Getting to Know Your Characters

I read a post about writing for children. It focused on the story’s characters.

The post advised creating and knowing your characters inside and out before beginning the story. In fact, it suggested that the author build the story around the characters once they were fully developed.

While this is good advice, and many experienced authors recommend it, some authors watch their characters unfold right before their eyes.

The Seat of the Pants Writing Method

This is such an interesting method of writing. Your character introduces himself, gradually reveals bits and pieces and blossoms as the story moves along.  I’m currently working on a middle-grade science fiction manuscript that uses this style. I didn’t intentionally start the story this way… it just happened.

You do need to be careful with this method, though; you may lose track of all the bits and pieces that make up the character. So, a good way to keep track of those quirky telltale marks, expressions, behavior patterns, and physical features is to note them on a page or card as they become unveiled. You wouldn’t want your character to have brown eyes in one chapter and blue eyes in another – unless of course, it’s a science fiction or paranormal and part of the storyline.

Actually, in this particular story of mine, I used the ‘seat-of-the-pants’ method for both the characters and the story. I had no idea what the story would be about until I began writing it. I’m about half finished with it, and I have no clue where it will go from the point it’s at now, but it’ll be interesting to find out.

This is my preferred method of writing for picture books and shorter chapter books.

The Outline Method

This method of writing gives the author structure, a GPS that will get you from start to finish. The outline can include in-depth character details, chapter titles and subtitles, and chapter summaries (with possible bullet points). The amount of detail in each item depends on the writer.

It’s true that many authors prefer the outline method of writing; I also use it for chapter and middle-grade books.

Although I’ve found that once in a while, for a longer story, characters can lead me through an entire manuscript without the benefit of a structured outline. I find this fascinating… watching characters evolve, and a story unfold. It’s almost like magic… characters, a story, and even worlds appear from thin air. It is magic!

MORE ON WRITING FOR CHILDREN

Editing a Children’s Book – 10 Tips Checklist for Authors
Submitting Your Manuscript – 8 Tips
Words and Children’s Writing Pitfalls to Watch Out For

I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.

OTHER HELP I OFFER:

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.

FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4-Weeks / 8 Sections Guided Self-Study Program

WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors
(Picture books and chapter books)

You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.