Ask the Author: Tom Early
Answered Questions (7)
Tom Early
This might have more to do with my particular style of writing than anything else, but for me, characters come first, and story comes after. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've originally intended to have a scene go one way, and then realize that no, there's no way Sam (being my most troublesome character) would do that. But that's a decent rule of thumb, at least. Try to see how it would feel to make a character do something that they definitely wouldn't do. If it feels wrong to even begin writing it, that's a good sign.
As far as information goes, however, I try to get a sense for their personality foremost. Since a person's personality is often shaped at least in part by their past, a lot of my characters' pasts don't even get created until it's necessary for the story. But the general template should be there - age, gender, family dynamic, basic personality, and so on.
But to wrap this rambling response up - I only really learn about my characters when I'm already writing the story. Don't let feeling like you don't know every facet of your characters stop you from writing - start your story, and see what happens after!
As far as information goes, however, I try to get a sense for their personality foremost. Since a person's personality is often shaped at least in part by their past, a lot of my characters' pasts don't even get created until it's necessary for the story. But the general template should be there - age, gender, family dynamic, basic personality, and so on.
But to wrap this rambling response up - I only really learn about my characters when I'm already writing the story. Don't let feeling like you don't know every facet of your characters stop you from writing - start your story, and see what happens after!
Tom Early
Good question. I wanted a book like Aspect of Winter to read when I was a kid, but it didn't exist. I wanted to fix that, and the rest sort of just came along.
Tom Early
I usually listen to some soundtracks to get me in the right mood.
Tom Early
Short stories, freewriting, and book two.
Tom Early
Keep writing. Always, whenever, no matter what. You don't have to share it for it to be good. Every word is an accomplishment, and you should be proud of them all.
Tom Early
writing and getting the occasional message from fans. It's nice to write, and it's nice to know it's being read.
Tom Early
I don't. I wait for it to go away if it occurs, but I very rarely get writers block in the first place. I just sometimes feel like writing.
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Dec 24, 2015 05:13PM · flag