Roselyn_Reads asked Leisa Rayven:

When you write or have an idea for a new story, do you develop the characters as the story progresses or does the story come after you have come up with specific characters?

Leisa Rayven Hi Roselyn! Wow, good question.

I always start with an idea about the plot, and a vague idea about the characters. Then I write really detailed character studies to help me flesh out my main protagonists. Their likes and dislikes. Their upbringing. Personality traits. Physical descriptions.
Then, I'll often write something from that character's point-of-view, just to get inside their head and find the rhythm with which they express themselves.
Until I do all of that, I can't really start the book, because I don't know how to become the characters.
Of course, all of that can and does change during the course of writing. Sometimes, I'll try to take a character in a certain direction, only to find they refuse to go there. Forcing a character into something that feels unnatural never works out well. Lol!
Thank you so much for your question!
Leisa x

flag