Creating characters is something else with which I tend to struggle. Yes, you are supposed to write what you know. Your characters almost inevitably end up being a reflection of you in some way. You are a part of them and they are a part of you. I keep finding that I put too much of myself into those characters. I get so wrapped up in their lives as my own, that I get stuck, because perhaps that situation in my life is stuck. I would love to create an alternate universe in which I can get every outcome that I want. But, I'm not sure how healthy that would be.
On occasion, I have come up with completely different characters. I have an early reader chapter book type storyline on which I have been working. Those characters speak to me in their own voices. Unfortunately, the last time that I was working on them, I wasn't at home. Someone deliberately interrupted me, thinking he was being cute. I haven't been able to find their voices again.
Again, I know that if I just keep writing and writing, I will find their voices again. That is part of the reason that I undertook this challenge on *cough* 12 *cough* blogs this year. I am hoping that by having to be more creative on these, I will better lubricate those wheels and channel those characters again.
Thanks for all of the words of support. It's helpful! :-)
Don't struggle to find them, Andrea. Instead,
ReplyDeleterelax, and let them find you again.
I agree with Paula. The voices haven't left you really. They're there waiting inside of you to be set free. So, sit back, breath and occupy your mind with mindless stuff like the laundry, vacuuming, yada, yada, and watch out as they pop out for you. :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea, Those are wise words from Paula - keep at it and have fun while you do. Hope to see you around MROP - today I'm talking about Change, in real life and in storytelling. -Best, Belinda.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, those are wise words from Paula - keep at it and have fun while you do. I hope to see you at MROP some time; today I'm talking about Change, in real life and in storytelling.
ReplyDeleteI agree, characters are one of the hardest parts for me. I have a clear idea of who and what they are but bringing them to life on the page, making them believable and relatable, it's a real task.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with the a-z challenge.
If it makes you feel better, I don't really feel like I know my characters until the end of the book. :) Then I go back and weave in what I know about them that I didn't know when I started. It's a bit like skydiving though...you have to let go and I find that really hard.
ReplyDeleteKristi
fellow A to Z Challenge blogger :)
Andrea, I agree with all of the above. Writing and writing and more writing is what will bring them to life. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteOh I hate being interrupted when writing dialouge, things tend to disappear only to reappear when you're supposed to be going to sleep and you must get up and write them down...arrrggghhh
ReplyDeleteWow 12, huh? I thought I was asking for it by having two blogs in the challenge. But I can see how having many blogs in the challenge would force you to become creative. Hmm..maybe next year I will add more :)
ReplyDeletegreat post!
ReplyDeletemy characters are never really the same people when i start writing the book and when i finish
the worst is losing, or not finding a voice for them, which has happened to me!
im always amazed at stephen king and how he seemingly effortlessly writes different character after character......
Once a character I'd been working on spoke to me while I was sitting in my car waiting for my husband to come out of Lowe's. Hang in there. You just never know when & where they'll show up.
ReplyDeleteKathy @Swagger Writers
You're doing this challenge on TWELVE blogs??? *boggles in awe* That's a lot of alphabeting. :)
ReplyDeleteAs the others say, those voices will come back. It's terribly frustrating, though, when you're interrupted right in the middle of a creative breakthrough.
Good luck finding them!
I agree, you just need to keep writing, they'll be back
ReplyDeleteInterviewing your characters can help - just like actors do when they are hot seating - not because you use the information in your story but because that way they will start to take on an independent life.
ReplyDeleteQuestions like:(answer in their voice not your author voice, sometimes they might not like the question, sometimes they might avoid answering it.)
best friend at school?
Do you still keep in touch?
What did you want to be age 11?
What did you do on your 8th birthday (the answer can't be nothing...unless you explain why)
What's the journey you enjoy most?
Have you ever said I love you and not meant it?
If you were in a bar what drink would you order?
What is the one thing you wouldn't want other people to know about you?
Hope that helps. Change the answer if the first thing you think of is too close to your own life
Good luck with finding your characters' voices again. I'm sure they are lurking somewhere, waiting to ambush you when you least expect it.
ReplyDeletePatricia Lynne
TWELVE?!?! This is my first hop and it's intimidating!! JUST ONE!!! ...... twelve?!?! You made me shudder!
ReplyDeleteConnie
A to Z buddy
Peanut Butter and Whine
TWELVE BLOGS!!!! Wow! Good luck :) Finding character's voices again after some time is always hard but you'll get it! (Or they'll find you... which they usually do.)
ReplyDeleteI sympathize. Finding the right character voice is, sometimes, a monumental task, especially after we're interrupted by someone trying to be cute. :)
ReplyDeleteSilvia @ Silvia Writes
I know how you feel. I have often said that as a mother, my writing will always only be my second best because my first best got lost somewhere while I was being interrupted.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.melanieschulz.blogspot.com