Good day, Writers,
We all know two of the things required in a novel are story and characters. Today, we’ll speak a bit about how to develop those people, or even creatures, which populate your manuscript.
The reason it’s important you know these character types is to give you, as their creator, molds with which to build characters your reader will appreciate. For we all know if your reader can not identify with those in the story, they will not read, (which also translates to “buy”), your book.
As with The Hero’s Journey, we learned how formula within storytelling will assist you in creating a readable tale. Molds for characters will accomplish the same thing and insure your readers enjoy your story.
Another benefit to molds is they provide built-in conflict, also necessary for a good story.
Consider, if you will, a soft-chinned character that never raises his voice, never moves at more than three miles an hour and shrinks from adversity at every opportunity. Now contrast him to a hero with a bold chin which he sticks into every crevasse within your story. He flies aircraft three feet above the ground at a thousand miles an hour and charges into his enemies with sword swinging. Which is the more interesting character? The crazy guy, of course.
Could it be he’s designed upon a time-tested character mold?
Though some consider only five molds, I like to present nine. They are:
Lawful Good
Lawful Neutral
Lawful Evil
Neutral Good
Neutral
Neutral Evil
Chaotic Good
Chaotic Neutral
Chaotic Evil
Hum… There’s even a formula even within character types.
Let’s first consider Lawful Good. This guy never fails to act with honor and a sense of duty. Whom might you think of in a story that would fit this mold? Superman, perhaps? What kind of conflicts would this type of person face? What if he’s given his word never to draw his weapon in front of his little girl but now the bad guys are holding his daughter hostage?
Next in line is the Lawful Neutral character. This guy reminds me of a sheriff or someone who follows a personal code. He always follows the rule of law regardless his personal feelings for good vs. evil have little room in his mind. He might be a battlefield corpsman who treats the enemy with as much compassion as his own men. His conflict comes into play when good and evil are the one and the same. A good example of the Lawful Neutral is James Bond.
Next comes the Lawful Evil. This guy is usually the diabolical character in the story. He uses the system to his own benefit. He typically keeps his word and follows instructions but cares little for others. His conflict arises when that rare person he does care for crosses his path.
The classic example of this character is Magneto is X-Men.
The Neutral Good character usually acts in a moral fashion without considering laws or tradition. He does not hesitate to act in unison with the authorities, but does not consider them the end-all of righteousness. His natural conflict is found in differences between contradictory things that are both correct. Consider the doctor who must decide if he is to save the man who raped his daughter or let him die. I like Spiderman for an example.
Considering the fully Neutral character, we might find Han Solo. He typically has no feelings toward good and evil. He has little to no moral judgment and often plays both sides of the fence. His conflict arises when that rare person or thing for which he does care gets into a pickle.
We now have the Neutral Evil character. Here we find those selfish personages with no qualms of turning against their benefactors the instant someone else comes along with a better offer. He doesn’t care if they harm others but neither does he go out of his way to cause damage to them. He simply cares only for himself. When might his conflict give him pause? Find what means something to him and take it away. Consider Mustique in X-Men as your example.
Next, let’s discuss the Chaotic Good character. This guy is your typical rebel. He hates bureaucracies and feels personal freedom is of utmost importance. His purpose is to do what is correct but his methodologies often conflict with everyone else’s sense of right and wrong. He’ll step out of line if it suits the greater good. A possibility of conflict might arise when a soldier is forced to assassinate his commander to save his fellows soldiers. Think Robin Hood.
Now to the Chaotic Neutral character. This is usually the free spirit who answers only to his heart and often ignores law and tradition. He acts only out of self-interest but does not intend for others to get hurt in the process. Their most endearing quality is their complete lack of reliability. Conflict for them is rampant in the lives of those around them. Captain Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the Caribbean fame is our example.
Finally, we have the Chaotic Evil character to face. This is the BAD GUY in every respect. He cares for no one and nothing save his own personal pleasure. This guy never went to kindergarten and has not learned to share or play nice. They see honor as a weakness and enjoy seeing others suffer. His conflict comes when he does not get his way. Think The Joker in The Black Knight.
There ya have it. If you create characters that fit into these molds, you’ll have a good story. Simple, isn’t it?
Until my next posting, good writing.
Patrick
Showing posts with label free writing lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free writing lessons. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Writing Forward
I attended the September meeting of the James River Writers and wanted to pass along some of the insights and information I garnered there. The writers’ group held their usual speaker panel which included three published fiction authors, Ms. Carolyn Parkhurst, (The Dogs of Babel, Lost and Found),Ms. Leslie Pietrzyk, (Pears on a Willow Tree, A Year and a Day), and Ms. Susann Cokal, (Mirabilis, Breath and Bones.)
One interesting recommendation that came to light I had instinctively followed, but hadn’t quite put into words. The idea was to Write Forward. All three speakers agreed great books are often allowed to develop this way. Basically, it means to give your story permission to write itself – allow the story to be part of the process.
As I recall, each writer went into a project with nothing more than a rough idea of how the story might develop and with little more than a basic concept of the ending. They typically had little more than an idea of the characters they would create, a rudimentary central theme they wished developed and a sense of the ending. With this, they would begin writing and see how their imaginations would allow the story to develop.
They didn’t have each and every chapter outlined, there were no storyboards or index cards taped to the wall in chronological order, there was nothing of that ilk. They sat down, started writing and waited for that wondrous muse we call “Story” to fly from their fingertips and onto their computer screens - almost by itself.
An example Ms. Parkhurst gave was a sugar bowl with a note in it. She had no idea of where or how the crockery would come into play, she simply felt it belonged in the story. As with the concept of Writing Forward, it found its way into the storyline of its own accord.
Personally, I do about the same, though I usually have only one character in mind. I think I know how the story is going to end and I start with little else. By the time I get to “The End”, the character is still there, but the ending has morphed into something much better than I’d imagined when I started. As I write, I “feel” where I have to go and then figure out how to get there. A recent example in my new novel, “Born to be Brothers” is a pocket watch. The story is set in the mid-nineteenth century when pocket watches were the norm. I understand how men feel their individual timepieces are a representation of themselves and knew I needed a watch to help fill in the story. So, as the story fell onto the page, I kept the watch in the back of my mind. When it needed to show up, it did. And when it did, it changed the entire story.
So, when you sit down to write, many writers find it useful not to have the story too complete from the start. Allow your creativity to write your story, and don’t be afraid to let loose of the intuition within you. I’ll bet your writing will be a better for it.
Until we post again, good writing.
Patrick
One interesting recommendation that came to light I had instinctively followed, but hadn’t quite put into words. The idea was to Write Forward. All three speakers agreed great books are often allowed to develop this way. Basically, it means to give your story permission to write itself – allow the story to be part of the process.
As I recall, each writer went into a project with nothing more than a rough idea of how the story might develop and with little more than a basic concept of the ending. They typically had little more than an idea of the characters they would create, a rudimentary central theme they wished developed and a sense of the ending. With this, they would begin writing and see how their imaginations would allow the story to develop.
They didn’t have each and every chapter outlined, there were no storyboards or index cards taped to the wall in chronological order, there was nothing of that ilk. They sat down, started writing and waited for that wondrous muse we call “Story” to fly from their fingertips and onto their computer screens - almost by itself.
An example Ms. Parkhurst gave was a sugar bowl with a note in it. She had no idea of where or how the crockery would come into play, she simply felt it belonged in the story. As with the concept of Writing Forward, it found its way into the storyline of its own accord.
Personally, I do about the same, though I usually have only one character in mind. I think I know how the story is going to end and I start with little else. By the time I get to “The End”, the character is still there, but the ending has morphed into something much better than I’d imagined when I started. As I write, I “feel” where I have to go and then figure out how to get there. A recent example in my new novel, “Born to be Brothers” is a pocket watch. The story is set in the mid-nineteenth century when pocket watches were the norm. I understand how men feel their individual timepieces are a representation of themselves and knew I needed a watch to help fill in the story. So, as the story fell onto the page, I kept the watch in the back of my mind. When it needed to show up, it did. And when it did, it changed the entire story.
So, when you sit down to write, many writers find it useful not to have the story too complete from the start. Allow your creativity to write your story, and don’t be afraid to let loose of the intuition within you. I’ll bet your writing will be a better for it.
Until we post again, good writing.
Patrick
Friday, September 25, 2009
How to Find Representation after Self-Publishing
This question was recently asked of me, “any suggestions for new writers looking for representation after self-publishing? Finding representation is hard!”
Her last four words put the entire process in perspective. It is difficult and is not getting any easier. I was at a writers’ seminar last night where three outstanding, published women were on the panel of speakers. They told of their initial forays into the agented world and two of the three told a story of serendipity. Not where I wish to place my future, to be honest. After their initial and fortunate encounter with agentry, (hey! A new word!) it was easy, as you might expect.
Another of the speakers, with an insider’s connections, mentioned the NY times receives around seven hundred fifty submissions for reviews on a weekly basic, of which maybe fifteen or so would be accepted. Tough competition, indeed! I don’t remember the source, but an article I read the other day says there are about one million manuscripts submitted to the industry for publication annually. About fifteen percent are actually published.
What these examples show is competition for publication is not only tough, but fierce. Our individual chances of being published are minuscule, at best.
This compels one to ask, how is agentry, (there’s that word!), ever accomplished.
There are some basics in the industry that cannot be avoided. For example, if you’re famous, your odds increase exponentially. Alas, most of us are not. If you’ve already produced a highly successful work, again, your odds increase in geometric fashion. Alas, most of us have not.
So, what choices do we have?
First and foremost, learn the craft of writing. Learn it well. Without this, you’ll never sell. Immerse yourself as much as reasonable possible in the writers’ world. (Join groups and surround yourself with those more accomplished, continue writing, read other works in your genre, etc, etc, etc.) And as important as all else, learn the business of writing.
Secondly, one may self-publish. The stigma of this is quickly diminishing, but without knowing the business of writing, it will not lead to sales.
Now, to the first part of her question, how does one find representation after self-publishing?
Well, it is my understanding, it makes things more difficult.
Some years, yes – years, after writing my first manuscript, an agent to whom I had submitted the book called out of the blue. During the course of what was to me an exciting conversation, I mentioned I had finally self-published the novel we were discussing. Before the sentence was out of my mouth, his attitude shifted from interest to disinterest. I asked him why the sudden lack of curiosity and he mentioned once a book has a UPC code, it’s DOA as to publishers. It just created issues, he said. These issues went undefined because I didn’t think to ask. Lesson learned.
So, if you have a self-published novel, don’t mention it to people. Though the stigma of POD is diminishing, attitudes with some hold fast for a long time.
Since then, I’ve decided what I will do with that first novel should I ever be picked up for representation on something else. I’d first, rename it then rewrite it. I’d not change the entire manuscript, but rename characters, change some events in the story line, that sort of thing. I’d also rename the book. Then, I’d resubmit.
Further, I’d not tell anyone, who doesn’t ask, I’d rewritten my manuscript. Keep in mind I don’t encourage dishonesty with agents as they are your partner, but I simply would not answer questions that were not asked. Besides, once you’re successful, they’ll tell you to do this anyway for it translates to more sales for you, and thus commissions for them.
So, assuming you have a viable manuscript, I’d recommend you rewrite, rename and try it again.
Now for some good news.
The publishing industry is changing at breakneck speed and yesterday’s publisher is losing his control over distribution, which was his only real trump card. The Internet, POD, social networking and the like are opening the distribution channels to anyone who understand the BUSINESS of writing. (Was that enough emphasis?)
In the very near future you, as a writer, will not need representation. You’ll need a publicist, a production partner, a distribution partner and a good editor. As a writer, these people will work, as independent contractors, for you and respond to you rather than the other way around. Oh yeah… you’ll also keep a MUCH larger portion of the profits.
Best of luck to you all.
Patrick
Author of “Born to be Brothers”
Twitter.com/CPatrickSchulze
Her last four words put the entire process in perspective. It is difficult and is not getting any easier. I was at a writers’ seminar last night where three outstanding, published women were on the panel of speakers. They told of their initial forays into the agented world and two of the three told a story of serendipity. Not where I wish to place my future, to be honest. After their initial and fortunate encounter with agentry, (hey! A new word!) it was easy, as you might expect.
Another of the speakers, with an insider’s connections, mentioned the NY times receives around seven hundred fifty submissions for reviews on a weekly basic, of which maybe fifteen or so would be accepted. Tough competition, indeed! I don’t remember the source, but an article I read the other day says there are about one million manuscripts submitted to the industry for publication annually. About fifteen percent are actually published.
What these examples show is competition for publication is not only tough, but fierce. Our individual chances of being published are minuscule, at best.
This compels one to ask, how is agentry, (there’s that word!), ever accomplished.
There are some basics in the industry that cannot be avoided. For example, if you’re famous, your odds increase exponentially. Alas, most of us are not. If you’ve already produced a highly successful work, again, your odds increase in geometric fashion. Alas, most of us have not.
So, what choices do we have?
First and foremost, learn the craft of writing. Learn it well. Without this, you’ll never sell. Immerse yourself as much as reasonable possible in the writers’ world. (Join groups and surround yourself with those more accomplished, continue writing, read other works in your genre, etc, etc, etc.) And as important as all else, learn the business of writing.
Secondly, one may self-publish. The stigma of this is quickly diminishing, but without knowing the business of writing, it will not lead to sales.
Now, to the first part of her question, how does one find representation after self-publishing?
Well, it is my understanding, it makes things more difficult.
Some years, yes – years, after writing my first manuscript, an agent to whom I had submitted the book called out of the blue. During the course of what was to me an exciting conversation, I mentioned I had finally self-published the novel we were discussing. Before the sentence was out of my mouth, his attitude shifted from interest to disinterest. I asked him why the sudden lack of curiosity and he mentioned once a book has a UPC code, it’s DOA as to publishers. It just created issues, he said. These issues went undefined because I didn’t think to ask. Lesson learned.
So, if you have a self-published novel, don’t mention it to people. Though the stigma of POD is diminishing, attitudes with some hold fast for a long time.
Since then, I’ve decided what I will do with that first novel should I ever be picked up for representation on something else. I’d first, rename it then rewrite it. I’d not change the entire manuscript, but rename characters, change some events in the story line, that sort of thing. I’d also rename the book. Then, I’d resubmit.
Further, I’d not tell anyone, who doesn’t ask, I’d rewritten my manuscript. Keep in mind I don’t encourage dishonesty with agents as they are your partner, but I simply would not answer questions that were not asked. Besides, once you’re successful, they’ll tell you to do this anyway for it translates to more sales for you, and thus commissions for them.
So, assuming you have a viable manuscript, I’d recommend you rewrite, rename and try it again.
Now for some good news.
The publishing industry is changing at breakneck speed and yesterday’s publisher is losing his control over distribution, which was his only real trump card. The Internet, POD, social networking and the like are opening the distribution channels to anyone who understand the BUSINESS of writing. (Was that enough emphasis?)
In the very near future you, as a writer, will not need representation. You’ll need a publicist, a production partner, a distribution partner and a good editor. As a writer, these people will work, as independent contractors, for you and respond to you rather than the other way around. Oh yeah… you’ll also keep a MUCH larger portion of the profits.
Best of luck to you all.
Patrick
Author of “Born to be Brothers”
Twitter.com/CPatrickSchulze
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
New, Interesting Site for Writers
I ran across a new site for writers this afternoon called Publetariat.com.
Once I clicked on the link, however, I had this flashback to my days in Catholic Schools! I thought I was reading one of those newspapers the good nuns warned us about! This place has the whole "Mother Russia" thing going on, but boy it did look like fun.
At first blush, it appears I've found a winner.
Writers should check it out at http://www.publetariat.com/.
Let me know what you think.
Patrick
Once I clicked on the link, however, I had this flashback to my days in Catholic Schools! I thought I was reading one of those newspapers the good nuns warned us about! This place has the whole "Mother Russia" thing going on, but boy it did look like fun.
At first blush, it appears I've found a winner.
Writers should check it out at http://www.publetariat.com/.
Let me know what you think.
Patrick
Wife is Out of Town.
Katy, my lovely wife, is out of town on business until Friday.
She's worried I won't eat. I keep telling her nobody fed me between the time I left home at seventeen until we married some forty years later. I think I'll survive.
(Toast is a food group, right?)
Do miss her already, though.
She's worried I won't eat. I keep telling her nobody fed me between the time I left home at seventeen until we married some forty years later. I think I'll survive.
(Toast is a food group, right?)
Do miss her already, though.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Interesting Thoughts about the Pub Industry
Found this at @Quillp on Twitter.
I think they've nailed this one.
Times! They are a'changin'!
I think they've nailed this one.
Times! They are a'changin'!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Hikin' Time!
Katy and I are filling up the ol' backpack to hike our rear ends off on the Spottsylvania Battlefield. Great fun is to be had by the whole two of us.
Also, the trip is tax deductible as I write historical fiction! Woo-hoo!
Also, the trip is tax deductible as I write historical fiction! Woo-hoo!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Spy Story Using The Hero's Journey
Good day, Writers,
As promised, I am posting another storyline using The Hero's Journey as the model. This time we have a spy story outlined.
If you want to know, this took me no more than five minutes to construct. Which goes to prove how easily The Hero's Journey adapts to any story.
Ready? Here we go!
Ordinary World
A wealthy woman, Rachel, hears of her husband’s death while he was traveling home from Europe to the US. The Husband was an official on government business.
Call to Adventure
As the funeral ends and she receives visitors at her home, she notices a mysterious man standing outside watching the house.
Refusal of the Call
After the mourners leave, the man who was watching the house knocks on the door. The man, Jackson, introduces himself to the maid and hands her a letter. He asks if the maid will give it to Rachel and if Rachel will see him, even though the hour is late.
Meeting the Mentor
Rachel, enraged by the contents of the letter and not believing its authenticity, agrees to see him in an effort to determine why Jackson is attempting to upset her.
Crossing the Threshold
Jackson tells Rachel to check a hidden drawer in the house to prove the letter is genuine. She does and learns her visitor worked for her husband and that both men were spies working in an effort to overthrow the sitting government. Jackson informs Rachel her husband was murdered for his involvement in the spy ring and she agrees to join Jackson and use her wealth and influence to continue his work.
Test, Allies and Enemies
Jackson introduces Rachel to many of his cohorts and learns of many high ranking officials in the government who are attempting to start a war for the money they can earn.
Approach to the Innermost Cave (Point of No Return)
Rachel is found out by the authorities and must alter her life so as not to be caught. She must give up her home and fortunes in this endeavor.
The Supreme Ordeal
The corrupt government officials chase and eventually attack Rachel and Jackson, who have now become lovers. Rachel escapes, though Jackson is caught and taken somewhere sinister.
Claim the Treasure (Reward)
Rachel finds Jackson and helps him escape. Together they topple the corrupt officials just before war breaks out.
Journey Home (Road Back – Second Ordeal)
Those officials, now deposed, attempt to assassinate Jackson and Rachel and almost succeed.
Resurrection
The dishonest politicians are finally caught and tried.
Return with Elixir
Rachel has her home and fortunes returned and she and Jackson get married to live happily ever after.
As promised, I am posting another storyline using The Hero's Journey as the model. This time we have a spy story outlined.
If you want to know, this took me no more than five minutes to construct. Which goes to prove how easily The Hero's Journey adapts to any story.
Ready? Here we go!
Ordinary World
A wealthy woman, Rachel, hears of her husband’s death while he was traveling home from Europe to the US. The Husband was an official on government business.
Call to Adventure
As the funeral ends and she receives visitors at her home, she notices a mysterious man standing outside watching the house.
Refusal of the Call
After the mourners leave, the man who was watching the house knocks on the door. The man, Jackson, introduces himself to the maid and hands her a letter. He asks if the maid will give it to Rachel and if Rachel will see him, even though the hour is late.
Meeting the Mentor
Rachel, enraged by the contents of the letter and not believing its authenticity, agrees to see him in an effort to determine why Jackson is attempting to upset her.
Crossing the Threshold
Jackson tells Rachel to check a hidden drawer in the house to prove the letter is genuine. She does and learns her visitor worked for her husband and that both men were spies working in an effort to overthrow the sitting government. Jackson informs Rachel her husband was murdered for his involvement in the spy ring and she agrees to join Jackson and use her wealth and influence to continue his work.
Test, Allies and Enemies
Jackson introduces Rachel to many of his cohorts and learns of many high ranking officials in the government who are attempting to start a war for the money they can earn.
Approach to the Innermost Cave (Point of No Return)
Rachel is found out by the authorities and must alter her life so as not to be caught. She must give up her home and fortunes in this endeavor.
The Supreme Ordeal
The corrupt government officials chase and eventually attack Rachel and Jackson, who have now become lovers. Rachel escapes, though Jackson is caught and taken somewhere sinister.
Claim the Treasure (Reward)
Rachel finds Jackson and helps him escape. Together they topple the corrupt officials just before war breaks out.
Journey Home (Road Back – Second Ordeal)
Those officials, now deposed, attempt to assassinate Jackson and Rachel and almost succeed.
Resurrection
The dishonest politicians are finally caught and tried.
Return with Elixir
Rachel has her home and fortunes returned and she and Jackson get married to live happily ever after.
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