As I’ve prepared for the release of my Christmas novella The
Yuletide Angel, I’ve answered interview questions and filled out media
and book cover information forms. One of the questions I’ve been asked in this
process is whether or not I chose an actor and actress as the physical representations of my hero and heroine. The cover design people want to get an idea of how I
see my main characters so they can get as close as possible to the ideal.
Using photos of models and celebrities is a common ploy we enlist
to help us describe our people even if it’s only meant to clarify the image for
us as the writer. I’m not talking about cloning a celebrity so that his or her looks and personality fit the main character. That could lead to problems we don’t want
to deal with. I’m talking about using things like coloring, height, and facial
shape to clarify your imagination--to see that character as he or she walks around in your head.
I have a Pinterest board called Future
Characters? where I collect images of various people. Not all of my photos
are celebrities. There are old black and white photographs all over Pinterest
of people whose facial features and expressions shout stories. I also collect
images from the pages of fashion magazines. Even so, when I’m writing, I don’t necessarily
“see” those people as my characters romp through the scenes. Usually, the features are vague. Maybe because I'm trying to be that character as I write.
Some writers choose not to disclose the people they see as those who come close to having the physical traits of their characters. They want their readers to
develop their own ideas based on whatever descriptions they’ve used and not
influence them toward a certain detailed look. There’s also the danger of a reader having a real aversion to
that celebrity and, therefore, not liking the fictional character.
One day, my daughter and I were discussing a popular actor,
one she described as looking like a “sea creature.” (Really, I don’t get the
connection, but …) When I told her I was using him as the physical basis for a character
in a story (not the hero), she was appalled. **Uh-oh, I hope I didn’t lose a
reader.**
So here’s a question for you. Do you think it’s wise for writers to pin images of character samples to Pinterest boards, or tell readers who they envisioned while writing? Let's get a discussion going.
Do you keep a file of images that appeal to you as possible future characters? Have you ever read a novel, then been surprised to learn who the writer envisioned?
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| Available for Pre-order! |
On October 15, join me for a Facebook party to celebrate the release of The Yuletide Angel. We'll gather from 11:00 to 3:00 to talk about Christmas fun and food and give away a few goodies.
Sandra Ardoin is a multi-published author of short fiction who writes inspirational historical romance. She’s the married mother of a young adult and lives in North Carolina. Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com and here on the Seriously Write blog. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Pinterest.
