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Gotta Motto?
One of the best workshops I attended during Nationals was You Say Tomato, I say To-Motto: How Character Motto Influences Plot, Conflict & Other Story Elements presented by Susan Gable. I realized in the middle of the workshop that Ms. Gable also presented one of the first workshops I ever attended. I still use techniques she taught in that one. If you ever get the chance to attend a workshop presented by Susan Gable, I highly recommend it.
Now, down to business.
Every hero and heroine has their own built-in motto. As Ms. Gable defines it – “A deeply held personal belief, stemming from the character’s back story, that impacts the way he/she views the world and the way he/she behaves.”
I always learn better with examples so that’s where we’ll start.
Hero X - Good soldiers don’t cry/pick yourself up and carry on.
Background - Father in the military who repeated these words over and over.
Environment – Few close friends and little if any personal effects in home.
Behavior – Every injury is a scratch no matter how serious and it is never an option to think about, discuss, or heaven forbid admit to having feelings.
Heroine X - Feelings are important and should be explored.
Background - Raised in a home with a lot of drama, possibly a parent who acted or worked in psychology/psychiatry.
Environment – A hugger whose home is filled with deep colors, lots of fabrics and overstuffed furniture.
Behavior – Every experience is an opportunity to explore how she feels and share those feelings with anyone around her.
Motto is a great tool for both plotters and pantsers. Plotters can take the foundation of the motto and dig deep into the backstory and pantsers can use the motto as they go along to keep the character acting and reacting in ways that fit who they are. Plotters can use mottos to plan ways to test the characters, challenge them, and create conflict. Pantsers can use mottos to maintain motivation without having to think too much about it.
In the end, mottos tell the writer what these characters will ultimately teach each other in order to find their HEA. They take the guesswork out of the equation and still allow for new twists and turns along the way.
Other motto examples:
I'll do it myself.
Life is short, eat dessert first.
Everybody lies/Everybody leaves.
No risk, no reward.
I know I'm right, don't confuse me with the facts.
These could go on endlessly.
Have you ever used mottos for your characters to shape your stories? If not, would you be willing to try it? If you were writing the story of Hero and Heroine X above, what would you throw at them and how would you bring them together? (To Sin – I promise this not a secret ploy to make you plot. *g*)
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80 comments:
Funnily enough, I did make mottos for my characters In the Beginning, Again (ITBA). Long time ago. Debra Dixon explores the importance of mottos in GMC--and it was one of my favorite parts of the GMC workshop. The motto is sorta like a mantra, so instead of saying, "What would this character do?", I just repeat the mantra until the solution comes to me.
It works about half the time--which for me, is good odds.
For instance, the Counselor's motto is: Been there, did it first, have the t-shirt.
Lucifer's motto is: I can resist everything but temptation AND when choosing a temptation, I pick the one I haven't done.
Adam and Eve's mottos are more interesting to me. They're the same motto, but punctuated differently.
Adam's: Woman, without her man, is nothing.
Eve's: Woman, without her, man is nothing.
I love Hero X and Heroine X above. Hilarious. Nice foils--Miss Let's Explore Our Feelings meets up with Mr. I Don't Have Feelings. Good luck with that. If I threw them together, I would do it by accident. You know, something like he accidentally ends up with her in a jungle--and has to pack her back to civilization. (Like a Romancing the Stone situation, only Hero X looks like Channing Tatum and not Michael Douglas. Does anyone think that guy's cute? And I would have Hero X be a soldier--not a swashbuckler type that Douglas is in the movie.) Nothing like camping with a prissy little city girl to make some laughs. And of course, he'd have to hate snakes.
Ooo! Ooo! Me! Pick me!
(You know, that would be a good motto fer a heroine instead of a humerous attempt at being excited...I have ta think 'bout that!)
Anyway, Jack's Motto be simple...What's in it for me?
Miranda's be a bit more difficult...
(I'm thinkin'! I'm thinkin'!)
Nope. Maybe later.
Now, me current WIP ... Ivy's motto, Life sucks. Duran's motto, Where there is life there is hope.
I really have ta get this GMC book...or take a class... I suck wit' books 'bout learnin'...
I am going to try this! I have a wait before my class starts and this seems like just the thing to occupy my time. I like that a panster like me can do it without the issues I have with plotting blocking me. Always fun to find out more about characters. Thanks for sharing!
I have never actively thought up a motto. But on Sherrilyn Kenyon's website when you click on a character it often has a personal motto by their name. So much fun!! It's especially great because the things these characters say is hillarious and so completely shares who they are as people.
Great blog!!!:)
awesome blog Ter!
Okay, hero's motto is....hmm, this is much harder than it sounds! (and an excellent exercise). The hero's entire motivation and actions comes down to revenge. That's all he cares about. But I don't know how to make that into a sentence.
The heroine's motto is easier: justice for someone you love is worth any sacrifice.
this is very interesting. And since I'm a plotter, I liked your suggestions for how to use this to deepen plot. Excellent ideas, Terri!
Terri, I'm so glad you talked about this workshop - it's one I wanted to attend and didn't get the opportunity to.
I think this is just what my characters need to knock them into line. They already kind of stick to their own mantras, those just haven't ever been articulated.
Robert's motto would be something like "Everything in its proper place at the proper time - including me."
Meg is a bit tougher (maybe that's why I struggle with her so much). Possibly "Find joy whenever you can - you never know when it will come around again."
Hmmm, not great, but food for thought. Thanks Terri!
Ter, what a great exercise! :)
Hmmm.... Let's see....
Nik's motto: Responsibility first; me later.
Sarah's motto: There is no right and wrong, just shades of gray. (Sort of a Matrix style, there is no spoon kind of mantra).
I have to run right now but I'll be back in a little while to check in on this....
I'm so glad everyone is enjoying this one. It's been so long since I contributed anything helpful (besides our hotties, of course.)
Hellie - I figured this example would lean toward having them in some kind of life & death situation. It just calls for Romantic Suspence, doesn't it? And are you asking if we thing Michael or Channing is cute? I think Michael was in his day and you'd have to be in a coma not to think Channing is hot.
I love Adam & Eve's mottos. Totally explains why they are so damn fun to read.
Chance - I'm sure there are characters with that Ooh pick me! motto. LOL! However, that character might get pretty annoying if not toned down quickly.
So, Miranda is the tougher nut to crack. Doesn't she have that issue with not letting people down? Maybe hers would be something like "Life is fleeting, don't bother getting too attached."
Deb's book is really good and I think it's the kidn of thing that you could use bits out of instead of feeling like it's a school book you have to sit down and study front to back.
Kelly K - That's another great thing about this, it works better if you don't think too hard about it. You think of your character and write down the first thing that comes to mind. All of which means, you can come up with mottos in a matter of minutes.
Hal - I knew your plotting heart would love this. LOL! For your hero, how about "Revenge is all that matters." That's kind of lame. Hmmm...you'll think of something.
Since these characters sort of show up with particular quarks and perceptions, it's great to use this small tidbit, their motto, to figure out how they got to be this way and what makes them tick. More tools for the tool box!
Kelly - I missed a ton of workshops I wanted to attend and walked out of more than one that was disappointing, but I'm very glad I made this one.
I like your characters' mottos. That "...including me" bit has me curious to learn more about him. And your heroine's sounds like something many could relate with.
Marn - Anytime you bring in shades of gray, things get sticky. LOL! The way you've been putting your characters through the ringer, I'm sure you could have some ideas about our example couple.
Though, I suppose that could be a bit of Kiki's motto too. LOL
I think you're trying to trick me. LOL
I think Kiki's motto is: "I don't deserve it."
Sadie's motto is: "You're only guilty if you get caught."
I thought Sadie's motto was: "This is my dance space. This is your dance space. You don't go into mine, I don't go into yours..." *LOL*
Sadie was in Dirty Dancing?!
Hal, the hero and heroine thing in Ter's blog reminds me a lot of your first WIP.
LMAO. Yeah, that's a good one too Hellie. LMAO. It's a bit like, I'll play in my sandbox and I expect you to stay out of it.
Sin - yes. lol. Definitely the "I'm a Marine, I don't have feelings." Remind you of anyone else we know and love? *g*
Funny enough, everytime I typed "heaven forbid we admit we have feelings", I thought of Sin. LOL!
Yeah, that's a bit of me. You can't be a sneaky ninja tart if you have feelings.
*g* mmmm, Ranger.
Terri - I love your examples for Hero X and Heroine X! I have a hard time coming up with the first broad statement and it helps to see it broken down.
I read a book by Teresa Medeiros (can't remember the title) and the heroine's background was "heroine had to raise younger siblings." So a seemingly meek heroine is thrust into a household filled with the hero’s motherless and unruly children. Since she had practically raised her younger siblings, the hero thinks she would logically be quite content to do the same for the hero’s children. But nothing could be further from the truth! This heroine has had a lifetime of responsibility and she’s none too happy with the idea of her life continuing with more of the same. What this heroine wants most is to be valued for herself.
The hero was an obstacle for the heroine that got in the way of her established plan (her personal belief system). I could see this in play and how it created conflict. I'm not sure what her motto is though. Love stifles?
Melissa: I think you're talking about Prince Charming. *LOL* Because she marries him thinking she'll get away from raising the siblings things and comes to his house where he's got all these kids. *LOL* He hands her a baby while she's still in the carriage, and she hands it back and says, "No, thank you, I just ate."
And the kids give her a rough time--until the kids and her finally unite against the common enemy: HIM. *LOL* I really liked that book.
Fabulous tips, Ter, but I have to say, I'm on the verge of tears.
"I’ll do it myself." ?
"Everybody lies/Everybody leaves." ?
Don't make me come over there and hug you!
LOL Hellie, that's the one. I love her humor. :)
I love this idea of the motto being the foundation and something to stick on the wall to keep me on track.
Melissa - My characters sort of show up, issues in hand. LOL! And names! It's the oddest thing. But if you can pin them down to something like this, you can usually figure out a ton more stuff about them.
Sounds like her motto would be "It's my turn now." Which knowing her past, would be totally understandible.
Hellie - That's hysterical. "No thank you, I just ate." LMAO!!! Very much like the "How do you like your eggs?" and the answer "Unfertilized."
Melissa - I have a terrible time knowing how my character will react in different situations and whenever someone would ask, "Why did she do that?" I could only answer, "Just because." LOL!
The motto tells me exactly how she'll react and even what she'll say. Plus, you know how she/he has to change and grow so you can even use the motto to create the characer arc.
It's handy-dandy, I'm telling you.
J - These were examples directly from the workshop handout! But there are people who believe in those mottos. Not that I know any of them personally.
*whistles innocently*
Actually, Everybody Leaves is my heroine's motto. In truth, everyone leaves her and that's why she's not about to let anyone get close. Why bother when they will eventually find you lacking and leave?
Yeah ... whistle away.
Ter, I think my heroine suffers from a little bit of Everyone Leaves. But her's is more, "Why get involved if you'll just get hurt?" going on.
Marn - That is one version of that motto. But for my heroine, it's more a deep seated feeling of inadequacy. (Did I spell that right? It looks wrong.)
She has no problem believing that others can fall in love and stay in love. It's more personal in that men don't just leave, they leave HER.
Terri says, "Plus, you know how she/he has to change and grow so you can even use the motto to create the characer arc."
Exactly. I guess another way of thinking of motto is the personal baggage that must be dropped or dealt with before getting to the happily ever after. (It seems like such an obvious thing to say, but one person's light bulb moment is usually something someone else already figured out! lol)
I love that, Melissa! LOL! If I could give anyone a light bulb moment, that would make my year. But really, all the credit goes to Ms. Gable. :)
I'd like to point out that the mottos don't necessarily have to be opposites. If the heroine has the motto "Life's short, eat dessert first" and the hero has the motto "Success is the best revenge". They both are the type to enjoy life, but how they enjoy it might be different.
Here's a funny bit about what J is talking about. Ms. Gable explained during the workshop that her current WIP had a heroine whose motto was "I'll do it myself." It just so happens that this is my personal motto (much to my friends' irritation.)
When I heard this I thought, "Oh, when I find out what kind of hero she paired with this character, I'll know what kind of guy I should look for." Wouldn't you know that when someone asked her about the hero for this woman, she explained she was having trouble figuring that out.
Further proof that I will be single for the duration. LOL!
LOL Terri, I too probably have the "I'll do it myself" motto, and the longer I'm single the more "I'll do it myself" baggage I'll probably pick up.
That's interesting that the hero and heroine could have the same motto and makes me think of all kinds of environmental background things that change their outward personalities, but they still want the same things deep down and are perfect for eachother. Hmmm...I like that!
What a great blog, Terri! It really set me thinking.
Coming up with a motto for Max and Dori is easy. Max's motto: "The world is mine. Dori's: "Avoid the risks." But when I tried it with the H/H of book 2, I got stuck with the hero, who is giving me fits. Kimber's is "Atone for the failures." The best I've been able to do for Caleb is "It should have been mine." My struggle is probably an indication that I don't know him well enough yet, but it's early days for his story.
And I think the Teresa Medeiros book is Charming the Prince.
Janga's right. It IS Charming the Prince. Crap. Prince Charming was a Julie Garwood book, wasn't it?
I'm still right about the baby scene though.
*^5s Melissa* We're independent and that's a good thing. Even if we die lonely. LOL!
I'm glad this is working for you. I hate to make it sound like they always have to be opposite. Mostly because mine aren't. LOL!
Janga - We need to dig deeper into Caleb. Though I like the "It should have been mine" motto. That has all kinds of connotations and hints at some interesting (and angsty!) back story. Whenever you're ready for a character interview, we're game.
Hellie - You knew what you were talking about and that's all that counts.
It's great to read all of the mottos. I'm writing them all down. :) Janga, I especially like "It should have been mine." I'm thinking that would be a great motto for a villain who's jealous of the hero.
One thing I'm really trying to do better at is inserting character background (avoiding the information dump) and getting a handle on motto I think is key. I'm trying to focus more on what I call (or someone else probably called it) the "implied past" of a character; showing their subconscious actions to provide clues of the character’s past life. I just think knowing this motto business will make that a lot easier or natural, so thanks. :)
What you said to Melissa kind of resonated with me that they don't always have to be opposite. Mind kind of seem a little alike but they're not really.
Okay, I'm gonna play. This was really a great exercise Ter, mainly cause I'm seeing now why I'm stuck. I've kind of got Kate's down but I'm having a hard time with Will.
This is what I've got:
Kate - It all falls to me eventually/Control equals security.
Background - Raised in a home with a lot of drama, possibly an alcoholic/absent parent.
Environment – Accountant, owns own home, financially secure, a place for everything and everything in its place.
Behavior – If she’s not in charge she’s not participating. If left to someone else the chance to experience the unkown in just too scary.
Will -
Background – Big family, loving father and mother, oldest child.
Environment – Core group of family and friends that rely on him for advice. Single father of two young children.
Behavior – Act with honesty and honor in every situation. Being responsible and reliable is everything.
I can't seem to nail down his motto.
Melissa, "villain who’s jealous of the hero" is pretty much who Caleb is in book 1--or at least as much of a villain as I'm likely to have. That's all I planned for him to be, but he insisted on becoming more complex and started taunting the character set as heroine of book 2. He's a deposed alpha in search of his own territory, not a character I'm comfortable with.
Irish - His could be something like "Go with the flow." Or even "I'll try anything...twice." That one would be good since he and this heroine getting together would obviously be a second go round for him.
And I'm very much like your Kate. It's very hard for me to give up control of things, mostly because a)when I do things rarely go as well as they would if I did it myself and b)my family always let things go because they knew I'd take charge.
That's hard-wiring that is so hard to change.
Ter, I'll take you up on that interview offer soon. First, I have to fill the hole left by a three-chapter purge I just did in TLWH and send the mss to you.
Janga - Can you see me happy dancing over here? LOL! Well, I'm not happy with the purge *cocks brow* but I'm glad it's coming my way soon.
I'm loving the "deposed alpha in search of his own territory." The idea that's he's looking to take something while the heroine is looking to give (guessed from her motto) signals an awesome story unfolding.
And Irish - Thanks for playing! I was so worried this would fall flat today. LOL!
Melissa - It's a great way to show instead of tell, isn't it? I mean, if you show a hero close up as soon as messy emotions enter the room, you know something about him right away. Without having to be told anything.
Irish, it does sound like your Kate and Will are alike in the first part, that "it falls to them eventually" but differ in the control? Maybe Will is a "Give everyone the chance to fly, but be there to catch them" kind of guy. Or is that too long?
I like your characters and could see how they compliment each other. The hero has to work to gain the heroine's trust?
Janga, a villain often has a way of taking over! Of course he's not making you comfortable. :)
Can Will be a "roots and wings" motto guy?
Okay, I had to try. Working on my ghost story:
Beth - Tomorrow is Uncertain
Background - A history of mental illness. (Hate to admit it, but haven't pinned this down.)
Sheltered by a rich, political family who weren't above using Beth's illness for political sympathy.
Environment - A home filled with antique finds and self decorated. Needs the security of her own home and her sense of worth is in every small decision.
Behavior - Perceived as fragile but has a core of rebellious independence.
Ben - Risk is it's Own Reward
Background - Close with one sister, otherwise no family.
Environment - Photo journalist with contacts in powerful political positions. Content with hotel rooms and a bag packed.
Behavior - Takes chances. High integrity and a need to right wrongs.
Yes, this helps. I'm not quite so certain of Beth's motto, but getting close.
What does "roots and wings" mean? Like give them solid ground but let them fly?
Oh, and yes, I definitely have to change one or the other of my heroine and hero's names. Beth and Ben? What was I thinking? lol
Roots & wings is the "give them security, that they'll always have a place here if they want it/need it, but give them wings to let them fly away and live their own lives." It's like security and freedom, whereas the heroine seems type A. "It all falls to me" seems to harken a character who not only takes care of everything, but since she's so responsbile with juggling, that anyone who left without consulting her would hurt her deeply. Like she was taken for granted.
You have no idea how much this flutters my knickers (to steal from Design Star.) LOL! No one ever plays along with me. This is such fun!
I'm guessing Beth would be adament about holding onto things. Maybe she'd spend every moment trying to be whatever it is people see as *normal*. Which we all know is a relative term. Something like "Mask in place at all times" or "Never let them see the real you."
Flutters my knickers. That IS a great line. *snorts* I'm going to have to use that today.
Ben & Beth are fine names. I think you'd be okay. I don't think we're going to mix them up. *LOL*
So that heroine would provide the security but then wouldn't be able to let them go. Makes perfect sense. (And will be me in 8 years.)
I like those names too. For me, the characters show up with names, so if that's how it works out, then so be it. So far, I've been okay, though I have a Julianne and a Joe. No intention of changing them, that's who they are.
You can use it, but then someone is going to know where it came from and accuse you of watching reality TV. LOL!
Terri says, I’m guessing Beth would be adament about holding onto things.
Yes, Terri, exactly! It's different writing this from strictly the hero's POV and why I think I love this hero more, that he gets her struggle and what she's about.
I'm thinking that would be a tough heroine to write in her POV. There's lots of uncertainties and insecurities along with a boat load of anxiety. I'd be a basket case if I stayed in her POV too long. LOL!
But still an amazing character. It'll be great to read and get to travel along with her development into more confidence and belief in herself.
Whew! I don't want to change the names at this point either. :)
I'm going to say, "My friend Terri who is hopelessly addicted to BAD TELEVISION gave me that phrase."
People know I haven't taken POTC out of my DVD player to bother watching tv shows.
Sadly, I can't argue with that. Except you've switched to Mr. & Mrs. Smith now if we're being honest.
No one would believe me if I said I swapped out my POTC movies so I don't bother. *LOL* Though I did almost watch M&MS again last night while I wrote and almost got to the end again before I went to bed. I didn't know 2 hours had passed! What the heck!
I think I like the "Roots and Wings" thing, Hellie. Kate is very Type A and Will isn't. He just wants to provide a good solid home for his kids and live his life responsibly with family and friends at the center of it all.
This was definitely a simple yet productive exercise, Ter. Thanks a lot.
Gettin' so many ideas taday! Jus' wish I could stay and play all day... Makes me thing a' the motto first, character second sort a' story. What a great way ta kick start yer way outta writer's block.
Didn't ya like when Vern Yip turned ta her with a curious look on 'is face. "Is that good or bad?"
I think Miranda's motto is a mix a' Pollyanna with a martry complex. (Guilt, what a wicked web it weaves!)
Need ta peruse the Big Book of Mottos...
That was funny. Vern looked quite confused. And then the guy that ended up leaving had the funniest reaction after seeing his host tape.
"Cut the cameras, I am SO gay!"
LOL!
Here's an article on this topic from Susan Gable's website. Says it better than I did here.
http://www.susangable.com/Motto%20article.htm
I loved that... "I'm not bossy, I just know what you should be doing."
I have SOOOOOOOOOOO many relatives that would be the right motto for!
Hope ta catch up later crew! I'm 'elping Momma Chance recoverin' from knee replacement surgery, so I can't set anchor at Starbucks. And Mom only has dial up...
Later!
Thanks so much for the link to the article, Terri. She does "say it well" but YOU got the ball rolling. :)
So much to ponder, and I haven't even finished reading it. I like that sometimes the motto can change and I'm thinking of using some form of that. Maybe in my story, Ben adopts Beth's motto a bit; he's understanding the "tomorrow is uncertain" (her motto). Since he's a ghost and all, that's hitting home rather hard! I did back myself in a corner a bit with this story, but getting some ideas now.
As 2nd Chance says "What a great way ta kick start yer way outta writer’s block."
I'm so glad this is working for you. I find if I have a prompt, usually the right set of questions, I can get moving. But I need a starting point and this works great for that.
I'm headed home now. My first belly dance class is tonight and I'm really nervous. If I manage not to throw out my back or twist a knee, it'll be a miracle. However, I'm pretty sure my abs and hips are seriously going to hurt tomorrow.
Wish I had a better reason for that. LOL!
Oh gosh! I hope you don't mind me posting this, but I just checked my email and saw that a review site, Coffee Time Romance & More, posted a review of my self-published novel, THE DUKE'S ANGEL. http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/thedukesangel.html
It's a good review and I just want to cry.
Of course we don't mind! That's wonderful!!!
I especially love this line:
The world that comes from the imagination of the author is nothing less than amazing.
Thank you! :) I didn't know what to expect...okay, so I have made all of about $4 for a royalty and it still may not have been the right decision to self-publish, but right now I feel good. :) On to the next.
OMG! Melissa! That is so wonderful! Congrats!
Huzzah, Melissa!
Thanks! :) Had a few drinks with a friend because I'm in such a good mood. :) You guys are great. Even if I'm a newbie out of lurkdom land I really appreciate your warm welcome from fellow writers trying to put your heart out there. :)
Melissa - You are totally welcome anytime and we're so happy you came out of lurkdom. One of the great things about this ship is that you can say pretty much anything. But I'm sure you've figured that out already. :)
Yes, I did figure that out. LOL I'm not quite ready to get rauncy (sp?) but you guys do crack me up. :)
I think that's raunchy -- defined as earthy and sexually explicit - - you go pirates. :)
Aww, Melissa, you're welcome here anytime--to be as raunchy or not as you like. *LOL* And congratulations on your self-published book and rocking book review! That takes guts!!
Now I'm going to rush off to read the review. :)
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