The creepier the better to write my dear.
Am I right?
Well, I’ve stumbled on a couple of terrific ways to expand your imagination. Hang on to your hats.
I love writing prompts. Give me an odd word combos, a challenging word count or subject matter and my mind goes nuts. So I really went bonkers when I stumbled across not one but two totally unique ideas!
Have you ever thought about using mug shots for character development? Not me! Not until now.
Go to Arrests.org and pick a state, any state, you won’t be disappointed. The visual is worth a thousand words.
The mug shots are tagged and categorized for you. Need to describe someone who has had the shit beat out of them? Click on “beat up.”
Or what about locking up your character? Hmm, keep reading.
These great ideas are from Paul M.M. Cooper.
He suggests you put your character in a locked room without windows or furniture. I imagined the room like a padded cell.
What happens? Is the person confused, scared, claustrophobic, or are they calm as they wait for someone to find them?
Want to know more?
Click on these links and read how to write great characters!
Writing mug shots – how a reprehensible website could make you a better writer by Paul M.M. Cooper
The creepiest (and best) creative writing exercise for character-development by Paul M.M. Cooper
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Jean's Writing 
https://www.youtube.com/user/ObsoleteOddity will absolutely give you the shivers! I love it!
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Wow! Thanks. Love the tip.
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I’m glad. This guy is a character!
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What a gold mine for antagonists! Of course, I bookmarked it. Thanks!
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Isn’t it? Love the pictures, some of them crack me up.
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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I agree with the others, gathering ideas for character development can be difficult. I’m all open to any new ideas or methodology to help.
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So true and finding odd, unique ways is so fun. 🙂
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Great ideas! Does make your head spin. I have often sat with a note pad at busy locations observing the many different people that pass by. Taking notes of their clothing, hair styles, outfits, how they walk ( with a limp, fast paced, trotting, dragging their feet etc). Their accents and what they are carrying. I choose locations like malls, airports, train stations and the beach. When I return home I have all kinds of ideas for my characters.
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What a great idea. Thanks I never thought about taking notes when I “people watch.”
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It’s amazing when you really start to look at people what you begin to notice. It really helps
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Great post we need all the help we can get
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Ain’t that the truth.
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Glad to know I am not the only one that feels this way!!!
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Reblogged this on findbooksinside.
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wow, thank you, Jean. these links will be amazing to use. You’ve given me brain food today for future use. xxx
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Brain food, I like that. 🙂
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I would have never thought of this. Thanks
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I know! Great huh!
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