Leara
Entry 9
Keep your eyes and ears open. You can get so many ideas from everday things. Books, obviously, can be a big inspiration. What is it about your favorite book that makes you like it so much? Movies count. And music. Even videogames (woot) and boardgames can include one tiny thing that helps you out a lot. Try normal and boring things too. Like food. Crazy as it is, food can really make a character realistic. For example: I really don't think Lilia would like mayonnaise because she prefers to play it safe and stay simple. Yan on the other hand would love it because he loves to be daring and he can even enjoy making a mess. :) You don't even need to include it in the story, but you should talk about it with yourself. And them. Because talking tp your characters is totally normal and not schizophrenic. Hahaha. Whatever. I probably wrote about this already in another entry, but I think it's important. And I'm way off topic anyway. Yeah. That happens a lot.
Entry 8
Ever hear anyone say, "It's all the little things that make the final result"? Well, that's pretty much true. And, of course, it means I'm going to apply it to something in writing. Today's subject is Characters: The Little Things. This is a super fun part if you're anything like me. I really love detail. And I just want you to see how it can affect the overall result of your writing.
Really get to know your character. Yes, you know the mood they are generally in, and how they might react in various situations, but what about them? Learn little things about them like you would of your friends. For example, maybe they have a birthday. When is it? What kinds of gifts would you give them? What kind of cake would they want? Maybe they like chocolate because it's the kind their mother made for them when they were a child. Do they have a unique laugh? Do they have habits like nail-biting? What hobbies do they like? Maybe they're left handed. Or OCD. Maybe they have an accent. If that's too difficult, maybe they use a certain term, such as "y'all", or "thee/thy" as opposed to "you/your" because of where they're from.
Oh, here's a potentially challenging one: who do they hang out with? Ok, just stop there for a second. Now, let me tell you, I can already probably read your mind. Your character has a mysterious background and no friends because he/she doesn't trust people. Just stop there again. By the power vested in me, I order you to execute this character immediately. Ok, maybe you won't go there, but listen up. This is for your own good. Trust me. Those characters are fun. Believe me, I know. Been there, done that. But really, aren't they sorta cliché? Admit it, they are. But you want realistic characters. Which means they are people. And part of human nature (or elf nature, or fairy nature, or whatever) is relationships. That excludes hermits/witches/wizards in the mountains all alone. I mean everyone else. They need friends. Ok, here's another important pointer: not everyone will like everyone else. But that also doesn't mean that there is necessarily any hate going on. Maybe some of them just don't get along. Or they don't talk because they never tried. (PS- this doesn't mean once they hold a conversation they'll be best friends) Just pay attention to who they are and what they could have in common with others. Oh, and don't forget fun things like jealousies and purely professional relationships. Aha, I just remembered another thing to say. YOU don't need to like them.
Take Yan. Spenfalla's brother, loves Ellesänya. Well, not that last part anymore. That's because I changed his character. Which you too should not hesitate to do if you know they need revising. But Yan was mad at Tolké because he thought Tol did something that made Spenfall have that little attack thing. And so I made them have a fight, and after that they were totally best friends. It took me far too long to realize how horribly good-natured the two of them were. So all I had to do was just end the fight, and have them still not on the best of terms. Often in our minds we complicate things beyond all reason. Many times the solutions are simple. Ok, sorry about this random road I traveled down. Ah, well, it's all for a purpose.
Really get to know your character. Yes, you know the mood they are generally in, and how they might react in various situations, but what about them? Learn little things about them like you would of your friends. For example, maybe they have a birthday. When is it? What kinds of gifts would you give them? What kind of cake would they want? Maybe they like chocolate because it's the kind their mother made for them when they were a child. Do they have a unique laugh? Do they have habits like nail-biting? What hobbies do they like? Maybe they're left handed. Or OCD. Maybe they have an accent. If that's too difficult, maybe they use a certain term, such as "y'all", or "thee/thy" as opposed to "you/your" because of where they're from.
Oh, here's a potentially challenging one: who do they hang out with? Ok, just stop there for a second. Now, let me tell you, I can already probably read your mind. Your character has a mysterious background and no friends because he/she doesn't trust people. Just stop there again. By the power vested in me, I order you to execute this character immediately. Ok, maybe you won't go there, but listen up. This is for your own good. Trust me. Those characters are fun. Believe me, I know. Been there, done that. But really, aren't they sorta cliché? Admit it, they are. But you want realistic characters. Which means they are people. And part of human nature (or elf nature, or fairy nature, or whatever) is relationships. That excludes hermits/witches/wizards in the mountains all alone. I mean everyone else. They need friends. Ok, here's another important pointer: not everyone will like everyone else. But that also doesn't mean that there is necessarily any hate going on. Maybe some of them just don't get along. Or they don't talk because they never tried. (PS- this doesn't mean once they hold a conversation they'll be best friends) Just pay attention to who they are and what they could have in common with others. Oh, and don't forget fun things like jealousies and purely professional relationships. Aha, I just remembered another thing to say. YOU don't need to like them.
Take Yan. Spenfalla's brother, loves Ellesänya. Well, not that last part anymore. That's because I changed his character. Which you too should not hesitate to do if you know they need revising. But Yan was mad at Tolké because he thought Tol did something that made Spenfall have that little attack thing. And so I made them have a fight, and after that they were totally best friends. It took me far too long to realize how horribly good-natured the two of them were. So all I had to do was just end the fight, and have them still not on the best of terms. Often in our minds we complicate things beyond all reason. Many times the solutions are simple. Ok, sorry about this random road I traveled down. Ah, well, it's all for a purpose.
Peace, homies.
Leara
Leara
Entry 7
Nature. Yeah, I know. Trees and flowers and animals and stuff. No. Nature. Like... how do I say this? Ok. Go outside and close your eyes. That. The way soft, earthy smells reach your nose as you pass over dew-bathed grass. What does the smell make you think of? The way wind submerges you in emotion. Does it make you feel like crying? Why? The sound of a squirrel's claws scratching the bark of a tree in search of something. What's he doing? The lazy motion of a falling leaf. What emotion does it awake inside you? The way stars seem almost hazy despite their distinct light. Do they look near or far?
I know this isn't much of a post, but go ahead. Learn to identify something other than what it is.
I know this isn't much of a post, but go ahead. Learn to identify something other than what it is.
Leara
Entry 6
So I'm reading my book to my little brother, and it's the coolest thing ever. He really didn't know anything about it, except from what I've drawn before. We came to the part in Chapter 1 when Spenfalla meets Leara, but it's before Leara's name is even mentioned.
"Oh! It's Leara!"
"What?"
"The orange dress! It's Leara!"
Cutest thing ever. Anyway, I guess the point I'm making is make sure you can be around people when you write. It's really encouraging, and they can help you too. For example, now I know that I need to explain a little better that they're leaving, and not just hanging out in their hometown. But make sure you don't base everything on what they say. If they know the characters enough, they can give you suggestions. But here's some important stuff on that.
If they suggest something that's not in the character's personality, you could have a problem. Maybe you aren't clearly defining your character, and they got the wrong idea. But if it's something original and you really can't get any of the characters to do it, maybe you should make it happen. If you do, make sure you have a good motive or explanation. Background stories are always fun. Especially if they involve other characters. Just sayin'. Wow, I am really rambling today. I hope you get something out of it.
"Oh! It's Leara!"
"What?"
"The orange dress! It's Leara!"
Cutest thing ever. Anyway, I guess the point I'm making is make sure you can be around people when you write. It's really encouraging, and they can help you too. For example, now I know that I need to explain a little better that they're leaving, and not just hanging out in their hometown. But make sure you don't base everything on what they say. If they know the characters enough, they can give you suggestions. But here's some important stuff on that.
If they suggest something that's not in the character's personality, you could have a problem. Maybe you aren't clearly defining your character, and they got the wrong idea. But if it's something original and you really can't get any of the characters to do it, maybe you should make it happen. If you do, make sure you have a good motive or explanation. Background stories are always fun. Especially if they involve other characters. Just sayin'. Wow, I am really rambling today. I hope you get something out of it.
Leara
Entry 5
I'm positive that some of you are wondering "How the heck did she come up with all these characters?" Well... I could just say it wasn't easy, but that's discouraging, and it was easy. Sorta. It's hard to explain. It really depends on the character. For example, my favorite: Leara.
As mentioned in Entry 3, she started out not so good. It was totally unoriginal, with an attitude and sick awesome fighting skills. She was a princess who didn't want to be crowned. That fact alone was one that made her cliché. The easiest way to fix it was to make her care about her people and want to rule them well. That taken care of, she needed attitude adjustment. That helped a lot. I made her older and more mature, but she's no angel. She still has problems as a person, and I tried to make others see her as I see her: flawed but lovable. Now about those fighting skills... I'm afraid she still has them. But I try to make her not have superhuman abilities. Here was something great about her: she was a good fighter because she cares about training so she can lead her country. I was so happy it worked out!
About inventing people.... yeah, that can be fun. Two in particular come to mind. Ellesänya and Yan. We'll start with Sänya. Her origin is quite interesting. I was designing a poster a long time ago, when I discovered I didn't have enough 'bad guys'. I also happened to be into samurai at the time. So what should arise but an evil lady in a kimono. The art was horrible, I must say. But something about her made me wonder. I was curious. So, I invented a story for her. I eventually scrapped that and made her a 'good guy'. Who wouldn't want the samurai on their side? Along with her I developed the country of Aris. She joined the Council, but when they traveled to Aris, I decided that the plot was going a little too smoothly. So I made her an outlaw in her own land. Now the Council is divided and people and plot are being developed. All because of a kimono.
The other story is Yan. Before him, I had a little problem. Here we have a main character. She's an orphan, living on a farm with her aunt and uncle. Ok. Stop there. Starwars? Eragon? Nuh-uh. That's gotta go. Alright, lemme think... I got it! Her dad is still alive, but her mother died of sickness. Yeah, that's it! No, wait. Cinderella. Fine. Just her and her mom. On second thought, all Disney stories are single parents. Easy to fix that one! She has both parents. They live on a farm, just the three of them. Ok, ok, fine. Give her some siblings. An older brother to help her dad out in the fields so that she can be free to go save the world. Voila! The birth of Yan! It was happy with that one for a while. But then... perhaps too convenient? Ok, little sister. That's how Lilia showed up. And I think it worked. See how everything changed just to avoid repetition? If you have trouble making something original, just work it over and over until you like it. And don't be afraid to make changes. Change is good. I promise.
As mentioned in Entry 3, she started out not so good. It was totally unoriginal, with an attitude and sick awesome fighting skills. She was a princess who didn't want to be crowned. That fact alone was one that made her cliché. The easiest way to fix it was to make her care about her people and want to rule them well. That taken care of, she needed attitude adjustment. That helped a lot. I made her older and more mature, but she's no angel. She still has problems as a person, and I tried to make others see her as I see her: flawed but lovable. Now about those fighting skills... I'm afraid she still has them. But I try to make her not have superhuman abilities. Here was something great about her: she was a good fighter because she cares about training so she can lead her country. I was so happy it worked out!
About inventing people.... yeah, that can be fun. Two in particular come to mind. Ellesänya and Yan. We'll start with Sänya. Her origin is quite interesting. I was designing a poster a long time ago, when I discovered I didn't have enough 'bad guys'. I also happened to be into samurai at the time. So what should arise but an evil lady in a kimono. The art was horrible, I must say. But something about her made me wonder. I was curious. So, I invented a story for her. I eventually scrapped that and made her a 'good guy'. Who wouldn't want the samurai on their side? Along with her I developed the country of Aris. She joined the Council, but when they traveled to Aris, I decided that the plot was going a little too smoothly. So I made her an outlaw in her own land. Now the Council is divided and people and plot are being developed. All because of a kimono.
The other story is Yan. Before him, I had a little problem. Here we have a main character. She's an orphan, living on a farm with her aunt and uncle. Ok. Stop there. Starwars? Eragon? Nuh-uh. That's gotta go. Alright, lemme think... I got it! Her dad is still alive, but her mother died of sickness. Yeah, that's it! No, wait. Cinderella. Fine. Just her and her mom. On second thought, all Disney stories are single parents. Easy to fix that one! She has both parents. They live on a farm, just the three of them. Ok, ok, fine. Give her some siblings. An older brother to help her dad out in the fields so that she can be free to go save the world. Voila! The birth of Yan! It was happy with that one for a while. But then... perhaps too convenient? Ok, little sister. That's how Lilia showed up. And I think it worked. See how everything changed just to avoid repetition? If you have trouble making something original, just work it over and over until you like it. And don't be afraid to make changes. Change is good. I promise.
Leara
Entry 4
Culture. Culture is the collection of beliefs, customs, and behaviors of a group. If you write fantasy, this is where the fun begins (besides making obnoxious characters, of course). The following is a suggested checklist of cultural elements, as well as questions to ask yourself. After each question, also ask "How does this affect my people?"
Religion
What do my people believe about creation?
What do they believe about death and beyond?
What forms of worship/ prayer are acceptable?
How many deities exist?
Is it only a belief, or is it real (in your world)?
Are there any religious holidays?
Environment
What is the climate like?
What sort of flora/ fauna exist?
What sort of natural resources exist?
What is the geography?
Family
What size family is common?
Why?
How are various members treated?
Is there an inheritance system?
Who works?
Are there branches of families?
How do they treat each other?
Art
How advanced is art?
What types of art are there (ex. statues, tapestries, paintings, architecture, jewelry)?
What sort of symbolism is common?
Does art take a place in all the social classes?
If not, which ones?
Why?
Money
How much can the currency be broken down?
Is the money literally worth something?
Just remember, you have the rules and you can change as much or as little as you want from real life. Maybe, if you're like me, you'll live there someday.
Religion
What do my people believe about creation?
What do they believe about death and beyond?
What forms of worship/ prayer are acceptable?
How many deities exist?
Is it only a belief, or is it real (in your world)?
Are there any religious holidays?
Environment
What is the climate like?
What sort of flora/ fauna exist?
What sort of natural resources exist?
What is the geography?
Family
What size family is common?
Why?
How are various members treated?
Is there an inheritance system?
Who works?
Are there branches of families?
How do they treat each other?
Art
How advanced is art?
What types of art are there (ex. statues, tapestries, paintings, architecture, jewelry)?
What sort of symbolism is common?
Does art take a place in all the social classes?
If not, which ones?
Why?
Money
How much can the currency be broken down?
Is the money literally worth something?
Just remember, you have the rules and you can change as much or as little as you want from real life. Maybe, if you're like me, you'll live there someday.
Leara
Entry 3
What I have to say this week is simple: don't give up. I mean it! When I started writing, I was only in fifth grade. Let me tell you: it sucked. Seriously, I was really into it. I made the mistake of putting myself in each character's place and asking "What would I do?", which made them all me. The plot was cheesy, and the descriptions were not very imaginative. After a while, I looked back and saw how terrible it was. I started over. That too, sucked. I was really frustrated. I was stuck in a place of cliché. A mysterious-stranger-really-rebellious-princess at an inn joins the orphan-main-character-who-lives-with-their-aunt-and-uncle, who goes out to save the world. I was in despair, but I was too attached to dump it. Though I knew better, I stayed with it. Believe it or not, that writing is part of my book today. Only recently did I cut out the whole inn sequence and gave the main character parents (that was a relief). My problem had been that I wanting so badly to write I didn't care how terrible it was. I ignored my inner smartness and continued. And I can't believe where it took me. I sometimes wonder what had happened if I had started over again. It may have changed my current plot more than I know. So, no matter how bad you think it is, go through it. You can always go back and make it more logical, original, high-quality, etc. That's how I got from shy, trusting Lapé to bold, scared Spenfalla. Sometime I'll have to show you some changes I made. But that's all for now.
Leara
Entry 2
I once saw something that said 'Writer's Block: When characters get fed up with all you put them through and go on strike'. How completely and ironically true! You make up someone, dress them, feed them a personality, send them off into the world and what do they do? Protest! In case you couldn't tell, I'm talking about one of the most annoying questions that pops up during the writing process. "Sure, I know what's gonna happen next, but how do I make them [the characters] do it?" And, insane as it may sound, you negotiate with them. Here are some questions to ask yourself (or them):
Is this necessary to the plot?
If so, why won't they do it?
If not so, should this piece be removed?
If it shouldn't, is it because it really develops a character or relationship?
Is it within the character's personality to do this?
If not, why are they doing it?
Is it supposed to be out of character for a specific reason?
Are you answering these questions just to not have to delete a huge effort? Lemme talk about that last one there.
There are two possible responses I could give you:
1) Don't do that. If you know it's not useful at all, don't keep it. Or, save it somewhere where you can get to it if necessary.
So, which will I say? I say: both. I have been in this so many times. Sometimes, it's something that isn't worth fixing effort, but occasionally (hallelujah) you make minor changes and it works! Just make sure you can tell the difference.
Is this necessary to the plot?
If so, why won't they do it?
If not so, should this piece be removed?
If it shouldn't, is it because it really develops a character or relationship?
Is it within the character's personality to do this?
If not, why are they doing it?
Is it supposed to be out of character for a specific reason?
Are you answering these questions just to not have to delete a huge effort? Lemme talk about that last one there.
There are two possible responses I could give you:
1) Don't do that. If you know it's not useful at all, don't keep it. Or, save it somewhere where you can get to it if necessary.
OR
2) Go ahead and keep it! You worked hard, and it came out great? So what if it doesn't fit? Make it!So, which will I say? I say: both. I have been in this so many times. Sometimes, it's something that isn't worth fixing effort, but occasionally (hallelujah) you make minor changes and it works! Just make sure you can tell the difference.
Leara
Entry 1
Writing is hard. Don't believe otherwise. Yes, some parts are simple and don't require much work. But no matter how easy the words are to write (or type), it is hard. Seriously, from the very beginning, I knew that Jayor would die. I went on writing for several years, developing characters and plot alike. Then I got a book on Narnian armor/ weapon design, so I decided to take a stab at writing battle scenes. Obviously, Jayor would die. I was writing in an ordinary composition notebook, but that notebook became alive to me. It was there that I, sword in hand, marched into war alongside my queen and Dansal. It was there that I, first through Jayor, then Spenfalla, stabbed some of my favorite characters. How hard can it be, right?
"Then he was still, his eyes still open, looking at her. There was no life behind them."
That was simple. Stating a fact. But those were some of the hardest words I've ever had to write. Welcome to my life.
"Then he was still, his eyes still open, looking at her. There was no life behind them."
That was simple. Stating a fact. But those were some of the hardest words I've ever had to write. Welcome to my life.
Leara
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