Writer's Circle Newsletter #137

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Writer's Circle Newsletter

Issue #137 July 19, 2004


(To read back issues of the Writer's Circle Newsletter, see WC Newsletter Back Issues.


Building Character(s)

I've often heard writers complain about their characters. They can't understand what makes them tic or they fight them throughout the story they are working on. I believe that these writers just haven't taken the time to get acquainted. If you aren't familiar with your characters, you will have difficulty making your readers believe in them. Here are some ideas:

Some writers will simply write a paragraph or even several pages describing the character and their biography.

The method I use is a form of sorts. It looks something like this:

Character Name:
Age:
Birth Date:
Sex:
Height:
Weight:
Hair:
Eyes:
Marital Status:
Economic Status:
Education:

Vocal Qualities:
Military Service:
Occupation:
Emotional Stability:
Basic Drives:
Attitudes/Prejudices:

Favorites
Colors:
Foods:
Drinks:
Music:
Art:
Hobbies:
Sports:

Quirks/Traits:

Dress:

Family:


You can run wild with this! Add or delete items as you wish. Sometimes I'll add a paragraph after this sketch to further flesh out the character.

You don't need to use everything listed in your character sketch in your story. This is merely a tool for you, as the writer, to get a feel for who your character is. It can be great fun to get to know the people who are integral to your stories!


Until next time!
Nikola

Next week's editor is lady killer Dale Arthur .

Featured Items From Members:

The winner of the 101 Challenge is:

ID: 866924   (Rated: E) Ethics * A 101 Word Story  What would you do? -A 101 word story. by Red Writing Hood

ID: 718430   (Rated: 13+) Goin' Home  Two-hundred miles was all that separated him from his folks, that, and twenty years. by esprit

ID: 868527 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 727964 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

Featured Items From Non-Members:

ID: 861273 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 749416   (Rated: 13+) Uneducated  Can two people overcome their prejudice to find common ground? Published 7/17/2004! by Karen Just Got Married

ID: 277912 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 188797 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

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Writing Prompt:

Write a 500 or 1000 word character sketch. Use this character in a story.


Please feel free to submit your results to this prompt here: Prompt Response Forum.

Featured Quote:

Find a subject you care about and which in your heart you feel others should care about. It is the genuine caring, and not your games with language, which will be the most compelling and seductive element in your style.
~Kurt Vonnegut

Recommended Reading, Groups and Forums:

ID: 672291   (Rated: E) Character Profile: Maddie O'Brien  Character profile of main character for a mystery I am writing. by sunniChicago

ID: 689166   (Rated: ASR) Credibility  Grammar/spelling and story techniques aren't the be-all. Your reader must believe. by ElaineElaine

ID: 731678   (Rated: E) How do your characters grow?  A discussion of the way characters change and grow to impact the story. by Come Fly with Me--Kiter

ID: 226422 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

You are invited to submit suggestions to the Writer's Circle editors. To submit an item for consideration in the WC Newsletter:

ID: 641406   (Rated: E) WC Newsletter Feedback and Submissions  WC newsletter submission, a cheer or jeer, or just want to join the group? Find it here! by Red Writing Hood

All comments about this and any WC Newsletter are welcome!

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Issue # 137
July 19, 2004
Edited by: Nikola