Ask the Author: Jessica Scarlett
Answered Questions (11)
Jessica Scarlett
Yes! I finished my first draft a few months ago and after making extensive edits, I sent the book off to beta readers again. On to the second book in the series!
Jessica Scarlett
I only just saw this question (8 months later) so sorry for the late response!
As of a few days ago, I sent my next book off to beta readers. It's the first in a mystery/fantasy trilogy set in Victorian London. When they get it back to me I'll start my third round of edits, after which the book generally only needs polishing.
In the meantime, I'm plotting out Book 2. I need to finish writing all three books before I can focus on publishing, but hopefully I'll be able to get it out to readers soon!
As of a few days ago, I sent my next book off to beta readers. It's the first in a mystery/fantasy trilogy set in Victorian London. When they get it back to me I'll start my third round of edits, after which the book generally only needs polishing.
In the meantime, I'm plotting out Book 2. I need to finish writing all three books before I can focus on publishing, but hopefully I'll be able to get it out to readers soon!
Jessica Scarlett
I totally agree that Matthew has more softening to do--and Alicia as well! But as much as I loved these characters, I also don't foresee myself writing any more about them. Their story is as resolved as I am interested in making it.
But I would hope that readers dream up their own continuation of Matthew and Alicia's lives! I know I certainly have :)
But I would hope that readers dream up their own continuation of Matthew and Alicia's lives! I know I certainly have :)
Jessica Scarlett
I think that would depend on what you're going for. If a story is a standalone, I would have their personal growth resolve within each story. If, however, the series is one where the books must be read in order, I would keep their fear and build on it throughout the series--simply because it's more meaningful and will add more tension to the story.
I wouldn't want the resolution of their character arc to conflict/take away from the climax of the plot, though, so I would resolve it somewhere around the middle of book 3 (in a 3-book series). But in the end, I say trust your gut! Hope that was helpful!
I wouldn't want the resolution of their character arc to conflict/take away from the climax of the plot, though, so I would resolve it somewhere around the middle of book 3 (in a 3-book series). But in the end, I say trust your gut! Hope that was helpful!
Jessica Scarlett
Yes! I'm currently working on the first in a 3-book fantasy series set in Victorian London.
Jessica Scarlett
First of all, thank you for thinking they seem real!
I have a pretty standard process that I go through to develop my characters, and I try to do it for each one, regardless of whether or not they play a large part in the story. That process involves me asking myself two questions:
1. What do they want/why do they want it?
2. What are they most afraid of?
I think the key thing to making characters seem real is keeping them consistent. Once I've answered these two questions for them, I basically know everything I need to know about them. I'm able to see what they would do in any given situation, and WHY. This allows me to given reasons behind every one of their actions, which lends toward consistency, and ultimately, believability.
I have a pretty standard process that I go through to develop my characters, and I try to do it for each one, regardless of whether or not they play a large part in the story. That process involves me asking myself two questions:
1. What do they want/why do they want it?
2. What are they most afraid of?
I think the key thing to making characters seem real is keeping them consistent. Once I've answered these two questions for them, I basically know everything I need to know about them. I'm able to see what they would do in any given situation, and WHY. This allows me to given reasons behind every one of their actions, which lends toward consistency, and ultimately, believability.
Jessica Scarlett
Typically, music doesn't inspire scenes for me--but it does inspire characters. Sometimes I make playlists of songs that sound like my different characters, and listen to them before I write. It's an easy way to get inside their heads before I even sit down at the computer.
Jessica Scarlett
What is this "deal" that you speak of? Haha. I just kind of avoid it until it goes away. I put my writing on the shelf, I brainstorm with a friend, I let everything ruminate, then I take it off the shelf and try again.
Jessica Scarlett
The best thing is finding out when other people care about my characters just as much as I do <3
Jessica Scarlett
1. Write every day, even if it's only a few sentences.
2. Get a critique partner or beta reader, someone who isn't biased. Study their feedback and learn how to make your story better.
3. Make little goals. Meet them.
2. Get a critique partner or beta reader, someone who isn't biased. Study their feedback and learn how to make your story better.
3. Make little goals. Meet them.
Jessica Scarlett
I don't do much, honestly. Making and browsing pinterest boards help me, or sometimes I listen to a playlist I've made for that book (usually only consisting of 3-4 songs). When I'm actually writing, though, I must have SILENCE. This girl is a tunnel-visioned single-tasker.
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