Road to Writing - Main Character

Hi All,

Apologies for the hiatus but I had a chance to take a software testing class and so I went for it. Now that I am done with that, I hope to be back here writing posts more often.

In my last post, I gave you homework in writing down names to potentially use for your characters. Do add to your list, let it grow to 10 pages if that's where it takes you. Your list of names is very important and you'll go back to it over and over.

Today, we're going to concentrate on a supporting or main character.  You may not know exactly the role the character is going to play in your story and that's okay.  What we're going to do is jot down some basic things about your character.

In your journal book, on index cards or in a computer file, start on a blank page or card and write an attribute about your character.  If you already know the name of your character, write it at the top of the page or card. I have listed an example of the list you want to create for your character.

*Name
*Gender
*Eye Color
*Hair Color
*Physical Attributes
*Hobbies
*Occupation
*Special Skills

Now, this is just an example and you may have many more items to add about your character.  Adding more or using the basic list above is fine.  There is no right or wrong answer as you begin to construct your character.

Once you do one of your characters, try another, and another.  You'll find that you'll be able to write about your characters more easily and really flesh out who they are.  If there is a photo of a model or various people who make up the appearance of your character, cut their photos out and use those to inspire you when you write your character.

The characters in my most recent book were based on people that have been in my life at one point or another.  I've changed them drastically from the people I knew but their foundations are based on real people.  I have characters that are based on random strangers too. Plain people who I've passed walking down the street.

The world is filled with characters and many of them reside right in your own head.

Okay, that's it for me today.  Start writing about your characters and give them names if you are ready to.

Today's music treat is: Pink Floyd "Coming Back To Life"

Rock On!
~Maynard