Who Are You? By Patti Jo Moore

Many years ago, I was in a local store with my three children. A nice lady approached us, greeting me enthusiastically and asking how I’d been. The more she talked, the more obvious it became she knew me. She did most of the talking, and a few minutes later, we went our separate ways. When we’d gotten further away, my oldest daughter whispered to me, “Who was she?” I shook my head and replied, “I have no idea. No idea at all.”

Later we laughed about that incident, although I never figured out where I’d met her. But it was likely at one of the schools where I’d taught, or maybe she’d visited my church. Or we could’ve chatted at a Little League baseball game. Yet as she’d chattered away in a friendly tone, I could not bring myself to ask, “Who are you?”

Thinking about that incident recently made me think about my fictional story characters, and how important it is for me to “know” them. The more I learn about my characters, the more believable they can be in my stories. Beginning with a “Character Information” sheet for each main character, I jot down the basics: Physical appearance, Age, Education and job, family and friends, pets, hobbies, and so on. But I need to know more than these basics—I must know what my characters’ goals are, what motivates her/him, and what fears they have. And of course, there will be conflict for the characters in the story (confession: I still have a difficult time adding enough conflict, although I know it’s essential in stories!).

Some writers begin with a special setting in mind, others have their character(s) already formed, while other writers have a really good plot idea. Many writers have detailed plots and outlines of their stories before they actually begin writing. I admire these writers! But I am in the SOTP (“Seat of the Pants”) group, because for me personally, the joy in writing comes in discovering what happens next as my story progresses. Yet, I still *must* know my characters. And yes, even when a writer knows the character, that character can still “surprise” us sometimes. I become almost giddy when I’m writing, and a character says or does something that I didn’t expect. 😊

Again, for me personally, that’s the joy of writing fiction.

My current manuscript is almost completed, and then I’ll send it to my editor. I’ve been working (off and on) with this particular story since last Fall, but just haven’t been satisfied. Something was missing. A few days ago, a very important detail about my heroine came to me—something she’d been through in her past that has impacted how she feels now. Aha! “I wish you’d told me sooner, but that’s okay.” (No, I didn’t speak this aloud, only in my writer mind, LOL). But I knew that detail was what I needed to complete her journey in this story.

Even as I work hard on getting to know my characters, and enjoy writing about their individual journeys, I strive to remember that I always want my words to honor God. After all, He is the Master Storyteller!

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Colossians 3:23

A few days ago, a very important detail about my heroine came to me—something she’d been through in her past that has impacted how she feels now. Aha! “I wish you’d told me sooner, but that’s okay.”

...I strive to remember that I always want my words to honor God.

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Sadie's Dream

In a coastal Georgia town in 1900, a young woman prepares to serve as a missionary in Africa.

After being jilted the previous year, she's certain she's meant to remain single.

When she meets a handsome businessman from Savannah, she begins struggling with doubts.

Over time she learns that the Lord's plans are best, and dreams really can come true.

Patti Jo Moore is a retired kindergarten teacher and lifelong Georgia girl. She loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee, and is blessed to be published with Forget-Me-Not Romances. When she’s not spending time with her family (including her two sweet grandbabies) or writing her “Sweet, Southern Stories” Patti Jo can be found feeding cats—her own six and local strays.

She loves connecting with readers and other writers, and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore or her personal blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com

How to Discover Your Characters by Letting Them Journal

After reading an interesting post on Carrie Lewis's blog, I asked her the following question: 

"You recommend keeping a character journal to get to know your characters better before writing the story. How does a writer go about this?'" - Sandy

Carrie: There are lots of ways to get to know your characters. Interviews. Family histories. Questionnaires.

One of the potentially most fun and most revealing, but also the most difficult, is journaling.

With journaling, your character keeps a personal journal. A diary, if you will. They talk about deep, dark secrets; dreams they’ve never shared with anyone else; triumphs and tragedies.

Journaling from the character’s point of view is a great way to get into the character’s mind and personality and to learn about a character from the inside out.

But there are a couple of caveats.

First and foremost, don’t ask questions. You want to write as the character so don’t allow any author intrusion. Step back and let the character speak for him- or herself.

Second, don’t edit. Take a minute or two (or three or four if necessary) to get into the character’s frame of mind, then just start writing.

What your character journals about will be different from day to day and character to character, but if you need something to get started, consider these topics.

·         Childhood

·         Young adulthood

·         Fondest dreams of the future

·         Biggest pet peeve

·         Biggest fears

Still not sure where to start?

Here is an excerpt from my current lead character.

The worst thing that could have happened just happened. The perfect layout. A nice old lady who treats me like a son. A big house and a great neighborhood. Access to anything I want and honest pay for a cushy job to boot. What more could a guy want?

So here comes this guy breaking into the house and here I come, protecting my territory. Next thing I know, I’m a hero. Didn’t plan for that. Don’t necessarily want that. It might have its advantages in other situations, but right now, it’s the last thing I need. A little bit of press and there goes my hiding place.

I didn’t actively solicit this character’s comments, but I had written myself into what looked like a corner. The character was able to not only remind me who he was and why he was in the story in the first place; he also suggested an aspect of the storyline I hadn’t previously considered.

That’s what you want with a character journal. The interaction between you as the author and the character as the one who is actually experiencing the story.

Don’t worry about getting it right the first time. It takes time and practice to turn off your author’s voice and personal voice well enough to hear nothing but your character’s voice.  This is an activity that improves with practice, so don’t give up too soon.

And don’t worry if a character seems reluctant to journalize. Some will step forward and take over eagerly. Getting others to speak will be like pulling teeth. Be patient. Learn to roll with the punches and follow the character’s lead.

And most of all, feel free to step back and let them rant!

You won’t be sorry.

~~~

For over thirty years, Carrie's writing took a backseat to full-time work outside the home and to her small business painting portraits of horses and other animals from across the country.

In 2008, she rediscovered writing and, in late 2009, became a full-time artist, which opened up time each day to pursue writing.

Her favorite genres are mystery, suspense, and political thriller, with manuscripts in the works in each of those categories. She also is an active crit partner for other authors, both published and unpublished.

Carrie’s writing blog can be found at http://writing-well.carrie-lewis.com/ and includes quarterly Writing Well Story Clinics. Her art website and blog is http://www.carrie-lewis.com/.

Have you ever tried the method of journaling to discover your characters or write your way out of a corner? Do you have another way you've found helpful to get to know your people? Please share your method with us.