How To Create Characters That Are Nothing Like You (And Why Writers Must Do This!)
Listen to this post on my Podcast! I want you to take a moment and think of two-three characteristics you find unappealing, or unattractive in a person. Think of two different hobbies or past-times you would never, ever try. Pick one culture you are entirely unfamiliar with. And finally, pick an age that is either far older or younger than you are and gender opposite of yourself. Got all that? Now, imagine you’re going to create your next book about a character that is all of these things. Excited to hop to it? Probably not. If we’re all being honest, it’s pretty uncomfortable to go outside our comfort zone and create characters that we just plain do not understand. So why must we do this? Why is it absolutely vital that we step far outside of our comfort zones? After all, isn’t a key part of storytelling writing what you do know? No, not entirely. Storytelling is a discovery of the world, a way of putting the puzzle pieces of humanity together through honest examination. So if we only ever discover the world through the eyes of one to two types of characters, two awful things will happen: You’ll recycle character types (which will bore the reader to tears). Your worldview will remain narrow. And who wants that?! No one, that’s who. So how do you do it? How do you even begin to write for someone who is nothing like you? You start with someone you already know and work from there. Think of a friend, relative, or acquaintance who you seem to regularly butt heads with, or have nothing in...
Get Inside Their Head: Historical Fiction Interview
“Get inside their head” is about getting to know the audience you’re writing for. Once a month, I interview one avid reader of a particular genre, asking questions every author wants to know, or should know about writing for their audience through the eyes of one ideal potential reader. Today’s discussion is about Historical Fiction. And my interviewee is blogger, author, and avid reader, Hannah Heath: Hannah Heath Hannah is a college-aged author, blogger, and hopeless bookworm. She loves searching for old books at thrift stores, winces every time she hears the phrase “I don’t like to read,” and often wishes someone would invent candles that smell like hardcovers. She writes young adult Christian Fantasy and is currently seeking representation for her first novel, The Stump of the Terebinth Tree. Check out Hannah’s blog page here: hannahheath-writer.blogspot.com Hannah can also be found at Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/48039868-hannah-heath FacebookTwitter Thanks again Hannah for joining us on this feature interview about what readers are looking for in a historical fiction novel. And thank you for being willing to let us poke around your brain a little! My pleasure, Rae! Thank you for having me. First of all: How long have you been an avid reader of the historical fiction genre? I’d say since I was around nine years old. That’s when I first discovered Scott O’Dell, who I will forever credit for my love of historical fiction. What drew you to the historical fiction genre? I loved the fact that these were stories about real people and events. To me, it was so amazing to read something and think, “Wow. This actually happened.” It gave me strength...
All Great Stories Have This One Key Factor in Common:
Listen to this post on my Podcast! All of these hit t.v. shows, movies, and books have one thing in common: Is it an excellent storyline? Perhaps great characters? Maybe it’s the plot twists? Or the uniqueness of the story idea itself? While all of those things are strong factors, the one underlying key point that made these stories resonate with us may surprise you. They don’t focus on one character’s journey alone. Jocelyn Hughes once said, “Treat all your secondary characters like they think the book’s about them.”And Jocelyn is right. Each story depicted above focuses on more than one individual’s personal goals and problems. The author treats every character as if the overall story is about them. While there may be one character that plays the iconic role of hero or heroine, the story is incomplete without the supporting cast of characters. Simply put: great writers understand that there is always more than one story being told. Suzanne Collins did an excellent job of garnering our sympathies for characters like Peeta, Finnick, Johanna, Haymitch, Rue, Beetee, and more. She delved into back story, revealed personal struggles, and played on their personal strengths. This made us appreciate the depth of her unique stories. The idea is this: you must give every character in your story purpose by giving them: Personal goals/ambitions Personal obstacles to challenge their character A glimpse into their life, their origin story Weaknesses or faults And most importantly, an active role/job in your story When you take the time to form a solid identity for each character, you’ll want to give them a chance to motivate the plot through...
Blog Special Part 3: Building Your Fantasy World: Natural & Man-Made Laws
Listen to this post on my Podcast! The Force was not a magic button that could get Finn, Han, and Chewie out of the tight spot they found themselves in. Why not? Isn’t the Force an all-powerful, magic-like strength that could lift an entire X-wing out of a swamp only two episodes earlier? Yes. So what’s the deal? The Force has natural laws which govern it, principles that cannot be obstructed. These laws can never be changed. That’s why Han could confidently say the quote mentioned at the outset- because Han knew the Force from years of experience. Finn didn’t know it at all. He thought it was just a mysterious magic button that could save them from their desperate situation. You must be responsible with the laws you put in place in your world. If there are irreversible natural laws that govern the planet you’ve created, or the naturally occurring powers you’ve invented, then you must record these laws and strictly adhere to them. Absolutely nothing causes a reader to throw your book across the room harder than a break from rigid natural law. The reader is 1,000% of the time going to feel cheated. And even worse, they will see you as an irresponsible writer that cannot be trusted! Think about the natural laws which govern Earth, for a moment. Gravity, for instance, is the force causing all things to pull toward the center of the earth. If you drop a hammer, it is 100% likely to fall to the ground (and about 75% likely to bust up your toe along the way). Absolutely nothing on Earth...
Blog Special Part 2: Building Your Fantasy World: Maps
Listen to this post on my Podcast! Preparing a physical map is the first step in any world building process. When you sketch your world out in detail, it makes your characters’ journey and the challenges they’ll face easier for you to formulate. Some of my favorite authors implemented this method themselves, and it wasn’t just for show. Tolkien was the master of world building, and often used his own maps as references when writing the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Knowing where his characters were headed was a quick way to formulate the next plot point. When the Fellowship took the paths through Moria, they didn’t know what beast lay hidden in the shadows or sleeping under the waters. But Tolkien did! Drawing out detailed maps are a fantastic way to beat writer’s block before it strikes. If we draw the land, scale the terrain, and even designate flora and fauna across the map, it will be a reliable reference tool come plot structuring time. So how, then, do you do it? Where do you begin? Most folks like to use apps or computer programs to map out their new terrains. Some programs have multiple tools and features that make cartography a breeze. In the new book I’m releasing, Building Your Fantasy World, it includes multiple programs you can use to help create a digital map. However, there are advantages to having a physical map beside you on your writing journey. In my experience, having a physical map is the perfect anchor while I outline chapters and craft the storyline. The map reminds me of each...I’m Rae Elliott: Author, Blogger, Geek
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