contrasting characteristics e.g. confident cool kid who doesn't care what people think about him but in reality cares deeply about what people think.
Another idea that sprang to mind was the idea of taking your MC on a speed date...or kid equivalent - perhaps more of a quickfire 'find a friend' meeting.
The list of questions to ask is endless! Take time to get to know your MC, and remember to avoid stereotypes as they make for a very boring and predictable story.
P.S. Feel free to leave a comment or ask questions. I'd love to hear from you!
Mayra Calvani's picture book workshop 'Walking on a Rainbow' was fantastic! You'd be amazed at the rate one's skill level can advance in such a short amount of time, especially under the guidance of a skilled teacher. If picture books are your thing I'd highly recommend her course.
Now it might seem perfectly obvious that picture book stories need to be tightly focused.
Indeed it is. But knowing and achieving this are two quite different things.
Mayra provided us with a challenge - to answer 4 simple questions in no more than a sentence:
1. In 1 word, what is your character's flaw?
2. What is your main character's goal?
3. What is standing in the way of your main character achieving their goal?
4. Does your character have an internal conflict? (one that parallels the external conflict)
These questions have been perhaps the single most useful idea for a starting point that I've managed to identify yet. While my head is filled with a gazillion picture book ideas, each brainstorm I do always starts off with answering these questions.
And, while the idea was introduced in the context of picture book writing, I'm certain it's just as applicable in other contexts too. I'll let you know once I get underway with my next project - a middle grade mystery!
I've also found that revisiting these questions as I re-read and edit my work has helped me to narrow down my focus to the bear essentials. It's amazing how many 'bonus features' you end up adding that just aren't necessary.
After writing a story, the next challenge is having someone critique your work. This can be a scary thought - although as a teacher I'm rather accustomed to being observed and critiqued - but it's important to remember that a good critic will offer you encouragement, a rundown of what works and what doesn't, and most importantly offer suggestions for change.
Finding people to critique your work is fairly simple. A quick web search is all it takes. Two very useful pieces of advice I've received are:
1. Join a group that specifically deals with the genre you're writing in - very important since each has its own set of rules.
2. Join a group that has both experienced and novice writers - experienced writers have the know-how when it comes to the nuts and bolts, but beginners can have something to offer too.
Next time: A progress report on my branching out into the unknown that is middle grade novels.
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