First Edition of "Watt's Happening"
In this edition: How to write non-cliche characters / Promotion of leamckee's story STRUCK / Writing Exercise on Characterization
* * * * * *
Blog-ish Part: Characters We Can Fall In Love With
Today I find myself pondering the complexities of characterization. Many young writers here on Wattpad are interested in making their stories more believable and less “cliché.” How does a writer accomplish these things? One way is through unique and realistic characters!
What is a cliché?
A cliché is an overused expression or idea. It is also a person/character whose behavior is predictable or superficial. A good rule of thumb, if it sounds familiar it’s probably a cliché. It’s hard to be 100% original all the time, there is a reason some things have become “cliché”. However, if 50% or more of your story is predictable and unoriginal then you have a problem.
A famous example of a cliché phrase in writing is opening your story with the time of day and weather such as “It was a dark and stormy night.”
Cliché situations at the moment are “Player meets nice girl and changes his ways” or “Vampire and Human fall in love, whatever will they do” – Famous clichés are also known as “stereotypical” characters such as cheerleaders are always perfect suck up rich girls, athletes are nothing but dumb jocks . . . there are tons of stereotypes out there, be careful that your character isn’t one of them. Give them a personality that is all their own. They don’t have to be completely opposite of all stereotypes just give them some personal touches and quirks all their own!
How to write a believable character:
In order to write a unique and believable character you need to know every little detail about that character. Before you write a single word to your story you should know who your characters are (or at least, the main characters). This is where story mapping can really help you. Open up a word document or take out a blank sheet of paper (ah paper, I miss you in these technologically advanced days!) and write out everything you can think of about your character.
Write down way more than you will actually use in the story. There is no need to write a long detailed description of what every character looks like – but it’s important for the writer to have some idea of these facts! Write down their hobbies, a brief or detailed biography, ticks or sayings they have – anything that will help you write this character as if they are a living breathing person that you know personally.
(See the writing prompt at the end of this edition for an exercise in characterization.)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Story Promotion
Struck: A Book of the Veil by (Wattpad user name) leamckee
Link: http://www.wattpad.com/1044282-struck-a-book-of-the-veil
*cut and paste link into a browser window (sorry can't use HTML inside a story)
From the author:
“Hailey isn’t like other 17 year olds. Ask her about parties, drinking or drugs and she won’t have a clue what to say. Ask her about evil beings like Vampires, Lycans or Fae and she could tell you a whole hell of a lot.”
My 2-Cents:
Lea McKee is a fantastic story teller. At age 19 she is already off to a good start with a killer imagination and beautiful descriptive writing style. The ongoing story, Stuck, is a wild ride that will take you “behind the veil” along with her main character were you will see and meet a variety of interesting fantasy characters. Humor and romance intertwine nicely in this story. You will not regret giving it a try!
(If you read, please mention you saw the promotion here! Thanks!)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Writing Exercise: Interview with a Storybook Character
Here is a great exercise to help you get to know your character (this is just for you, not something you necessarily put into a story).
Write up a fake interview between yourself and your character. You, as the writer, ask the questions. Answer them completely in character – write the answers as you see the character answering them. Their answers should not be representative of what you would say if asked the question, put yourself in their shoes and answer using their “voice”.
Sample Questions:
Where is your favorite place in the world and why do you like it so much?
What is your biggest pet peeve?
If there were no regrets, what would you spend your last day on Earth doing?
What are your top three favorite hobbies and why?
If you could meet a famous dead person who would it be and what would you ask them?
What is your greatest accomplishment?
What is your biggest fear?
(Tips: These questions are all actually cliché questions, imagine that! They are asked over and over in interviews but will help you get to know your character and are not something you are actually writing into your story! Write out long answers, no one or two word answers allowed!)
If you try this exercise let me know how it goes. In fact, if you want to send it to me that would be awesome as well!
My e-mail address is: deannabalestra@gmail.com
FOR EVEN MORE ON CHARACTERS SEE THE ROUND TABLE BLOG ARTICLE:
http://writers-round-table.blogspot.com/2011/04/characters-you-can-believe-in.html
Until next time dear readers, see you soon!
YOU ARE READING
Watt's Happening?
Non-FictionWatt's Happening is a E-Zine, which will include tips, articles, reviews/promos, contests, writing prompts and much much more!
