Each of our new characters start off like this...
But over time...
We learn she has eyes like this...
and he's proud of this...
We know whether they're this...
and if home is this...
or this...
or even this...
We know their pet looks like this...
although (secretly) they really want this...
and, after a while...
if we're very lucky...
and work very hard...
we may discover they have this.
That photo in the middle with the steeple looks like Amherst, MA.
ReplyDeleteI really like my new characters, although I'm still trying to figure out who my female protag is.
I think that figuring out characters is one of the most exciting parts of writing. :) Nice post, Elspeth!
ReplyDeleteI know it has been said probably a million times, but it is so true. Getting to know new characters is like meeting new friends, and the longer we are with them the more we find out about them. Love your essays in pictures.
ReplyDeleteElisa; It very well could be; it certainly is a picturesque place. I'm sure you new female protag will show her true colours to you soon.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth; I agree! It's always an adventure to discover who these new characters truly are.
Maryann; Thanks for your kind words about my picture-posts; and I completely agree, new characters are like new friends.
Elspeth - I really enjoy the process of getting to know my characters. In fact, I've been doing a bit more of that lately, because I'm trying to imagine the mystery I'm writing from their different perspectives (e.g. Why would he want to commit that murder? What's her reaction to being suspected of the killing?). As I think about those questions, it helps me get to know the characters better. Love this post!
ReplyDeleteMargot; I do that all the time! I've found looking through different character's eyes gives me their own unique perspective on the goings-on. Of course, I also tend to write from several different POVs.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting to know my characters for my next project. They continue to surprise me.
ReplyDeleteCarol; Imagine how dull it would be if they *weren't* surprising you! I hope all the surprises are good ones.
ReplyDeleteToday fifteen characters suddenly popped up who had nasty eye-slits! And then there was the girl who grew tired of sitting around waiting until the vinegar had removed those bathtub rings - so she picked a chisel from the toolbox!
ReplyDeleteAh, this was a good day.
Dorte; Gracious! What a busy day you've had. However, I do think fifteen characters showing up at once shows rather bad manners. I hope they brought cake.
ReplyDeleteNope. Terribly bad manners!
ReplyDeleteLOL!
ReplyDeleteSo many times I've had to write yet another book because I need to know that character better. I've done a true sequel as well as spin-offs, but it's always because the character says, "Hey, there's more. I wasn't done."
ReplyDeleteTerry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery
The MC in my WiP is playing hide and seek at the mo and being very mischievous. I need to tempt her out and find out about her. Any hints?
ReplyDelete