Entry for March 19, 2010
WHO LET'S YOUR CHARACTER DOWN?
It has been said that you can always depend on a true enemy.
The one in your story that is called the antagonist for a good reason.
There is someone out there to get you.
Christians know it is the devil.
He goes about seeking those he may devour. Not can because a Christian up on the Word can defeat him.
The Word is sharper than a two-edged sword...
Look it up.
You may have realized that I am high on research.
To develop a good enemy (antagonist) in your story you must understand what that character does.
I mentioned the devil because he has many helpers here on earth and they ain't all demons.
Keep writing!
Sincerely,
The Editor
©2010
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Entry for March 18, 2010
WHAT ARE YOUR CHARACTER'S HANGUPS?
Today I am addressing the hangup issue from the female perspective.
The birth last name we are saddled with, speaking of America in particular, is one that gets buried in bureaucracy when convenient.
It is my hangup, so I may write a story later depicting a female that hates her last name because it is not hers.
Ex-husband's names supercede the woman's maiden name. I used my maiden name for over thirty years. Every time I had to fill a document, my maiden name was required. Women never loose their maiden name.
But use your maiden name with a hyphen before your husband's name, like Jones-Smith, and your name last name is completely ignored.
I advocate that it is automatic for a woman to get the use of her maiden name back at the time of a divorce, if she wants it that way.
We are dealing with many cultures, but the universal concensus by men is that it isn't that big of a deal.
Let's see them cope with their identity changes when they aren't who they think they are.
That might make for a very good story.
The 2010 CENSUS is underway. Names are very important to geneologists.
Be sure to fill your form out completely and mail it.
Keep writing!
Sincerely,
The Editor
©2010
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Entry for March 16, 2010
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
Are you Irish?
Well, I could get one of the buttons that says,
"KISS ME, I'M IRISH!"
Does your character flaunt nationality? Sometimes that is good and sometimes in the case of a gang or negative behavior it means they may have been run out of their country.
Or the person is in hiding from a big problem.
What secret does your character have or bad feelings about themselves that can be used in your story?
Being Irish is not always bad.
St. Patrick was a great man.
So if you are Catholic you need to do some research before you wear the green. If you are Protestant, also research his life.
This day for Irishmen is very important so don't write about a holiday in your story if you don't know what it means.
No, I don't want a kiss.
I was only kidding about the button.
Keep writing!
Sincerely,
The Editor
©2010
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Entry for March 16, 2010
HOLDING YOUR STORY SPACE TOGETHER
Characters are the glue that holds your story space together.
The story has a beginning, middle and end. I am sure you may have heard that somewhere else.
What your character does is who he or she is.
Take the example of the brave little Dutch boy who found a tiny leak in the sea wall. He had power to do something and did it.
Your character will develop the story according to the action he/she takes and the change it causes in that character. Your character should be faced with choices.
Yes, very much like real life. Choices can make or break your character.
The water behind the sea wall represented a force that could take away the Dutch boy's whole life and lifestyle.
Remember the "FORCE" be with you?
Let your character struggle with choices between the forces.
The action of your character will make your story.
Keep writing!
Sincerely,
The Editor
©2010
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Entry for March 15, 2010
IT IS MONDAY!
Shifting gears for now to character's day of the week preference.
I know, everybody loves Fridays, payday and all that.
But what day is your favorite?
I do like Mondays myself. I get to putter.
Generally my week runs in through Sunday. I participate in choir at my church. I also sing on every other Tuesday with the senior ministry, so my week is structured between these events.
In the meantime I program web pages.
On Sunday my work computer is off because I spend at least eight hours a day on it during my week.
I might play some games on my personal laptop like Freecell or
Moraff's Maximum Mahjongg, but it is only for fun. Can't let it get too serious.
On Thursday mornings I have an oil painting class.
Yes, I do my programming before and after that class.
I used to do my grocery shopping every other week on Thursday mornings. It is the best time for sales. Must stock the pantry!
So you see your character will have habits and quirks that will fill in their lifestyle blanks. If you use my Character Chart
Workbook, you will add more structure to your story.
Keep writing!
Sincerely,
The Editor
©2010
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More to come!
