Writers – Page 19 – Jean's Writing

Do you want a little Monday Morning Motivation?

Published on April 23, 2018April 27, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Well, thanks to Shaunta Grimes I’m sending a little your way.

One piece of perfect advice that will change your life (if you let it.) By Shaunta Grimes on Medium

Happy Writing!

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How to make your characters likable?

Published on April 19, 2018April 27, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Or…

Is it necessary that every character be likable?

Faceless woman

Need all characters be —

pleasant, nice friendly, agreeable, affable, amiable, genial, personable, charming, popular, good-natured, engaging, appealing endearing convivial, congenial, simpatico, winning, delightful, enchanting, lovable, adorable, sweet, or lovely?

Recently, I just finished a book but didn’t like a single character. However, I did want the main character to succeed. This strange and bizarre book kept me captivated.

So, back to my first question, is it necessary for any or all characters to be liked by the reader?

This is an issue I’m struggling with right now. In my current WIP, I’m not sure my main character is likable. I want people to like her, emphasize with her and pull for her, but I don’t want her to come off whinny. I hate whining. Even in real life.

How do we accomplish giving characters qualities that a reader can relate to, but still see their faults?

And does every character need to have likable attributes? What about the bad guys? Do they need a few redeeming characteristics?

See I have lots of questions and only a few answers. So jump right in and help a writer out in the comments.

Okay, here’s what I’ve figured out so far.

Likability means a reader “likes” watching a character. Hmm…
Interesting and entertaining can attract a reader too.
If I understand what makes a character tick, it’s easier for a reader to relate.
No one is perfect, even the good guys. Show their flaws.
Avoid a “too good” character. No one likes a goody-two-shoes.
A kind-hearted act can make a character seem loveable.
A tragic backstory will make a reader root for the character.
Let the reader see a character’s vulnerability.
A sense of humor can go a long ways toward likable.
Avoid making a character “too bad.” Readers want to believe everyone has some redeeming qualities.
The name must fit the character.

And one last question…

Do you write the likable characteristics of a character in the first draft, Or do you add those traits in the second draft?

Want to read great articles on fleshing out a character? Then click and read.

Make your characters L.I.E.

10 Methods to Make Your Character Likable

What Makes a Character Likable?

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Do you focus on the eyes to see the character?

Published on April 17, 2018April 27, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell13 Comments

Do you believe the eyes are windows to the soul?

Whether you believe this cliché or not, eyes are important. How you describe the eyes of a character can reveal a lot to the reader.

“Eyes that sparkled like sapphires glanced my way.”

This sentence tells us only that the person is blue-eyed.

BUT…

“Cold, blue eyes locked with mine. A chill rippled down my spine.”

Tells us the character has blue eyes and may be dangerous.

“Her blue gaze froze me in place.”

Lets us know the character is a woman and she ain’t happy.

“Lines crinkled at the corners of her sapphire eyes as they danced with mischief.”

This last one, again indicates the character is a woman and she may be laughing at or with another character.

If a body part is as important as William Shakespeare contended, we need to make certain our readers see into the heart of our characters. Through their eyes.

Thanks to Chris, my favorite Ape for directing me to a great blog post with terrific examples on how to bring a character to life through their eyes.

65 Ways to Describe Sight and Eyes in Your Writing by JACQUI MURRAY

What do you think?
Do you like the list of eye descriptions?
How would you write a sentence to show a character’s personality or attitude?

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Do you really know what makes up a story?

Published on March 29, 2018April 5, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

Beginning, Middle, and End.

Okay, but what makes up those three pieces?

We can’t simply write:

Beginning: She opened up the store each morning.
Middle: She sold groceries all day.
End: She closed the store at night.

No one would buy that story because it’s not a story.

What is the truth about the 3 story parts?

How do we cut it into bite-size, swallowable pieces? After all, none of us wants to choke on our own words.

Once again, better writers than I prevail. Thanks to Joanna Penn over at The Creative Penn for sharing the solution by author Michaelbrent Collings.