The Writer's Chatroom Topic Chat
Published: Wed, 04/20/11
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(Sally Franklin Christie is in charge tonight.)
Research is by far my favorite thing to do while writing fiction or nonfiction. Running very close, and possibly holding hands with my research efforts, are my character files.
I have an interview with my characters and often re-interview them late in the book just to check in and make sure there are some changes, growth or situations to overcome. I dress them, list the contents of their closets, look under their beds and help them clean house.
These things may or may not go into the story. Like research, the things I use to get to know a character do not need to be put out there for everyone to see. Much of it is dirty laundry and best left to dysfunctional reality television stars.
How do you build a character? Do you know more than your audience or do you tend to share too much? What is the main character in your work-in-progress hiding from you?
"The most compelling characters are those who appear internally consistent and yet are capable of surprise. In my own work, I've found that the art of crafting such fully realized characters can be boiled down to four crucial elements: a driving need, desire, ambition or goal; a secret; a contradiction; and vulnerability. Let's take a closer look at each one. " The article I just quoted is at http://www.writersdigest.com/article/hooked-on-a-feeling/?et_mid=319551&rid=3095074 . Have a look before chat and meet me at The Writer's Chatroom on Wednesday evening. Join us tonight to discuss creating characters for the first hour. We'll discuss any other questions you may have in the second hour.
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Top Suspense has just published an e-book anthology, and they'd be happy to give free copies (Kindle, epub or PDF) to any member of the Writer's Chatroom, with the following catch: they have to agree to review the book somewhere--a blog, facebook, kindleboards, amazon, all of the above, but someplace. Good, bad, indifferent, they don't care as long as it's an honest review.
So if you'd like to read and review, contact Dave Zeltserman at dave.zeltserman@gmail.com and let him know which format you want. Be sure to identify yourself as a TWC member!
Check out the book here. http://www.amazon.com/Top-Suspense-Classic-Stories-ebook/dp/B004S7ACY0/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_12
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Having problems with your writing? Need plot advice or marketing tips? Looking for suggestions on who/what to read next? Come on in! If we don't know the answer, we'll make something up. We are creative people, ya know.
8 pm EST (check the clock above the login screen) the door will open. Type in the name you want us to call you by, and click the login button. No password needed for scheduled chats. recent supporters:
Patty Peters
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The Writer's Chatroom