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Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Q&A with your character
Influence this week: I'd say mass quantities of alcohol, but I haven't drank a lick.
Music: In anticipation of getting Parabelle's acoustic CD early- “Saturnalia” by Evans Blue (w/ Kevin Matisyn) I've got my fingers crossed that the secret song on the CD is this one.
It's the first week of May, which means Mayawrapawrimo is in full swing. (Is that how we're spelling it? *dismissive gesture* Meh, it's close enough that you get the point.) We're all brimming full with promise of massive quantities of pages about to be written. Positive energy is practically oozing from your pores like pheromones calling out to other writers. This will be a great month for all of us. I'm sure of it.
I love writing. Ever since I decided to go for it, I've found joy with creating situations for characters and using the characters to do my evil bidding- I mean, goody two-shoeing- for fun. It's fun to see characters and stories come to life from your imagination. It's easy to remember as a kid having a grand imagination and using it for all sorts of childish endeavors. I spent my entire childhood outside chasing after one story to the next. It was only after I became an adult (I use that term loosely) and was inspired that I decided it was time to put my imagination to work.
Fat lot of good that's done me.
So as I struggle along trying to finish one manuscript after the next, I go back to those days when my imagination ran wild amongst the black-eyed susans and honeysuckle and purple clover. When I could climb a tree and pretend I was almost touching the sky. Imagination is meant to be fun. I sometimes lose sight of that when I'm struggling to bring my characters to life.
I know most of you do some sort of story boarding and character interviewing to understand your story better. Especially when you're first starting out. Those questions we ask all have a point that steers the story towards the end. It helps you know your characters reactions and thought processes. It's all rational. How about some silly stuff? I want to chill out with my character today. Not that any interaction with your character won't help you know them better. But how about today we have some fun?
I decided over the weekend while I could rally the pirates and friends for the Mayawrapawrimo, we really don't need a firm boot planting this early on. So let's have some exercise. I'll ask some questions and write your first response from your character's perspective.
I'm going to use my heroine for my YA whom I'm working with right now. We don't need to know the age or name or situation the character is in. The point of the exercise is fun and just finish the sentence with the first character thought that comes to mind.
Example:
Question 1. My alarm goes off in the morning and I...?
Answer: I beat it with my fist until it shuts the hell up.
Question 2: What's the first thought in your mind when you wake up?
Question 3. All you have is rotten eggs and ketchup in the fridge and you're starved... what happens next?
Question 4: Someone is calling you by a nickname. What is it?
Question 5: You hear a noise in the middle of the night. It wakes you from a dead sleep. What's your first move?
Answer: It would have to be one helluva noise to wake me from a dead sleep.
Me: *eye roll* Just go with it.
Answer: Well, there's all kinds of noise in the shelter. Are we talking like mass chaos, broken glass and screaming or atomic bombs and tanks rolling through the living room?
Me: *giving the look* The kind that means trouble, smart ass.
Question 6: You can go anywhere and do anything. What's first?
Question 7: It's a quiet night and you're home with nothing to do. What's your game plan?
Question 8: A person is interested in you and you've taken notice. What happens next?
You don't have to answer all of them. The question might not pertain to your character's situation. Ry's in a world where there's not much of an option to go anywhere and do anything. Or have a quiet night at “home”. Just answer the ones that jump out at you and your character.
PS. Pamela Clare's newest I-Team book, Breaking Point, released yesterday. Don't forget to pick it up if you're an I-Team fan!
Music: In anticipation of getting Parabelle's acoustic CD early- “Saturnalia” by Evans Blue (w/ Kevin Matisyn) I've got my fingers crossed that the secret song on the CD is this one.
It's the first week of May, which means Mayawrapawrimo is in full swing. (Is that how we're spelling it? *dismissive gesture* Meh, it's close enough that you get the point.) We're all brimming full with promise of massive quantities of pages about to be written. Positive energy is practically oozing from your pores like pheromones calling out to other writers. This will be a great month for all of us. I'm sure of it.
I love writing. Ever since I decided to go for it, I've found joy with creating situations for characters and using the characters to do my evil bidding- I mean, goody two-shoeing- for fun. It's fun to see characters and stories come to life from your imagination. It's easy to remember as a kid having a grand imagination and using it for all sorts of childish endeavors. I spent my entire childhood outside chasing after one story to the next. It was only after I became an adult (I use that term loosely) and was inspired that I decided it was time to put my imagination to work.
Fat lot of good that's done me.
So as I struggle along trying to finish one manuscript after the next, I go back to those days when my imagination ran wild amongst the black-eyed susans and honeysuckle and purple clover. When I could climb a tree and pretend I was almost touching the sky. Imagination is meant to be fun. I sometimes lose sight of that when I'm struggling to bring my characters to life.
I know most of you do some sort of story boarding and character interviewing to understand your story better. Especially when you're first starting out. Those questions we ask all have a point that steers the story towards the end. It helps you know your characters reactions and thought processes. It's all rational. How about some silly stuff? I want to chill out with my character today. Not that any interaction with your character won't help you know them better. But how about today we have some fun?
I decided over the weekend while I could rally the pirates and friends for the Mayawrapawrimo, we really don't need a firm boot planting this early on. So let's have some exercise. I'll ask some questions and write your first response from your character's perspective.
I'm going to use my heroine for my YA whom I'm working with right now. We don't need to know the age or name or situation the character is in. The point of the exercise is fun and just finish the sentence with the first character thought that comes to mind.
Example:
Question 1. My alarm goes off in the morning and I...?
Answer: I beat it with my fist until it shuts the hell up.
Question 2: What's the first thought in your mind when you wake up?
Question 3. All you have is rotten eggs and ketchup in the fridge and you're starved... what happens next?
Question 4: Someone is calling you by a nickname. What is it?
Question 5: You hear a noise in the middle of the night. It wakes you from a dead sleep. What's your first move?
Answer: It would have to be one helluva noise to wake me from a dead sleep.
Me: *eye roll* Just go with it.
Answer: Well, there's all kinds of noise in the shelter. Are we talking like mass chaos, broken glass and screaming or atomic bombs and tanks rolling through the living room?
Me: *giving the look* The kind that means trouble, smart ass.
Question 6: You can go anywhere and do anything. What's first?
Question 7: It's a quiet night and you're home with nothing to do. What's your game plan?
Question 8: A person is interested in you and you've taken notice. What happens next?
You don't have to answer all of them. The question might not pertain to your character's situation. Ry's in a world where there's not much of an option to go anywhere and do anything. Or have a quiet night at “home”. Just answer the ones that jump out at you and your character.
PS. Pamela Clare's newest I-Team book, Breaking Point, released yesterday. Don't forget to pick it up if you're an I-Team fan!
Labels:
2011,
Quartermaster's Queries (Sin),
Sin
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34 comments:
Ok...let's see what I can let Janey answer...
Question: What’s the first thought in your mind when you wake up?
What the hell did I drink last night and what did he see? (Pertains to what is going on right now in the MS.)
Question: You hear a noise in the middle of the night. It wakes you from a dead sleep. What’s your first move?
That better not be a clown...
Question: You can go anywhere and do anything. What’s first?
Time travel back to when Tink offered me that third drink, Harry offered his chest to lean on and Tim offered to massage her feet...and say 'no'.
Question: A person is interested in you and you’ve taken notice. What happens next?
I screw it up because I'm scared and get drunk and get caught doing...well, nothing really, but it looked bad. If 'taken notice' means we've spent three days together having wonderful sex.
I'm doing pretty good so far...Since the first of May I've done about 10k... I have a deadline!
Belle's answers to some of these.
Question: What’s the first thought in your mind when you wake up?
Am I alone? Because if I'm not I have to pretend to be happy that some man is still there when I wish I could just wake up by myself.
Question: You hear a noise in the middle of the night. It wakes you from a dead sleep. What’s your first move?
I rush down the hall to Charlie's nursery. As long as it isn't something that harms my son, the house can fall down around me.
Question: Question 7: It’s a quiet night and you’re home with nothing to do. What’s your game plan?
Books. On agriculture and horticulture particularly. I have to hide them from my benefactors--they're not interested in an intelligent mistress--but I find the cultivation of the earth fascinating. And I've been able to use some of the techniques in my garden.
This was a great idea, Sin. Answering these questions might be the first time I've really *heard* my heroine's voice in my head. Thanks!
Heroine of the new WIP answers:
Question 2: What’s the first thought in your mind when you wake up?
*sigh* Another day of doing something I hate.
Question 3. All you have is rotten eggs and ketchup in the fridge and you’re starved… what happens next?
I'll either go without or order Chinese delivery. I don't need much.
Question 4: Someone is calling you by a nickname. What is it?
Everyone in my life calls me Elizabeth, but I was Beth as a child and now my fiance's brother is calling me Beth. I'm not sure I like how hearing him say my name makes me feel. *shakes head* I mean, it's nothing. It's just a name. And he's, you know, just a guy.
Question 6: You can go anywhere and do anything. What’s first?
I'd definitely go out of the city. I grew up in a small rural area and though Richmond is fine, I miss the quiet of small town life.
Question 7: It’s a quiet night and you’re home with nothing to do. What’s your game plan?
To do nothing. If I'm alone then there's no one in the room I have to please, which means I can just be me for a few hours.
Sin, I love these -- really great way to provoke some thoughts from the Muse. :)
Question 3. All you have is rotten eggs and ketchup in the fridge and you’re starved… what happens next?
I lay here in bed and wait for the hero. He's a chef, and he's in the kitchen, and he can work magic. Oh, and he's great with food too. :)
This was a lot of fun, Sin! Thanks! My characters are playing with me again!! This is more fun than meditation, I admit. *LOL*
Question 1. My alarm goes off in the morning and I…?
Eve: I don’t have an alarm clock. I naturally rise with the sun and do my morning sun salutations (yoga).
Adam: I don’t need an alarm clock either, but I sleep til about 9, then I go golfing.
Question 2: What’s the first thought in your mind when you wake up?
Eve: The children.
Adam: Coffee. The children? The children don’t even live here anymore. WHY would you be thinking about the kids?
Eve: You’ve never thought about the kids. I’m not surprised you didn’t think of them.
Question 3. All you have is rotten eggs and ketchup in the fridge and you’re starved… what happens next?
Eve: What a ridiculous question. I would never have rotten eggs in my fridge. And I would go to McDonald’s. I enjoy their chicken sandwiches.
Adam: My fridge wouldn’t even have these two items; and I would also hit McD’s. First for coffee, then whatever’s on the dollar menu that appeals to me.
Question 4: Someone is calling you by a nickname. What is it?
Eve: *scowling* Evie.
Adam: *scowling* Motherfuc….
Question 5: You hear a noise in the middle of the night. It wakes you from a dead sleep. What’s your first move?
Eve: Pick up my bat.
Adam: Check the kitchen to see if Evie is skulking around, making French toast again.
Question 6: You can go anywhere and do anything. What’s first?
Eve: Sonoma. Yoga retreat.
Adam: Mustang ranch. SEX.
Eve: You’re a pig.
Adam: What? I already golf every day.
Question 7: It’s a quiet night and you’re home with nothing to do. What’s your game plan?
Adam: This is every night for us. I order something to eat, then I watch CNN and ESPN.
Eve: I have a light supper, then I journal about the things I’m grateful for.
Adam: I think you made Oprah vomit.
Question 8: A person is interested in you and you’ve taken notice. What happens next?
Adam: I’m married. This does not happen.
Eve: I show him how flexible yoga has made me.
Adam: Not that it will matter. Poor bastard.
Hells, will you finish this damn book already? LOL!! These guys sound like so much fun.
PS, I'm just teasing. I am in no position to tell anyone else to finish their book. ;)
I think you made Oprah vomit.
Bwahahahahahahaha....
*LOL* I'm working on it. I think I might be up to page 50. I consider that a milestone. Now if I can get past Chapter 8 without faltering completely. Chapter 8 for me in a book is like everyone else's Chapter 11--complete bankruptcy and start over.
I find it interesting that Bo'sun's and Marn's heroines, who have very different careers, both like to be alone so they don't have to be "on". *LOL* It just makes me think that no matter the year or the culture, we're all the same.
Hey guys. Great answers today. I'm glad it's helping everyone out.
And I've got to say that 10k since the first of May, Chanceroo, is awe-inspiring! Awesomeness to the tenth degree!
Sin, when the pressure is on...strap that ipod to the head and make it work!
Ah, I just channeled Tim Gunn!
I just did the rottenest thing to the hero...hee, hee.
Hels, I echo Marn...get the book finished!
Great idea, Sin! I love reading all the answers. I'm still grinning over Hellie's.
Here are my answers for Saja Hamilton, heroine of Who Says You Can't Go Home?
Question 1. My alarm goes off in the morning and I…?
Answer: am already awake. I’m having problems adjusting to a dramatic change in environments and am not sleeping well.
Question 2: What’s the first thought in your mind when you wake up?
Answer: Brody McKenna is as stubborn as an ignorant politician in an election year debate.
Question 3. All you have is rotten eggs and ketchup in the fridge and you’re starved… what happens next?
Answer: I’ve seen starvation, and I remind myself that I’m not really starving. Then I rush to the Depot for barbecue.
Question 4: Someone is calling you by a nickname. What is it?
Answer: Saj. Only my best friends use it, and I tolerate it from them—barely.
Question 5: You hear a noise in the middle of the night. It wakes you from a dead sleep. What’s your first move?
Answer: I switch on a light, look around, and realize that I’m no longer in Gaza, Sri Lanka, the DRC, or any other of a hundred places that haunt my dreams.
Question 6: You can go anywhere and do anything. What’s first?
I’ve been many places. My top priority now is learning what it means to be at home.
Question 7: It’s a quiet night and you’re home with nothing to do. What’s your game plan?
I might call my friend Zan to see if she has time for a girls’ night with popcorn and Hugh Jackman. Or I could watch the Max Marshall Summertime Special on GAC that’s on my Tivo. Or I could read.
I want a copy of that Max Marshall special. :)
Ditto me what the Bo said! I want me a platter of the Max Marshall special with a side of Brody.
Incidentally I'm loving these names. These are good masculine names.
And I like the Saj name...
This is fun. I expected Caitlyn to step but instead it was Devin. He's from my contemp.
1. My alarm goes off in the morning and I…?
Hit the snooze alarm and try to pry my eyes open and get out of bed when it goes off again.
2: What’s the first thought in your mind when you wake up?
Coffee.
3. All you have is rotten eggs and ketchup in the fridge and you’re starved… what happens next?
Toss the eggs in the garbage and take it out to the can in the garage, and hit McDonald’s.
4: Someone is calling you by a nickname. What is it?
Boss.
5: You hear a noise in the middle of the night. It wakes you from a dead sleep. What’s your first move?
Grab my Glock from the drawer.
6: You can go anywhere and do anything. What’s first?
Find a way to get my sexy neighbor out of town for a romantic weekend.
7: It’s a quiet night and you’re home with nothing to do. What’s your game plan?
Turn on the game, drink beer.
8: A person is interested in you and you’ve taken notice. What happens next?
Depends on whether I want her to be interested.
Di
Forgot to say how much I've enjoyed everyone's responses.
Di
Whoa, Di has been holding out. Hot damn.
Di, can me and the Boss man step out for a second? I think we could have some fun.
I love everyone's answers. It's fun to hear how everyone's character would react. I spent my lunch making notes on a different story. I want to play too. But I gotta finish a few things on my desk first.
Thanks for participating today everyone!
Maybe the Boss can use the Glock on Janey's clowns...
Or she can borrow the ice pick.
The thing is, I haven't decided it I'm going to make the clowns really nasty or if it's just Janey's thing... Maybe I'll have both types!
Sure, why not! I can throw in another twisty-turvey thing along with all the rest I'm juggling!
Clowns in Tortuga? I say let the vamps have them.
Ah, the vamps are going to be a bit weirded out by the circus...
Because Talis, my dark elf, is always in my head. ("I'm not an elf!" he protests.)
Question 1. My alarm goes off in the morning and I…?
No alarm. The electromagnetic energy in small appliances and the like makes my head hurt.
Question 2: What’s the first thought in your mind when you wake up?
Eithne, my cat, is probably sitting on my chest. So, uh, I guess I'd think: "Time to feed the cat."
Question 3. All you have is rotten eggs and ketchup in the fridge and you’re starved… what happens next?
Uh, how rotten are they? Okay, I know, "Yuck." I get dressed and drive over to McDonalds and order a Big Mac, hold the fixin's. Because I don't eat ... leaves.
Question 4: Someone is calling you by a nickname. What is it? "Elf." Even though, I'm not an elf.
Question 5: You hear a noise in the middle of the night. It wakes you from a dead sleep. What’s your first move?
In this neighborhood? It's probably a drive-by. Keep my head down and hope I don't get hit by stray bullets.
An elf that don't eat greens? Does he wear green?
Oh, that's right, he's not an elf... ;-)
Talis is devout carnivore. And...(whispers) he is an elf. His people have "issues" with the pale, pasty variety of elf.
And did someone say "clowns?" *Runs away in shrieking horror.*
Yes. Clowns from the pirate circus.
Very disturbing!
Clowns and elves on the same day. Might be a first for the ship. LOL!
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