Sticky Notes Blog

A blog of writing news, tips, and inspiration from Fat Plum

Give Your Character an Attitude Boost

Whether you're dusting off that neglected novel manuscript this fall or beginning a new one, take a moment to review the notes I took when re-reading Elizabeth George's book, Write Away (Perennial Currents, 2005). My jottings will appear on our Sticky Notes page in several installments, beginning with this one.

As I journey through the pages of Write Away, come with me. Read my brief, bulleted notes and vow to apply them to your WIP (work in progress). The points are deliberately concise in hopes of encouraging you to ponder what they mean--and then to stategize about how to apply them. Here goes:

From Chapter 1: Story Is Character

I. Character Must-Haves
A. Imperfections
B. Self-doubt in some area
C. Growth and change throughout course of story
D. Conflict

II. Misc. Interesting Quotes/Points
A. "Characters learn something from the unfolding events, and the reader learns something, too, as a character is revealed slowly by the writer, who peels away a layer at a time." (p.6)
B. "...Characters are interesting in their conflict, their misery, their unhappiness, and their confusion. They are not, alas, interesting in their joy and security." (p.6)
c. Attitude is one of the key elements of characterization. (p.9)
D. "Character is story. Dialogue is character." (p.16)

If you're like me, you've read hundreds of articles illustrating some or all of these points. In addition, you've probably heard many an author recommend similar advice. Yet, are you able to rattle off your character's imperfections and insecurities? And are these aspects genuinely rooted in her character (or did you just make up a quirky insecurity because you thought it would attract an agent's attention)?

If you'd like to send me a brief (and I mean brief) description of your character, highlighting the four Must-Haves above, feel free. I can be reached at judy@fatplum.com Please write "Character Boost" in the subject line.

Together, let's give our characters a boost! Finalize your Must-Haves before venturing too far into a plot that will surely fizzle without a foundation built on strong, definable characters.

Best of Luck!

Judy

P.S. If you'd like to purchase a copy of Write Away, click on http://www.mysterylovers.com and type "Elizabeth George, Write Away" into the search box at the top of the home page.

Posted by Judy on September 13, 2006
This entry was posted in the following categories: Writing tips