Question: As I’m writing my wip, I find myself having to describe character’s emotional responses (show don’t tell!) but it’s being difficult to be original every time. What is a good way for describing emotional responses with originality? Answer: I love this question because it’s all about going deeper with your characterization, and really drawing the reader into the story in a way that connects. I believe there are levels to portraying emotion. The first, of course, is the most basic, just the facts. “He was angry.” Of course, this is boring, and holds the reader the farthest away. Second level is involving the body. “Anger filled his throat.” Not bad, because we can understand how that might choke someone, but again, it keeps the reader at arm’s length, unable […]
Read the RestArchive | Uncategorized RSS feed for this section
Prescriptions: How to Hook your reader Wk 4
HOOKing the reader – it’s essential for a great story. I was watching television with my children who have apparently been listening to me rant about hooks for too long because my son paused the show (yes, Tivo!) and said… “Mom, there is nothing sympathetic about this heroine that would make me like her!” Ah, the sympathetic hook! We’ve been talking about stakes in a hook, but what is at stake for a character will only work if there is also a reason to CARE about the character. Which brings me today to: Hero/Heroine Identification – Or creating Sympathy (and thereby creating connection with the reader.) We’re only going to read a book about someone we can, at least remotely, relate to. Someone we at least a little understand. Maybe […]
Read the RestDoctor’s Notes: Questions to ask your Hero!
Yesterday we talked about how to get your Hero to talk! Today, I thought I would give you a few pointers on WHAT to ask him once he starts talking! There are a few pointed questions to ask your hero (and it’s not what kind of car does he drive!) to unearth his deep issues and those things you can use to develop his character. Here are 3 Top Secret Questions to ask your hero: 1. What is the nightmare in your past that has made you the person you are today? Okay, so not everyone has turbulent pasts, but often, some decisive moment, a mistake, a tragedy, a misunderstanding, even a childhood prank can so deeply affect a character that he/she is still making choices based on that nightmare. […]
Read the RestAsk the Doc – Make him talk!
Q: My hero refuses to cooperate. He will only disclose bit and pieces about himself and it certainly inst’ about his dreams for his life. I do know his greatest fears. How do I get him to talk, or at least cooperate a little. Give me something to work with? A: I love this question! Yes, those dark, silent heroes can be the quiet types! And getting them to talk might need a little prompting. Get him started by giving him an identity – something or someone he stereotypes. Then, you can ask yourself what kind of issues might this kind of person have. For example, let’s say your hero is a forest ranger. But his identity is that of a hermit woodsman. Why? Maybe he prefers the quiet of […]
Read the Rest
