Characters jumping out of their stories
I just read an article online and thought "this is great, I should forward the link to Phoebe."
Phoebe is one of my characters.
I've already had characters tell me how they would speak or dress, what their underlying motivations are, or who they are when they grow up (the main action takes place when they're teens/pre-teens in 1995, so they're in their 30's now).
In some ways, that's similar to the question Characters that take on a life of their own. But that's still within the story.
Now my characters are jumping out of the story and worming their way into my life. What's the best way to channel, handle, or survive this part of the writing process?
1 answer
Question:
What's the best way to channel, handle, or survive this part of the writing process?
Answer: Keep a notebook handy. Always. And, set aside time to spend with that character.
But additionally, set time aside for the other characters too. Give them one-on-one time.
The characters that arrive fully-formed may well be a part of yourself that is within your core personality. Your truest thoughts. However, the other characters are within you too, and given some coaxing they might share some very valuable insight. Quiet insight.
But secondarily, don't be afraid to direct the strong characters. Put them in situations they don't want to be in. Insist they have conversations with the people they'd rather avoid. You're in charge. It is nice when a character is opinionated, but that doesn't mean they get to write the story.
This post was sourced from https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/41648. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
0 comment threads
0 comment threads