Sunday, February 13, 2011

Taking Time on Your Characters

I've recently discovered something that makes character development all the more fun. When I'm creating my characters, I like to envision what they look like. Not just their faces, but their clothes, their features, any habits that they might have/or obtain, even likes and dislikes.
Many of you may already do this, when you write, and several of you may not. This technique might be simple, but using it can change your whole outlook on the characters in your story. For example, when reading a story, you expect to be drawn in. If the book doesn't grasp your attention, you won't want to continue reading. Part of the thing that grasps you is the characters. If the characters come across as nothing more than simple text, then the writer hasn't gotten your proper attention. But, if the characters become real to you, if you can almost see them in front of you, then that is the writer getting your attention.
I'd like to encourage you all to try this technique out. Even if it requires you to draw out your characters  and make list of things about them. Whatever helps you, use it. The stories you write are yours, and the characters you develop are your creation. Never worry about spending too much time on them.
I've been spending a lot of time thinking about my next story. I realize I've been taking more time than I originally planned. I will apologize for that. But, I will add something. I started this blog to help get my stories out there, and to encourage people to write. I like to put my heart into everything I write. I do not think the heart is there when writers just bunch some text together to fit their quota. So, I will say that I am taking my time on my stories. The fans that I have made on youtube, blogger, twitter, and facebook-I want to thank you for your patience. It means so much to me that you all are supporting me. I realize it's been a bit since my last upload, but it is coming soon. I assure you of that. I have the story line, and I know what I'm going to do with my short story. I've just been trying to spend more time on the characters. I really want to get my character development properly done. Short stories don't usually have dynamic characters, simply because the story isn't long enough to create them. I want to try it though.

I'll be keeping you all posted on my progress,
Talk to you soon!