Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Writing Quirky Characters By Jodie Wolfe

I don't know about you, but I love reading books that have quirky characters. Not only do they make the book fun and exciting, it also provides a sense of realism. Hi! I'm Jodie Wolfe and I write stories where hope and quirky meet.

Why quirky you might ask. My characters have quirks because I do, and chances are, you do too. :) God designed us uniquely different. In can be something as simple as a character that has to separate her vegetables from everything else on her plate before she can eat.
 
Perhaps you have a hero like Dr. Henry Walton in the Indiana Jones movies who was afraid of snakes. It only took a single line and a scene for the viewer to understand his fear.
 
I have a book I'm working on called Hannah's Quest where my heroine is deathly scared of chickens. Why chickens? It plays a crucial part in her back story.
 
Not everything has to be linked to a character's past. It could be something that makes them unique. A hero who whistles when he's unsure of himself. A heroine who likes to drink pickle juice from the jar.
 
My heroine, Jules Montgomery in my new book Taming Julia doesn't feel right if she isn't wearing a weapon. Here's a glimpse of the opening page:
 
Matrimony News, February 6, 1875 edition

Minister bachelor aged 27, height 5 feet 10 inches seeks genteel, honest and first-rate homemaker with a desire to serve God. Must be willing to marry by proxy and arrive in Burrton Springs, Kansas by May 1.
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Burrton Springs, Kansas, Saturday, May 1, 1875

Dear Lord, please don’t let that creature be my new wife. Drew Montgomery swiped the sweat trickling a path down his neck and shoved the new hat back on his head. He squinted, taking in the lone passenger stepping from the stagecoach. At least, he thought it was a woman. He shielded his eyes from the sun, taking in the britches.

Britches? A gun belt strapped to a slim waist. He gulped. A rifle rested on her shoulder, and she wore a Stetson situated low on her brow. The figure shifted sideways, and Drew groaned, fearing his proxy mail-order bride had arrived by the look of all the curves. He squared his shoulders and crossed the street.


What ways can you bring some quirks to your characters to make them stand out?



My characters have quirks because I do... via @JodieAWolfe #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She's a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Taming Julia:
In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery's sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation's ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy.

Jules Walker strides into Drew's life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle--more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she's not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.


Purchase Link for Taming Julia:
https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Julia-Jodie-Wolfe-ebook/dp/B083L8MDD5/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=taming+julia&qid=1578503989&sr=8-1