In my last post, I set a goal to complete my heroine's profile packet by the end of the week. Two nights spent in *Nadja's World* has paid off. Miss Juliana Adele Paxton has quirks, mannerisms, family relationships, temperament, and history mapped out on what used to be blank pages. Today I begin the same process on the hero, Mikhail Zakarov. I hadn't expected to progress so ...so fluidly. Smiles mark the occasion.
Character development interests me a great deal. Authors seem to have such varied means to reach the same end. What works for me may seem awkward or overwhelming or lacking to another. Yet we all strive for the same goal, well developed characters. I am amazed at the ability of some to begin writing and let the character develop as the story unfolds! I've plugged this book before, and happily do so again..
Outlining Your Novel, K.M. Weiland is a fantastic resource. The proof is in comments from readers. They loved the results! Evangeline Grey, her mother Opal, and the delicious Thomas Masterson came to life through the employment of Weiland's wonderful suggestions. I heartily recommend this book.
How does the process unfold for you? Have a resource to recommend? Leave a comment and I'll be glad to post a list of fellow author's favorite writing resource tips/books.
I'm off to complete the domestic duties for the day. I'll zoom through - anticipating my evening curled up with notebook and pencils. Mikhail.... Hmmm. What a nice thing to look forward to.
~ Nadja
For me, I love SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder and THE WRITER'S PORTABLE MENTOR by Priscilla Long. Definitely my top twp recommendations. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving your suggestions, Charlie! I'll make sure they are included in the list I plan to post.
DeleteI am unfamiliar with either title, so I'll be sure to check them out as well. You never know what helpful strategy you may find! Have a great day :)
A book like this would make my "pantsers" eye twitch. LOL. Seriously, it's great when you find a book that really works for you. I keep meaning to read Stephen King's "On Writing".
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting your heroine done! Good luck with the hero. :)
I wish I could tell my characters who they are, and to some degree I do. But they develop as a story does and they often take unexpected turns. In my series, not so much at this point. I know who they are. But in new work, it can take me to the halfway point to learn who they are. Then I fix in the revision.
ReplyDeleteI have tried the whole character development sheets but I see it like - I walk in a shop and get chatting to girl. I can't go home and write a character development sheet on her. Its frustrating because I WANT to do it. After writing the first novel I can, ready for the next in the series. But I don't think it's supposed to go that way. :)
ReplyDeleteI have that book on outline in Kindle. I keep meaning to read it and forget. I'm a naturally unorganised panster - I wage a battle with myself every day! *Groan.
Great to see you back BTW :D
Shah X
http://bit.ly/1abAxaR
I am LOL, Lauralynn...and I think you're correct, those pantsers would go crazy with my type of plotting and planning.
ReplyDelete@M Pax ~ What you say resonates with so many writers. It comes down to what works for you as a writer! If it feels freeing to *watch* your character develop as the story progresses, then run with it. Sigh. I am a confessed creature of habit...strict habit...hahah
@ Shah ~ Hi Girl! It's great to see you also! How is everything in Bahrain? (or is it Dubai?) My daughter visited both locations with frequency on her deployment. (She's back safe and sound! Yay!) As for your writing, go with it!