Friday 17 October 2014

So does your character like pizza?

Good writing, as I have mentioned before in my blogs, is about details, the little things that add grit and reality to your stories.
Here are some thoughts:

Ask questions about your character. What does your character look like? How does he/she walk or talk? Does she part her hair? What kind of clothes does he wear? What nasty habits etc? And which facts are relevant?

Ask yourself questions about your character's tastes, his/her attitudes toward life. What type of music does she like? How does she feel about work, religion, politics etc? By asking your characters these questions, you’ll have a better sense of the type of details you'll want to include in your story.

Create details about your settings. What does your character's living room look like? Is it messy or is it tidy? Are there paintings on the wall etc etc? Create details that bring the settings to life.

Remember, though, don't be excessive in using details. While these details can be helpful in creating a world for your story, most readers today simply don't have the patience to sit through five or six pages of these details. Use only what is necessary.
John Dean
 

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