Fiction Writing Tip #2: Developing Believable Characters

NCWA welcomes Jeanne Marie Leach in the second of three Thursday posts on Fiction Writing Tips.

Characters are tantamount to your story.

Without interesting, believable characters, there is no story.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the character fit the story?
• Does the name fit the character?
• After asking yourself these questions, create a character chart for each of the main characters. Cut and paste the character chart below into a MS Word document and print off as many as you need for each book you write. Feel free to add spaces or lines as you see fit.

Keep each in your notebook for reference. You’ll be surprised how many times you will refer back to it in the course  of writing your book. Several times during the writing process, I’d forgotten what color eyes or hair my heroine had. Having it written down in an easy to find source will help your characters remain true to themselves.

• The better you know your characters, the better your writing will be. We are all mixtures of good and evil, scars and handicaps (some emotional); so don’t create perfect characters. A good novel is what’s going on inside the character and how they react to change.
• Get a book on color tones so that you know what colors your characters should wear (i.e. winter, spring, summer or fall).
• Get pictures of your characters from whatever source you can. Magazines, photographs and drawings can be great resources.

When you find a representation of what you picture in your mind how your character looks, glue it onto a sheet of paper and file it in your notebook along with their character chart.

• Remember, villains must have some good in them and the hero some bad.
• Frequently your character’s weakest traits will be why they change in the end, and the strongest traits will often get them in trouble the most.
• The more different your characters, the less boring your stories will be.

Now let’s look at a basic character chart. This not only helps you remember what your character looked like, but some basics about them. This can be as detailed as you wish. I’ve known writers who write as many as fifty pages on their characters before they begin their book. Again, remember that this isn’t a set formula. You need to develop writing habits that suit your writing style, not someone else’s. But a basic character chart will help you build believable characters your readers will either love or hate.

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SAMPLE CHARACTER CHART

1. Name of Book
2. Name of Character
3. What is this character’s role in the book?
4. Age
5. Height
6. Weight
7. Hair Color
8. Color of eyes
9. Scars, handicaps (physical, mental, emotional)
10. Sense of humor – describe
11. Basic nature
12. What does this character want most (their goal)?
13. Philosophy of life
14. Hobbies
15. Kinds of music, art, reading preferred
16. Favorite colors
17. Educational background
18. Work experience/occupation
19. Best friend
20. Enemies and why
21. Family background (economic, social, nationality, religious, parents)
22. Description of home (physical, emotional atmosphere)
23. What are this character’s strengths?
24. What are this character’s weaknesses?
25. Sees themself as…
26. Seen by others as…
27. Most important thing to know about the character
28. How does character react when in the following situations: angry, sad, happy

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** All these are taken from Jeanne’s book, WRITING BASICS FOR BEGINNERS and are copyrighted. **

Jeanne Marie Leach is a multi-published fiction author, freelance editor, speaker, writing coach, and teaches fiction editing. She judges the Genesis Contest and the Carol Awards and has mentored beginning writers, many of whom have gone on to win or final in writing contests and  are now published.

 Jeanne Marie Leach

Author * Speaker * Freelance Fiction Editor * Writing Coach

www.jeannemarieleach.com

Wordles, Clouds and You

How often do you use the same words in your writing?

In blogworld, wordles

are tag clouds

which are word clouds.

Clear?

~

The wordle above

(but not the world above, keep up with me here)

was created by Wordle,

after I typed in our blog url.

~

Writers love words,

and one picture is worth a thousand,

so perhaps a thousand words

would make a mind boggling wordle?

Sorry, I digress…

~

So if you’ve hit a writer’s block,

and need another way to look at your words,

try a wordle!

One caveat…you’ll need Java on your computer

and you can’t use what’s in your cup.

~

Also Firefox or Chrome

works (but according to creator Jonathan Feinberg)

Explorer…doesn’t cut it.

Fiction Writing Tips: Writing Character Emotions

(I’m terribly sorry but this morning’s post was delayed due to numerous weather difficulties. Thank you all for grace!  NCWA blogservant)

NCWA welcomes Jeanne Marie Leach in the first of three Thursday posts on Fiction Writing Tips.

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WRITING TIP #1 – WRITING CHARACTER EMOTIONS

Characters always act, think, feel and talk, so be sure to use a balance of these things. SHOW the reader how the characters feel, don’t TELL. Words that end in ‘ly’ tell. For example let’s use the following sentence.

“Wow,” she said excitedly.

What does this tell you? She is excited. How excited is she? We don’t really know. This is basically TELLING and doesn’t give your writing much zing.

Try rewriting this same sentence using her body language to SHOW us how she is feeling. How about something like the following:

“Wow,” she said. Her eyes grew as wide as the pocket watch itself, and her mouth dropped open.

Can you see her in your mind as she responds to what is happening? This gives you more of an idea of how excited she really is.

Also, give your characters habits like running their hands through their hair or tapping their pen on the table when nervous, or clenching their teen then angry. Let the reader see the character’s emotions through physiological aspects such as facial expressions, how they walk.

Below are some common responses your characters will experience. After the emotion are some physiological reactions to that experience.

1. Anger – breathing speeds up, heart pounds, jaws tighten, the body prepares to fight or flee
2. Sorrow – tears, stooped shoulders, eyes half closed, shaky voice, head down
3. Embarrassment – flushed cheeks, looking down at the ground, avoiding eye contact, wanting to hide
4. Happiness – big smile, eyes wide and bright, hands clasped, unstoppable tears, eager to hug and does so enthusiastically

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** All these are taken from Jeanne’s book, WRITING BASICS FOR BEGINNERS and are copyrighted. **

Jeanne Marie Leach is a multi-published fiction author, freelance editor, speaker, writing coach, and teaches fiction editing. She judges the Genesis Contest and the Carol Awards and has mentored beginning writers, many of whom have gone on to win or final in writing contests and  are now published.

 Jeanne Marie Leach

Author * Speaker * Freelance Fiction Editor * Writing Coach

www.jeannemarieleach.com

NCWA meeting recap: Trust, facts, and being real

A brief recap of NCWA’s January meeting…

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“Trust in The LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6

Your 35,000 word manuscript was just critiqued by Writer’s Digest! Onward and upward!

But then GOD tells you to set it aside. He has another story for you to tell just now. Gigi Murfitt’s devotional began the evening by sharing how GOD told her to help her son, Gabe tell his story instead of the one she had begun.

Gabe’s book: My Message is C.L.E.A.R. , co-authored with his mother, Gigi, is about encouragement and hope in the midst of adversity. Gigi reminded NCWA to ask GOD for guidance in 2012, make plans with Him, but keep listening as we follow Him on the path. The journey may take an unexpected detour and we need to trust GOD continually.

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“Just the facts ma’am” is a famous line attributed to the 1950′s television show, “Dragnet” and it’s lead character,Sergeant Joe Friday (played byJack Webb).

In Dennis Brooke’s Write Start presentation, he reminded us that just using the facts doesn’t always make an interesting story. On Dennis blog: Almost True Stories of Life, he has several examples of how to build a story using:

      1) Hook  2) Build up  3) Climax (with a twist)

To illustrate, Dennis used his story of  “The Barber and the Creepy Customer”  who, as Dennis said, had “been coming to her shop for about six months when one dark, winter evening he was the last customer in the place and she was the last barber.” (click on the title to find out the ending!)

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Guest speaker Michael Kostov told NCWA that, as children of The Creator, we have a wonderful opportunity to be creative in our writing and speaking.

He was born in Yugoslavia and immigrated with his family to Cleveland, Ohio at the age of nine. As a young adult, he went to Broadcast school and found a niche in production and editing. He also did promotions and became promotion director of a radio station in Cleveland.

After moving to the Seattle area, Michael bought a production company and began making films. Michael strives to create content, “being real,” while telling stories that are relevant.

He pointed out that “A Christian who writes is not the same as Christian writing.” Michael challenged writers to not be afraid to reveal struggles because our audience will be discouraged if all is “too perfect and no admission of falling” enters our writing.

Michael now runs Kostov Productions, the biggest production company in Seattle. Although his company is competitive, he works to “make movies that entertain, as well as give hope.”

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Blessings From A One-Star Review

NCWA welcomes Susan DiMickele!

What possible good comes from a one-star review?

I promised last month that there was more.  That I would explain how the experience of being publically criticized can make us stronger.

Is the pain worth it?

Absolutely yes.  Here are three reasons why.

No. 1 – Criticism Tests Our Passion

We must be passionate about writing.  We must really want it.  Why else would we subject ourselves to this insane process called publishing?

Think about it.  As writers, we are either the stupidest people on the planet, or we actually have a dream.  When we count up all the hours we spending outlining, writing, re-writing, editing, and trying to publish (not to mention marketing and networking) we’re earning less than minimum wage.  Throw in some harsh critics, and you’ll meet the ultimate test of your will.

Criticism brings us to that moment of reckoning.  That moment when we ask ourselves.  Is this gig really worth it?  I have a nice life.  A good job.  A stable family.  Why do I want to upset the apple cart?

It’s a beautiful moment.   A moment when some of us finally feel free.  When we wrestle with passion and look our dreams squarely in the eye and say, “I don’t care what people think!  I am in this race and I am going to finish!”

Boy, that felt good.

No. 2 – Criticism Tests Our Relationships

I need to correct myself.  I actually do care what people think.  Granted, that group is much smaller than it used to be, but there is a core group of people that I don’t want to disappoint.  Like my husband.  My immediate family.  My closest friends.

Here’s the point.  When we are publically criticized, we learn who our allies are.  We learn who our allies aren’t.  And our closest relationships – the ones we really care about – will likely become stronger.

The silver lining?  In addition to shoring up my closest relationships, I actually met some new friends in the process – people who came along side me and defended me just because I stuck my neck out there.

No. 3 – Criticism Starts A Dialogue

Why do we write in the first place?  So that everyone will agree with us?  I think not!  Don’t we want people to wrestle, to debate, even disagree?

In my case, Chasing Superwoman is a faith-based memoir about being a working mom and trying to do it all.  Nothing like hitting a few hot buttons all in one sweep.  Parenting?  There are few subjects we feel stronger about.  The choice for mothers to work outside the home?  Now, I’m really getting personal.

The point isn’t whether my readers agree or disagree.  The point is that I’ve made them think.  Don’t I want to start a dialogue?

I’d like to introduce you to my Amazon buddies.  Five women I’ve never met before went on Amazon and wrote responses to the one-star review.  Several of these women sent me encouraging notes and personal emails.  One of these women became my Facebook pal, and another startedher own blog.  These are the kind of fans writers dream of – all because of a one-star review!

Are you ready to test your passion, test your relationships, and start a dialogue?

Why are we really writing?  Who are we trying to please?  And don’t we want people talking about our work?

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This post first appeared October 21, 2011 on WordServe Water Cooler. Reposted by kind permission.

Susan DiMickele loves coffee, red wine, and dark chocolate. She’s been married for almost 20 years, and has three children. In 2010, she released her memoir, Chasing Superwoman:  A Working Mom’s Adventures in Life and Faith.  She is a contributing editor at The High Calling. Susan blogs on http://www.susandimickele.com/ as the “Working Mom’s Devotional” where she asks God to help tackle tough issues —  including guilt, child-rearing, and multi-tasking addictions.

How to Customize the Photo Ribbon on Your Facebook Business Page

Laura Christianson of Blogging Bistro  continues her series of

fantastic tips for social media and website management.

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For years, I’ve followed Joan Stewart (aka, The Publicity Hound) and her trusty assistant, Christine Buffaloe.  Click here to read rest of post.

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 6,300 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Curing Writer’s Block

Amy Letinsky shares her recent “Write Start” presentation.

There’s a serious condition plaguing writers: writer’s block.  I’ve discovered five common causes, and  by knowing your typical cause, you can choose a treatment and find a cure.

Cause #1: Anxiety

The pressure gets to you, and you freeze.

Treatments:

1. Don’t wait until the last minute.

2. Pray / Give Jesus your burden

3. Drink Chamomile Tea (instead of anxiety inducing coffee, the writer’s typical choice)

4. Free Write. Put the pen to paper, and let go for a few minutes.

5. Write in a different format for awhile.  The genre might be stressing you out.  Try writing a letter about your topic.

6.  Have a discussion about the topic.  Call a friend to chat about your topic for awhile.

Cause #2: Unfocused

You can’t keep your mind on the task before you.  Your thoughts are a jumble.

Treatments:

1. Get rid of distractions (pets, Facebook, children…just while you’re writing)

2. Make new distractions.  Some people like to work in a busy, loud environment, like a coffee shop.  Others like noise canceling headphones.

3. Try a new location

4. Outline

5. Mind Map/Cluster.  Learn more about this organization method here.

Cause #3: Perfectionism

Negative thoughts take control.  You worry about not writing well enough.

Treatments:

1. Silence the inner critic.

2. Arm yourself with inspiring Bible verses.

3. Stop fearing man. Perfectionism is rooted in our fear of how others are going to perceive us, and the only solution to this is #4.

4. Cultivate the Fear of the Lord.  Edward T. Welch explains this in his amazing book, When People are Big and God is Small.

5. Write Dark.  Literally turn off the lights or the screen.  Don’t let those imperfect words distract you.

Cause #4:  Intimidation

You’re overwhelmed by the enormity of the task at hand.

Treatments:

1. Write a checklist / Break it into smaller tasks

2. Make small, regular goals

3. Start in the middle.  That first sentence is always a doozie.  Start in elsewhere.  Do the first sentence last.

Cause #5: Exhaustion

You’re sick of your topic and are falling asleep at the keyboard.

Treatments:

1. Take a nap. Don’t do this all the time, or you’ll never write.

2. Remember your first love (Rev 2:4).  Of course, it’s Jesus. But also, go back to why you started writing, why you chose this project.

3. Sabbath.  When’s the last time you truly sabbathed?  Sabbath from not just writing but from all work. I highly recommend The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan.

4.  Read something inspiring. Go to your writing heroes and let them inspire you to greatness.

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Amy Letinsky has been a writing instructor for over 6 years.  She
currently teaches college writing and literature courses online.  Her
writing courses focus on the use of research in writing and the
nonfiction essay.  Read more from Amy at her blog:
amyletinsky.wordpress.com.

How to Use Picnik to Quickly Resize Images for your Facebook Photo Strip

Laura Christianson of Blogging Bistro  continues her series of

fantastic tips for social media and website management.

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I’ve been tinkering with the photo strip on my Facebook Business (fan) Page – those five thumbnail-sized images that display in random order across the top of the Wall.

To read more click here.

Christian films, music and books?

NCWA welcomes Michael Kostov.

 So what is a Christian film? (By the way, I hate that term).  Is it a film about Jesus, the Gospel, a Bible story? Is it a film on Christian worldviews, a story of a missionary family that impacted the world?  Or is it about a fallen, broken vessel that struggles, makes mistakes and never seems to really get it together?

Over the years. I’ve thought about this, talked about it and yes, even argued over that question.  My conclusion – the answer depends on the audience I’m having the discussion with.

A few years back, I went to pick up my daughter at the mall.  I showed up early to see the movie Amazing Grace the William Wilberforce story.  It was sold-out.  So I decided to wait in the food court and “people watch”.  As I sipped my iced Hazelnut Americano from Starbucks, a family from church walked up.

They were off to see Amazing Grace – I quickly informed them the rest of the showings were all sold out and recommended they see Pursuit of Happiness.  No sooner did the words come out of my mouth,  the dad adamantly said, “There is no way I am letting my kids see that vulgar film!”

I was stunned.  Actually, I was speechless; which is rare for me. I sat there, staring into space as I fast-forwarded through the movie in my mind.  But for the life of me, I could not figure out why in the world he would say such a thing.

Just as I started to say, “Are you sure we’re talking about the same movie?” it came to me.

He must be referring to “the teaching moment” scene, where Will Smith pulls his young son aside and informs him that “We don’t use that word”.  (If you haven’t seen the film, I’m referring to the scene where they walk past a tagged wall with the “f” word spray painted on a building).

As a dad, I’ve gone through those “teaching moments” with my kids. And I thought the scene was handled well.  It wasn’t gratuitous, it fit and it was real.  The situation came up, was dealt with and the film moved on.  Just as in life.

Here’s a film that shows real life with all of its problems, failings and struggles, yet is one of my favorite “Christian” films .  It doesn’t  ”preach”  at the audience.  It lets them experience and relate to the character in a real way, and in the process, shows how a deep faith can help you get through the rough times.  It shows real people, real life and real faith. Just the way Jesus taught.  But because of this one scene, they missed out on this uplifting and touching film.

Really – no wonder Hollywood thinks we’re loons.

So, was this a “Christian” film, or was it a film produced by a Christian?

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Views expressed are solely those of the author. NCWA blog does not endorse nor promote opinions on media.

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Michael M. Kostov will be guest speaker at NCWA’s January 9th meeting.

Michael is an expert media producer with a long history of learning new media technologies and combining them with his creativity and vision into award-winning projects. His company has been producting telvision commercials and corporate videos for over 25 years. Michael’s website is Kostov Productions.