It's All About Writing » Character Development

Need a Character?

Nicole Humphrey Cook — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:53:56 +0000

As if I don’t have enough books (or WIP’s) I am working on right now, I recently (about a month ago) started a new one. I thought I could just outline, flesh out the plot a little and move back to something I am almost done with. That wasn’t the case, this story wants to be written. So between editing and revisions on the previous work in progress, I have been working on this other one.

It wasn’t very long before I realized that while I had a great story and plot, I was still in need of some characters that would fit into the story.

I am a people watcher. I love going places and taking in the people that are there. I do it unintentionally too. Last night I was at a bar with my friends band and obviously my mind was pretty far away from writing. Well, as of this morning, I have added three new characters to my novel all based on people from last night. I’ve been writing almost since I got up and I love the direction the story is going. I am assuming that I was supposed to see/meet these people last night. In a million years, I never thought I would ever find a character at a bar unless I was looking for someone drunk (which incidentally, one of the characters actually sort of is).

My favorite places to find characters for my novels have been the coffee shop, restaurants and the food court at the mall (a lot of interesting people pass the food court at a mall!)

Do you ever unintentionally eavesdrop? I feel like such a bad person, but that’s something I am finding myself doing a lot, and then sticking that dialog or simply a sentence or two that was said, into my books.
I’ve heard entire stories and then improvised the things that were left unsaid and written them into a chapter of my book. In fact, I have several notebooks FULL of dialog, character traits and things like that, that were seen or overheard somewhere, just waiting for the perfect character to use it with.

So, where are your favorite places to “character find” (people watch)?

Need Plot Help? Need a Name? Quirk? Line?

Nicole Humphrey Cook — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:45:55 +0000

Every year on the NaNo forums, there are dozens of threads started that are inspiring and helpful. There are even dare threads where you can insert a purple monkey who loves steak sandwiches somewhere in your novel. I tend to be a bit more serious than that, though it makes me laugh to think about where I could possibly insert something like that into any novel I’ve ever written. However, there are some great threads where you can adopt a plot, sub plot, character, romance line, title and more! You don’t even have to borrow one of the ideas. Just reading them sometimes inspires me or gets me thinking a bit more outside the box and I can come up with something on my own. So here’s a comprehensive list of the adoptable threads that have been created as of 10:20am on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

And just to get more ideas from – the following threads are archived from previous years. You cannot comment or add your own, but you can certainly get ideas from them.

Character Development Questions

Nicole Humphrey Cook — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:03:43 +0000

This is kind of a repost from last year, but with my new answers. Last year on the NaNo forums, there were tons of questions to answer about your characters, so each week I will be doing this from last years questions. Feel free to take the questions and answer them about your own characters.

More character development questions abound from the NaNo forums. Some of these questions tend to get repeated but worded differently. So ignore my one word answers for those. LOL So far, only my male MC has been officially named. Declan. My female wants to be called Liz or Lizzie, but I really don’t like that name for my story, so I’m working with her on it.

Would your character ever have a phobia?

I don’t think Declan would, but my female might. It would depend on the phobia, and it would be a common phobia.

Would your character ever go on a blind date?

Declan would not, but my female probably would, but would be dreading it.

Would your character ever kidnap someone?

Nope.

Would your character ever volunteer at a hospital/orphanage/whatever?

I think my female would, Declan wouldn’t have time.

Would your character ever start a food fight with a priest?

No.

Would your character ever work in a Fast Food Restaurant?

No. A diner or cafe maybe, but not a fast food restaurant.

Would your character ever eat ketchup from the packet?

Declan might.

Would your character ever go vegetarian?

Nope.

Would your character ever harm an animal?

No. Not intentionally.

Would your character ever scream fire at the movies just to see how people would react?

Certainly not.

Would your character ever throw a penny from the top of the Empire State building?

Declan might, if someone told him about it. I’m not sure he would think of it on his own.

Would your character ever live in New York, or your world’s equivalent “Big City?”

Declan wouldn’t. My female would consider it, but she would feel very out of place.

Would your character ever work in a factory?

Yes, if that was what they needed to do to make a living.

Would your character ever have an affair with someone outside their normal sexual orientation?

Nope. Totally against anything they stand for.

Would your character ever pretend to be a hippie?

Maybe at Halloween, but even that is doubtful.

Would your character ever work at an ice cream parlor given the opportunity?

Probably.

Would your character ever become a killer?

No.

Would your character ever read War and Peace?

Both would, yes.

Would your character ever sing in the shower?

She would, but I am thinking Declan is more of a ‘humming’ kind of guy.

Would your character ever go several days without bathing, out of their own free will/laziness?

No, not because they were lazy. Neither are lazy.

Would your character get in a prank war with someone?

No.

Would your character ever sleep 30 hours straight?

No.

Would your character ever sell themselves or their friends as a way of making money for something they really wanted?

Definitely not.

Would your character be a good parent?

Declan has been a father, so yes. She would make an amazing mother.

Would your character ever live on a farm?

Yes, they both do.

Would your character ever listen to Country music?

Yes, and they do.

Would your character win a fight with a bear?

She would not. But he might. Depended on whether he saw it coming or not.

Would your character ever pose for nude photographs, if they were really hard up for money?

Nope. Never.

Would your character ever hitchhike?

Probably, but only in their small town. Not on the open road.

Would your character ever pick up a hitchhiker? (uncreative, sorry. it’s too early in the morning D:)

Only if they knew them.

Would your character go hungry to be able to buy a book?

I don’t think so.

Would your character ever go to group therapy for something? (addiction groups and grief counseling count)

Yes, I believe they both would.

Would your character ever eat healthy food?

Declan is a meat and potatoes kind of guy, so probably not. But she would.

Would your character ever binge on oreo cookies or equivalent?

Yes, they both would.

Would your character ever fight for a cause?

Yes.

Would your character ever want to be the ceo of a big company?

No, they wouldn’t enjoy that type of work.

Would your character ever espouse an unpopular belief or oppinion (ie, most people would thnk of them as the villain)

No.

Would your character ever dress up as a cookie for halloween?

She would. She would think that was funny. Definitely.

Would your character ever streak across the football field at the SuperBowl?

No way.

Would your character ever admit to being wrong?

Yes, they both would, though they are a bit stubborn, so it might take a little bit.

Would your character ever have an animal part grafted somewhere on their person? If so, where?

Uhm. No.

Would your character ever own a really big dog?

Yes, they both would. Though they are much more into horses.

Would your character ever do a voice-over for a cartoon?

I don’t think Declan would. But she might.

Would your character ever let another person talk them into something very much against their inclination and better judgement?

No.

Would your character ever commit matricide?

No.

Would your character ever wear a large, feathery, pink hat all day, just because they felt like it?

I doubt if either would.

Would your character ever eat live squid?

Not live squid no.

Would Your Character Ever…wear rubber gloves?

No to Declan. But she might.

Would your character ever… trash a hotel room?

She wouldn’t, he might if he got really angry. He wouldn’t ruin anything.

Would your character ever do the Electric Slide?

Sure, they would.

Would your character be willing to sacrifice an innocent child for his/her ideals? (or their just cause)

No way.

Would your character ever…go to a Star Wars movie marathon?

Hell no!

Would your character ever turn in their best friend for a bad crime?

Yes.

Would your character ever plant a garden?

Yes, she would. Declan has a farm, pretty sure that counts.

Would Your Character Ever…read tea leaves?

No probably not.

Would your character ever physically attack a family member for any reason, and if so, why?

No. Wait, yes. If they were about to cause harm to another family member Declan would.

Would your character ever memorize the periodic table?

Doubtful, though they might know some of it, because both are pretty intelligent despite their lifestyle.

Would your character ever leave someone he/she loves to make them safe.

I believe Declan would yes.

Would your character ever stay up till three to browse NaNo forums?

hehe if they had a computer, yes!

Would your character ever just look up into the stars on an especially clear night.

Yes, all definitely they both would.

Would Your Character Ever…row a boat?

Yes.

Would your character ever buy catfood and/or toys and donate them to an animal shelter?

Yes, I think my girl would. Declan would if he thought of it, but he wouldn’t probably think to do it. Plus, there are no animal shelter’s in their town.

Would your character ever live on the street?

Mmm.. I doubt it.

Would your characters ever consider changing religions?

Well, no.

Would your character ever find a spider in their room and decide to keep it for a pet?

No.

Would your character ever deliberately kill anyone, for any reason?

No.

Would your character ever hijack a dragon (for fantasy writers) or polar bear (for other people) and take it for a joyride?

No I really don’t think they would.

Would your character ever stow away on a space shuttle?

They would love to, but no.

Would your character ever put mentos in a 2 liter gallon of coke?

No. They don’t know about that trick, they don’t have a computer yet. LOL

Would your character ever enter American Idol?

Probably not.

Would your character ever date anyone of the same sex?

*Nope.

Would your character ever rally or protest for something?

Yes, if they felt strongly.

Fun Way to Create Names of Any Kind

Nicole Humphrey Cook — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:01:04 +0000

I absolutely love the idea of using anagrams to create names for people, locations and buildings in your stories. For instance, the past couple of years, it has been a tradition to include someone in your novel with an anagram formed from NaNoWriMo. The favorite is Mr. Ian Woon, (after all he is the original!) however I have included: Winona Rom, Ian Monrow, Noma Orwin, Mona Orwin (they were in diff. stories) and Norma Wion. I have also had someone live on Manino Row. We have a restaurant in our area that is named Mannino’s so it was kinda close to home anyway. I loved it.

This site is AWESOME for creating simple anagrams and advanced anagrams. You can just randomly create all Anagrams based off a word or set of words, or you can narrow it down a little bit more and use only proper names, etc. by using the advanced anagram area. Love it!!

Internet Anagram Server

What do you think??

Oh, and this year, I believe Mari Onnow and Ami Nornow will be appearing somewhere in each novel. I think one is going to wind up being an old friend from high school, the other will be more strategically blended in.

Are you going to try using anagrams in your novel?

Ideas To Get in the NaNo Spirit

Nicole Humphrey Cook — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:10:39 +0000

I was browsing through the forums over at NaNo and just trying to absorb as much info as I could to quench my insatiable appetite for November’s NaNo.

I came across many posts that offered ideas and things people were doing to help get them in the NaNo mood. So here are a few ideas to get you started.

* Beginning October 1, write a short story everyday until November 1. It will help get you in the writing spirit, and hopefully each day your stories will get longer.

* Play around with a different writing prompt each day.

* Organize and listen to a soundtrack that fits or goes along with your novel. Listening to music can be almost as good as getting along really well with your muse.

* Create an outline of some kind to get you into the minds of your characters, plot out what major situations might take place.

* Create a character profile, all the way down to favorite music, favorite food, color, thing to wear, place to go, etc., for each character in your story.

* Organize and decorate your writing space. Paint if you want extra inspiration, clean it out, add decorations or toys, that help get your creative juices flowing.

* Put together your writing kit. Make a shopping list of things you might need before November 1. Example: coffee, pens, notepads, sticky notes, chocolate, special rewards for meeting word count goals, etc.

* Read Chris Baty’s book, No Plot, No Problem. If you’ve already read it, read it again. It’s awesome.

* Spend a little time editing last year’s novel or other projects you have in the works. Or jot down ideas for other novels, and projects that you can work on after November (or even begin working on now.)

* Read a few books in the genre you are planning to write for this year. Often, it gives you a new perspective and its nice to see what other authors are doing.

* Create a fun inspiration board. Use magazine photos, words, quotes, and drawings to make it fun.

* Create a novel scrapbook. I did this last year actually. I create a scrapbook ahead of time of each character (found photos online and in magazines that looked enough like my characters to keep my on track), include photos of where they live, where they might work or go to school, favorite activities, etc. I made mine small, but I referred to it a lot during the course of my novel and I love having it now. If that novel EVER gets published, I plan to try to market the scrapbook to go with it.

So what are YOU doing to prepare for NaNo?

Need Help With Your Novel? Great Tips!

Nicole Humphrey Cook — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:46:05 +0000

Try any of these spots for a little help on writing your novel or getting inspired. I plan to keep this fairly updated and eventually turn it into a link up at the top.

Looking for a first name?

First Names and What They Mean

Looking for a last name?

Last Names and What They Mean

Looking for a pet name?

Pet Names

More Pet Names

Looking for a location?

Street Name Generator

Small Towns

Researching the Novel

Nicole Humphrey Cook — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:26:12 +0000

I’ve spent a huge portion of today researching elements of my novel. Two different libraries, and a few Websites. I have to get to know the house she purchases as if I actually live there myself. I also wanted to figure out which town the story takes place in specifically. At first I was going to make one up, then I changed my mind and chose one that is about 45 minutes away from my home. It’s the perfect town for the story to take place, and its close enough to a big city that hopefully that can play a bit in it. (since Detective Hudson works for a major Metropolitan police force and if it was any further than an hour away, it wouldn’t be too believable that he lived there.)

Have you ever researched your MC’s home. I even found a floor plan that seems to work for my story and where I’m taking it. I’ve saved pictures, interior ideas, key reference points in the town I’m moving her to, etc. It should be interesting to see how it all fits when I start writing.

Do you prefer to create your own town, use one that exists, or a little of both?

Got That Itch?

Nicole Humphrey Cook — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:09:45 +0000

Many NaNo’ers complain a few week’s before NaNo starts (mostly on the forums) that they are itching to get started. I can totally relate to that, as I have been itching to get started on my story idea for week’s now. Especially when the story just keeps unfolding in my mind.

Some ideas to help with that are:

Make notes about things you plan to write about.

Name your character, and then do writing prompts from your characters point of view.

Venture into your character’s past and learn who he or she was in their early years.

Make outlines if you enjoy doing that. Make notecards if you do that. If you just wing it, then free write for 15 minutes about all the things you are looking forward to including in your story.

Blog about it – it always helps to commiserate with other’s who feel the same way.

Smile – there are only 12 days left!

Donations, a Halo and a Convertible Spyder

Nicole Humphrey Cook — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 03:48:17 +0000

Every year I send a donation to The Office of Letters and Light (NaNoWriMo). Last year I think I sent $20 total. This year, I plan to donate three times. Once in October, once in November and once in December, for a grand total of $60.00. Why do I do this? Because its something I can give back to Chris Baty and his NaNo family. I know it costs a lot to run all the equipment and do all the things they do. During NaNo we don’t eat out as often, I don’t shop as often and quite frankly, I think I save money and gas. SO, why not give back where I can. I’ve already donated my October money. I did that the first three days of October and I finally got my halo today. LOL

You know, I don’t know why I care about that thing, but it sure looks perty up there!

Oh, and today I found out (while taking some notes on my character) that she recently purchased a 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder – it’s white. It apparently was an impulse buy but she got a pretty dang good deal on it and it came with a 2 year bumper to bumper warranty – must be the economy! Anyway, its good to know she has a car and that I don’t have to find her one before we can get started. – and btw – now I want to test drive one just to see what the big deal is – won’t be practical – five kids? Yeah. Not.

What's In Her Pocket?

Nicole Humphrey Cook — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:15:32 +0000

Last year I enjoyed asking myself questions about my character as she was developing. Since I am trying to get to know my new character better, I am all over asking myself those odd questions again. I ran across a thread on nanowrimo where they wanted us to describe what was in our characters pocket. I thought that would be an adventure and so here we go:

Describe what is in your character’s pockets. Be fully detailed! You will be surprised at what you learn!

As he stood there burning holes through her with his icy gaze, he demanded that she empty her pockets. She dug deep into the recesses of her denim pocket and gently deposited her most prized possession on the table – Her iPhone, with an attached pair of earphones. She glanced up at him as if to defy him, but only for a moment. After which she resumed digging in her pockets. She very evenly placed her findings down on the table – the mint she had grabbed on the way out the door after lunch from the restaurant in town, some change she received when she stopped at the gas station earlier to get some gas and grab a soda on her way back home, and her favorite tube of lip gloss – it seemed only fitting that it was called flusterose because well, at the moment she was feeling slightly flustered and she figured her cheeks had to be burning a soft rose color by now.

She reached into her back pocket and extracted the business card she had been carrying with her for the past two weeks. It was worn around the edges and the creases were apparent from being looked at several times a day. She really hoped he didn’t notice and glanced up at him, trying to read his eyes. They softened slightly, as his gaze met hers. The moment passed quickly and he reached for her cell phone. He needed to check and assure himself that she was taking this all seriously.

Side note: This will not be part of the story at all, so don’t worry. I’m not cheating. This wouldn’t fit in the story at all. The HE is a cop who befriended the new girl in town who seems to think she can do everything all by herself (don’t they all?).

So, what’s in your MC’s pocket?