Good morning! Please welcome guest blogger Elaine Calloway. Though I will be away for most of the day, please feel free to leave comments for Elaine and I will post them as soon as I return. Thank you!
~Kate
Character is Story
By Elaine Calloway
I’ve been working with a writing coach in recent months to help me resurrect a 10-year-old manuscript that I want to submit this year. She is filled with incredible advice, but she keeps coming back to one true concept: character is story.
At first, that key point seems basic and true. I wasn’t sure about its deeper meaning. However, after several brainstorming, writing, rewriting sessions, those words have become clearer. The characters we create make our books unique, not the plots. You can have an amazing plot, but the characters are who we cheer for and support.
Someone once said there are only 7 plots. Quest for love, Save the World, Rich vs. Poor, etc. But think of the abundant number of stories that use those two plots. What makes Gone with the Wind different from Romeo & Juliet? Characters.
Authors bring life experience and viewpoints to each character we create. Since we are all different, every character will be unique in some way. Walk into a room of writers and say “John walked into a bar…” and then get each one to make up a brief story. You’ll get a dozen different answers, because we create stories based on our life experiences. (And it’s hilarious to see who comes up with what kind of story!)
As writers, we must focus on bringing depth to our characters so they will come to life on the page. As readers, we also bring our life experience to the book we are reading. That’s what helps us connect with those characters we love.
Character is Story. My writing coach said a mouthful with those 3 words!
Amazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00E1UMJDG
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/authorelainecalloway
Twitter – http://twitter.com/writerscanvas
Elaine Calloway writes paranormal/fantasy books with romantic elements. She is currently writing more books for her Elemental Clan Series, a good vs. evil set of tales between Elementals and Fallen Angels. Originally from New Orleans (she can still do a decent Cajun accent upon request!) she grew up with a love of all things gothic and supernatural. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, movies, and spending time with friends and family. To learn more, connect with her at http://www.elainecalloway.com.
Social
