April 7, 2005 | Uncategorized
Okay, I’ve reached a point where I’ve realised that I don’t know my hero well enough. I know what he does, and why he does it, but I don’t know his inner conflict.
There’s a good reason for this–originally this story was a novella, and since there was only a short space, most of the problems had to do with the heroine’s self-image and the external circumstances of the hero and heroine getting together. (Which is a case of mistaken identity–this seems to be pretty popular with me these days.) I didn’t have room to develop the hero that much.
But now that I’m expanding the story, I need to know what his problems are.
So what I do is this.
I pick up my copy of Kate Walker’s 12-Point Guide to Writing Romance. I turn to pages 86 and 87, which contain a series of questions about your characters–everything from their eye colour to their attitudes toward love and family. I go through and answer the questions…which progress nicely from the superficial, to the deep, so you can get warmed up as you go.
I end up with about two pages of single-spaced notes, most of which I will probably never use. But there’s invariably three or four points that I can expand and which become vital to the character.
It’s also a very enjoyable way to spend an hour.
Kate Walker says:
How great to know it works!
Thank Julie!
Rosalind Mitchell says:
You could also do as I do, and take your character out for a meal. It’s amazing what they tell you when they’re relaxed and off-guard.
Julie says:
Yup, it works, Kate. Half an hour later, and I have discovered not only Jonny’s dilemma about his jobs, but I have a sub-plot nicely developing, and I have worked out the theme of the entire book. And I’m not even done with answering the questions on page 86.
As always, thank you, dear.
The meal thing sounds similar, Rosie. I guess any sort of structure that lets you explore the character can work. And BTW, what the heck are you doing here?? You have printing and polishing to do! Get to work woman!!
Anonymous says:
Ooooo guess what I read at lunchtime today? The novella!! I have to admit it gets re-read every so often. I can’t wait to read the expanded version.
*thinks of Jonny and starts drooling*
Biddy
Julie says:
Hee hee hee…Jonny is turning out rather lovely. Hope you enjoyed your lunchtime Bids.