How to introduce a well rounded character

Published on December 1, 2015July 12, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

When a character pops into my mind and reveals themselves, I get to know them really well.

I can see them warts and all. The smirk, contempt or joy on their face is understandable. Their happy go lucky attitude or their fearful, silent, brooding insecurities I’m familiar with.

No, I’ve not heard voices or seen visions. But I do talk to my characters. Doesn’t every writer?

When meeting someone in real life we don’t learn everything about them in the first few minutes. It’s the same with a character. The more time I spend with him/her the more I get to love or hate them, admire them or fear them.

Too often I forget the reader cannot see and hear what’s in my head. That I need to make introduce the character to the reader. For my character to become as real to the reader as they are to me, I must breathe life into them.

“Reader, meet Character. Character this is Reader.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Reader said, extending her right hand.

“Right.” Character said. His smile more of a smirk as he ignores Reader’s hand and turns away from her bright smile.

Well, that intro didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, but as time passes, they will either come to trust, love or hate one another. Become best friends or mortal enemies.

If I’m lucky the reader will continue to learn something new about the character, all the way to the very end of the book.

Want some tips on how to How to create recognizable characters? Then be sure and read this post by Helga Schier.

She even provides a free video lesson.

Little by little I should reveal who the character is, what they want and why. The reader will begin to understand what Character loves and hates.

Want to know more questions to ask, answer and reveal in your story? Then click and read this article by Heather Jackson.

She gives us Top Ten Things Writers Should Ask Their Characters

You might want to check out Janice Hardy’s blog for a character building prompt.

Leave a comment and tell me, how you introduce your characters? A lot up front or do you let the reader learn over time?

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Are you happy with your latest writing idea? Need a new one?

Published on November 25, 2015November 23, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Since National Novel Writing Month is almost over, what will you do next?

Thanksgiving is here and we are right on top of Christmas.

So what will you write now?

Where will you get your next big idea?

After you finish one project do you jump right into the next? Or do you get idea fatigue?

Whether it’s a home improvement, decorating, a big party, or a writing project, afterward I fight the dreaded fatigue fugue.

That’s what I call it. You know the feeling that you’ve given all you can give? When my brain is totally tapped out. I call that, fatigue fugue.

I convince myself that there couldn’t be another idea left in my tired old brain. But then when I least expect it a seed starts germinating.

Sometimes it starts with a word, a prompt, a comment by the grandkids (yes, kids do say the darnedest things), a news story, or a view.

me-thinking — Thinking-thinking-thinking

If you’re struggling with idea fatigue or stumbling into a fatigue fugue, start looking around, listening or free writing.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so head over to Pinterest. There is no end of ideas waiting there. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram can stir up emotions. People have lots of opinions that might start a conversation and lead to a great story.

Still need a jump-start? Clear back while I grab the cables.

Robin Oliver with one simple question gives us 5 steps to jump start content strategy. I believe this tip can even work with fiction.

What question could you ask that would get the ideas pumping?

We are all familiar with the “What if” question, so add that to Ms. Oliver’s question and see what happens.

Melissa Donovan answers the question, Where Do Successful Authors Get Their Most Brilliant Writing Ideas?

The only thing new about an idea is the way you write it!

Even if it’s been done to death, no one writes it like you will.

So tell me, where did you get your latest idea? Are you searching for another?

The comments section is open and please follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!
Don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

How to write in the in-between

Published on November 24, 2015November 23, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Weird, I know.

But how many times do we get bogged down in the muck of too many details? A small scene involving backstory or an effort to flesh out a character quickly turns to an info dump.

Or we lean the other way by not giving enough info to engage the reader.

Maybe I’m the only writer out there with these problems. But I don’t think so. My biggest problem is I lean toward too little in an info scene. That can leave a reader scratching their head, not sure what’s happening.

As a writer, finding a good balance is important.

Give the readers the information needed to understand the theme, and characters without going off on a boring tangent.

In theory, it sounds simple.

However, I’ve found writing those in-between scenes anything but easy or simple. Why? Because every scene, big or small, should have a life of its own.

So if you’re struggling with a particular scene, the following article might give you a push in the right direction.

Alex Limberg over at Write it Sideways, gives us 4 suggestions for writing those types of scenes. Suggestions that keep the story moving.

Stash, Trash or Refresh: The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Boring In-Between Story Parts

Tell me, do you struggle with the in-betweens? Let me know in the comments section and follow me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!

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How to add sizzle and sparkle

Published on November 23, 2015November 19, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Is your writing sometimes too vanilla?

I’m not talking about ice cream. Although Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla is my all time favorite. Not everyone likes that flavor. When it comes to writing as a reader, I prefer a little more spice, action and color.

With just a few changes turn that vanilla into Rocky Road.

Sometimes it’s hard to add tasty, sizzling descriptions without bogging everything down in purple prose. No one wants something that is all purple.

Instead, we want to see a kaleidoscope of color.

Words that paint a picture bright and cheery or dark and threatening can be as effective as a 3D movie. Readers want the sparkle that keeps them turning the pages.

Do you ever have problems keeping the rhythm of your writing from slowing to a boring waltz? I do. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a beautiful waltz, and done right can be exciting and romantic.