How to add a friends quirks to your character

We all have them, those irritating, funny, or lovable people who make our lives complete.

Without an aggravating co-worker, who would we bitch about? 

What would our BBQ be without the life of the party friend?

Pink Panther - Life of the party

Or how about that loving friend who embraces all of our warts, and keeps us sane? Gotta have a best friend character, right?  Happy smiley emoji

Roz Morris refers to these everyday characters as “plot zombies.” No, not the flesh-eating kind. But people who add spice and zing to the story. Adding ‘equilibrium of irritation’ to the plot might be just what you’re searching for.

She uses an old sitcom Sienfield to show examples in the extreme. Although, I beg to differ. Because I’ve met a few of these extreme characters in real life. Which goes right to her point.

Roz explains, that time moves on and we deal with the quirks of people in our world because that’s life.  “Art imitates life.” Oscar Wilde. But I contend, life also imitates art, especially in fiction.

I love her example and it really got me to thinking how I need to add a little ‘equilibrium of irritation’ to my WIP. So, now which of my characters needs spice? Hmm…

Watch and see what Roz is talking about…

Did anyone look familiar? Maybe, an aunt, nutty uncle or coworker?

Do you think there is room in your story for a little ‘equilibrium of irritation’?

Have you applied a real person quirks to a character?

Or maybe you have a favorite sit-com that inspires you. Do tell.

Click and read all about…

Fictional characters – a lesson from Seinfeld from Roz Morris at Nail Your Novel

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Want to know the truth about pop-ups?

Want to Increase Your Blog Readership? Kill that Popup! By Anne R. Allen

Shares with us the unvarnished truth about what readers think of all those pop-ups on your blog.

I agree with Anne.

Here is what I think of pop-ups!

Not gonna keep reading if I have to hunt for a tiny X to close a damn box. Or worse, fill out a form just for the privilege of reading your page. Note not gonna happen.

Ads are not so bad as long as they don’t pop up and obstruct the post. Although I have allowed WordPress to put them on my blog, I’m still on the fence about them.

So stop with the sign-up subscription or buy my book, pop-ups, please.

What do you think?

Agree with Anne? Or do you like them?

Can’t wait to hear your answers. Leave them in the comments.

Please stop by and say “hey!”  I’ll leave a light on. 

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Are you searching for that “right” word?

Is your writing bland or boring? 

When the thesaurus search doesn’t find what you want. Where can you look?

Time to spice things up, and no not talking about sex. But tossing out the ho-hum “go to” words we use over and over.

Click on the link below for some fun infographics that may help you get rid of a few overused words.

28 Boring Words Alternatives – Improve Your Writing by Jack Milgram

My favorite of the 28 is 

Instead of Seem, use words infographic
  Image courtesy of   Jack Milgram

Which one is your favorite?

Do you think infographics are helpful?

Can’t wait to hear your answers. Leave them in the comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

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What are your most embarrassing moments as a writer?

We’ve all had them.

Moments when dread and hope mingle to make for sweaty palm anxiety.

Loretta Livingstone was brave enough to share hers.

Mine, sitting for hours at a library book fair and selling precious few books. The upside, I did sell a few, my books are now part of the library system and I made some great connections.

Jean M. Cogdell at Sachse Book Fair
Sachse Book Fair

Another time I bought a butt-load of books for a major book festival, only to have Mother Nature send down a horrific hail storm and flood the streets. Needless to say, I along with most of the population didn’t make it to the festival.

I think you’ll find Loretta’s post refreshing and encouraging. Click and read her link below.

As a writer…

What was your most embarrassing or disappointing moment?

Did something good come from the experience?

Embarrassing Book Signings? by Loretta Livingstone

 

After leaving a comment, I hope you’ll head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or connect with me, click the “write me” tab.  Don’t forget you can also follow me on StumbleUpon,  on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!”  I’ll leave a light on.