Struggling Writers discussion

Has it been a while since you have really gotten personal with your novel? Do you REALLY know it? Well, before you go about finishing off the first draft make sure you have gotten up close and personal! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Where is your story going?

-The classic roller coaster plot line is actually a big help, check out the super simple one from NaNo below:


-Roller Coaster too simple? Just make a list of all the events you have so far, or plan to have.

Characters

-Make a list of your character traits, I love the list that was provided by NaNo:

1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Height:
4. Eye color:
5. Physical appearance:
6. Strange or unique physical attributes:
7. Favorite clothing style/outfit:
8. Where does he or she live? What is it like there?
9. Defining gestures/movements (i.e., curling his or her lip when he or she speaks, always
keeping his or her eyes on the ground, etc.):
10. Things about his or her appearance he or she would most like to change:
11. Speaking style (fast, talkative, monotone, etc.):
12Pet peeves:
13. Fondest memory:
14. Hobbies/interests:
15. Special skills/abilities:
16. Insecurities:
17. Quirks/eccentricities:
18. Temperament (easygoing, easily angered, etc.):
19. Negative traits:
20. Things that upset him or her:
21. Things that embarrass him or her:
22. This character is highly opinionated about:
23. Any phobias?
24. Things that make him or her happy:
25. Family (describe):
26. Deepest, darkest secret:
27. Reason he or she kept this secret for so long:
28. Other people's opinions of this character (What do people like about this character?
What do they dislike about this character?):
29. Favorite bands/songs/type of music:
30. Favorite movies:
31. Favorite TV shows:
32. Favorite books:
33. Favorite foods:
34. Favorite sports/sports teams:
35. Political views:
36. Religion/philosophy of life:
37. Physical health:
38. Dream vacation:
39. Description of his or her house:
40. Description of his or her bedroom:
41. Any pets?
42. Best thing that has ever happened to this character:
43. Worst thing that has ever happened to this character:
44. Superstitions:
45. Three words to describe this character:
46. If a song played every time this character walked into the room, what song would it be?


Do you have an tips on getting to know your novel? Please share!

I wrote out an interview on a talk show with my character. It was really weird because my character is from the 1470s and I put him on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. I think it would work better if my character was modern, because the whole time he was fascinated with the idea of television... and the interview was about his life - being the novel's events.

Emma wrote: "I wrote out an interview on a talk show with my character. It was really weird because my character is from the 1470s and I put him on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. I think it would work better i..."

That's interesting, were you just exploring the character?

Yes :) and I was watching Jimmy Fallon and it was pretty late at night...