Interview Your Characters

I had an interesting writing assignment for a course I've been taking, and didn't think a whole lot about it at first. My lesson was on characterization, and getting to better know the people who will be playing out in the various scenes in my new book. One section of the assignment consisted of interviewing your characters to get them to talk so you get a better understanding of their 'voice' and what motivates them.

I like to write Christian historical romances set in the 1870's in the Midwest. So I pretended I was a reporter of a newly formed newspaper and set to work interviewing my characters. I sat my hero and heroine down at separate times :) and started firing questions at them. I've only written part of the second chapter, so my characters don't really know or like each other yet.

As I interviewed my duo, I was surprised by their answers and what motivates them. Some of it was part of the background that I already had been developing, but some parts surprised even me. If anything, now I have a better feel for my characters, and may even adopt some of what I used in the interview in my actual novel. Next time I get to a part of writing where I'm not sure which way to go, I'll have to pull out my reporter hat and start interrogating again. :)

Joy and Pleasure

Yesterday I finished the revisions of the book I've been working on over the past months. I chose to rewrite part of my ending, and I think I like the new one better than the original. As I was writing that chapter, I felt such joy and pleasure in the process. I realize how much I LOVE WRITING. It brings me such joy, and I praise God for the opportunity I have to do it. Someday I hope to actually get paid. :) But for now, it's enough just to get the words down on the page. I pray one day God uses my words to bring glory and honor to Him, and that hearts will be changed. Not because of me and my feeble attempts, but because of Him.

Revision Stage

It's been a while since I've posted. I've been dealing with a kidney stone the past few weeks, and haven't writting a whole lot. I'm in the midst of revisions, and have managed to weed through 92 pages of my current WIP - work in progress. I admit there are some challenging changes ahead of me, but overall I feel that the corrections I'm making is helping to improve the book and make it better. Hopefully the editor agrees. :)

I've been particularly blessed to do some brainstorming with some writing friends of mine, bouncing ideas, to see what would work, or not work. It's such a blessing to be a part of the ACFW - American Christian Fiction Writers network. I've learned so much by being a part of this group, and also by going through a writing course with Jerry B. Jenkins, Christian Writers Guild. I'm looking forward to taking an advanced fictin writing course, starting in November, where I'll be working one on one with a published author.

I praise God for the people He brings into our lives, who help us along in the journey. My prayer is to honor Him, and to bring glory to Him in the words I write, and in the way I live my life. May He be praised.

The Birth of a Character

I'm in the process of creating new characters for book two in the series that I'm working on. This is always a fun part of the writing experience, although I admit to having itching fingers, anxious to get the story down on paper. But in order to do that, I first need to breathe life into characters to play and interact on the pages.

One of my characters played a minor role in the first book, so this one will be his story. So for now I'm perusing books on personalities, and writing books about characters. I can see the heroine beginning to come to life with her foibles, insecurities, and strengths. I even have gone as far back as her childhood to learn her history - or back story.

So what memorable characters have you discovered in your reading and what makes them come off the page and live in your imagination?

Growth

I've been thinking lately about growth, and how much I've changed as a writer over the past several years. American Christian Fiction Writers has been a tremendous instrument in my learning and improving in my profession. I've been a member of this organization for over three years.

For 16+ years I've thought of myself as a homeschooling parent. As I typed the above paragraph, I realized it's the first time I've thought of writing being my profession. At this point I don't have a book in print yet... but I do have many homeschooling articles published. One of them just came in the mail today, in the Home School Enrichment magazine for the September/October edition.

It's been three weeks since I submitted my full manuscript to an editor. This week I plan to do a few more things here at home, before I go back to my writing cave and start on my next project. I find I have the most joy when I'm writing each day. It's a gift God has given to me.

I believe it's important to continue to grow, learn, and change...in all areas of our lives. Our desire should ultimately be to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ through what we do. This is my prayer with my writing. I desire to grow and improve - to be a better writer. May my heart be open as my Heavenly Father teaches me life lessons along the path.

Writing Update

The past couple months have been a blur of writing. I started in June with the idea for a new book and had planned out my characters, done the necessary research, etc., and figured my summer would be spent leisurely working on writing the new saga. After a speed pitch with an editor at the end of June, I found out she was interested in seeing the entire novel. Only one slight problem - I only had about seven chapters completed, barely 17,000 words of the needed 75,000.

So the past six weeks have been a whirlwind of writing and editing. I'm in the process of working on the technical things - cover letter, synopsis, etc. I still will read through my novel a couple times yet before I send it in, but I'm almost there. God has been so good at providing what I need for each day. I wouldn't have made it this far if it wasn't for Him. Even though Satan has been throwing all kinds of things my way, I continue to rely on God's word He gave me. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

May His name be praised!

A Lamp to My Feet

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

It's been a busy few weeks since I had an editor request a full manuscript, which I haven't finished writing yet. Over the past two weeks I've written almost 35,000 words - more than I ever thought possible. What has sustained me is this verse. Each day God has been providing the strength and words I need, just enough for that day.

I praise God for His faithfulness in providing what I need. I don't know how God will use this time, but I've learned a lot about relying upon Him each day. I wouldn't be able to do this without Him. I praise Him for daily being a lamp and light.