I.W.S.G. (3) - Creative Characters

One of the things that has always concerned me about my writing is coming up with interesting characters. Back when I first started writing seriously, my characters were one dimensional and drawn from real life people. In the series I'm writing, many characters are drawn from real people. So I never gave them much depth because I expected all my friends who read my stories to know everything about them (I was only about 17 at the time). Character development was something I hadn't even thought of. As such, a lot of my dialogue went this way:

Jeff said, "Look!"
Kevin said, "What does she want?"
Jenny replied,"Why are you sitting here?"

Not taking any writing courses, I'm always worried I have not developed my characters fully enough. But I read many articles online and have various times subscribed to Writers Digest. With a lot of practice, my characters now feel as if they have more dimension because I follow tips on how to flesh out characters. In fact, now when I write, I create character sheets for just about anyone appearing in my stories. I try to find three words to identify what sort of person they are, list their likes, their dislikes, and a bit of their background. Even if I don't utilize those aspects in the story, my characters seem to have more depth and my writing has more depth too.

* * * * * * * * * *

Erick suddenly felt ill when he saw his ex-girlfriend walking towards him. "Crap, Kenny! Jenni's walking over here. I can't deal with her right now."

"I think she still wants you," Kenny said laughing. "Or she's looking for her lost diary again. Are you sure you didn't steal it?"

Erick realized Kenny was joking, but he didn't appreciate either comment.

"You do realize, of course, you are sitting at my table? I'm going to have to ask you to move."

Erick and Kenny exchanged looks. Who did she think she was? Lord of the Lunch-room?

* * * * * * * * * *
So I think my writing has developed, but are my characters truly unique? I'll be exploring that topic next time.

Questions:
What process do you use to create characters?
Do you have any characters based on real life people?
How do you feel you best learned to hone your writing talent?

The Insecure Writer's Support Group posts the first Wednesday of every month. Please follow along as my fellow writers and I relate why we feel insecure, or read as we help encourage others suffering from insecurity.

Are you an insecure writer? Why not join the group? Find out more information via the group HERE.

The site is founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh - Thanks for all the support!

I.W.S.G. (2) - Writing vs. Blogging

It may or may not be news to many, I'm slowly working to complete a project I started nearly 30 years ago...

Has it been that long? Yikes!

You see I have always wanted to be a writer. And I've always enjoyed writing. I started a personal journal in 1984 and continued writing in it till 1992. Why did I stop? Good question. I'll address that in a bit.

Thirty years ago (while in school) I wrote a fun piece of fiction for a friend of mine about the two of us driving around the city, goofing off. We repeatedly and humorously continued to get injured and sent to the hospital. I broke the 'fourth wall' frequently and myself as the Author was a character in the story. It was such a success with my friend we showed other friends who enjoyed it also. From there, I went on to write six more sequels, with a seventh planned. For a time, I literally had several friends waiting to have their turn to read the latest episode. In the ensuing years, interest waned. No, not because people were losing interest in the story, but because life was getting a hold of me. I got married and my wife was not keen on my writing and was not encouraging. ("Why are you writing? There are things to do around the house.") Quite the reverse, to be honest. Needless to say, I pretty much stopped writing. Remember my journal I mentioned before? That too fell by the wayside.

Oddly, as we were on our way to splitsville, my interest in writing took a hold once again. Around 2002 I acquired my first real computer. (I was using an Apple IIe till then, with no printer. PS - I still have it set up in my basement bar. Pictures can be found HERE). One of the first things I got involved in was posting to forums and joining such awesome social sites as Myspace. Remember Myspace?

But then the real writing came back to the forefront when I began to blog. Discovering blogger was a blessing as far as I'm concerned. It's been a way for me to spend my time creatively and productively. I've written many a poem via my blog and have appreciated any who were entertained by my rants. I even utilized my blogs to continue my short story writing. One of my favourite projects (though I admit still very sloppy) was a Fan-Fiction I wrote involving the TV series, Doctor Who, Quantum Leap and Sliders. I also incorporated Fan-Fiction from the comic book world, namely the Legion of Super Heroes. To make it even more confusing, (LOL), I decided to include (a non-canon) tale using my short story series from almost 30 years ago. The story can be found HERE.

So this is where my insecurity for the month comes in. After I wrote that story, I started to develop a longing to return to the series. But in it's previous form, it was no where near ready for public display, let alone, submission. So I've slowly been working on redoing the series. Removed the Author as a character and have made it less ridiculous. (One of these days I should scan a copy of what the original draft looked like). My writing has improved significantly too, so I knew it was time to do a final final draft. In fact, a few have noticed I've started to upload the polished off episodes to my blog HERE. It's something I've been longing to do for a long time as you are now well aware. But what about my blogging? I love my blogging friends and colleagues I've become acquainted with. But there is so little time. I want to get back to my YA short story series, but keep finding it hard to get back to. Am I doing this wrong? Should I finally take some ME time, buckle down and get to my series once again? I've loved my blogging because I look at it as a continual writing practice. Yet, m I spending too much time on my blogging? How do I find the time? Am I just insane?

Sorry for such a long blog posting this time. I promise not to run on so much next time. As this is only my second contribution to the IWSG, I felt it would probably be a good idea to inform everyone exactly why I write and the base reasoning why I too am an Insecure Writer who needs a Support Group.

Questions:
What was your first computer?
What was your first social media site?
What is the first thing you remember writing, and being proud of?
How long have you been blogging?
Am I rude to my family and friends if I finally decide to take time off for me to work only on my writing?

My IWSG postings will be done the first Wednesday of every month. My fellow writers will be doing like-wise. Are you an insecure writer? Why not join the group? You can find out more information via the website found HERE.
The site is founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh - Thanks for all the support!

Writer's Block

R.a.n.t. for week of 06/28/15

This was a weekend initially earmarked for getting serious (or series) writing done. After (during actually) my April A-Z r.a.n.t.-fest, attention to my short story series 'Writer's Block' was placed on the back burner. Till then, I was getting one chapter posted a week. As it's a short story series, the chapters are really not that long. But now the intense April is almost two full months behind and I've noticed I have not returned to the series.

Clicking the 'Writer's Block' link above, you will notice I have one full story complete and the second episode with six chapters complete. It's been my long desire to finalize this piece of work. So why have I not gotten back to it? One word. Irony. Get what I mean? So how do I get back into the habit? As mentioned above, I meant to get some writing done this weekend, but as always, things came up. I helped a friend move on Saturday and Sunday I was lazy. Realistically, I was tired from the day before. I'm not spring chicken any more. Looks like the next few weekends will be utilized for helping others as well. No, I'm not ranting about helping others, because I enjoy being appreciated and feeling wanted for something. But how do I jump back in? How is it I can find time for so many other people, but never find time for myself? How do I get inspired? Where has my zeal gone? Where is my motivation? Can you help with some positive affirmation?

Some questions for discussion.
How do you battle Writer's Block?
What do you do to unwind?
Do you ever feel pulled in 15 different directions?



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R.A.N.T. About A Lot of Very Bad Words That I Kind Of Just Really Hate When Editing

R.a.n.t. of week 02/15/15

Almost 30 years ago I wrote a short story series. The story consisted of two parts of four stories each. Recently, I've been thinking of the story and reread it. I was horrified when I realized how much editing work needs to be done. The writing was far from concise and even simple sentences were horrific run-ons. So this week, I've compiled a top 10 list of words I keep an eye on when doing my editing work. Do you find yourself overusing any of these words? Are there different words on your editing list?


ABOUT
Problem: This is a word I frequently over use resulting in sloppy, lazy writing.
Example 1 - Erick said, "What are you talking about? That never happened."
Example 2 - "I thought about how excited you were to get that assignment." Vicki replied.

Solution: Perhaps they can be written this way.
Example 1 - Erick says, "I don't understand. When did that happen?"
Example 2 - "I suddenly realized how excited you were to get the assignment," Vicki replied.
Example 3 - Blog header: A LOT OF VERY BAD WORDS THAT I KIND OF JUST REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


VERY
This is a very bad word that is very much over used. I hate it very much. Very sloppy and unimaginative.
Example 1 - "It's just another computer." Kenny replies not very impressed.
Example 2 - "She wasn't very happy when I originally told her I wanted to join the newspaper team."

Deleting the word forces a more creative way of expressing my thoughts.
Example 1 - "It's another computer," Kenny says unimpressed.
Example 2 - "She wasn't enthusiastic when I told her I was joining the newspaper.
Example 3 - Blog header: A LOT OF WORDS THAT I KIND OF JUST REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


A LOT
What does a lot mean? (Also notice it's two words). Is a lot of pennies in a dollar the same amount as a person who eats a lot of hamburgers during the week?
Example 1 - Mrs. Wright seems to appreciate this attitude a lot better.
Example 2 - "I suppose you and Jenni will be spending a lot of time together."

Explain what 'a lot' really means or simply delete it.
Example 1 - Mrs. Wright appreciated Erick's sudden change of attitude.
Example 2 - "I suppose this means you and Jenni will be spending a couple hours together every week?"
Example 3 - Blog header: 10 WORDS THAT I KIND OF JUST REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


THAT
Another word adding nothing to the sentence. It cheapens whatever you are discussing.
Example 1 - "Andrea is the only one that seems to have a problem with me."
Example 2 - "What was it that broke the camels back?"

The sentence can be rewritten to sound better and with more meaning.
Example 1 - "Only Andrea has a problem with me."
Example 2 - "What finally broke the camels back?"
Example 3 - Blog Header: 10 WORDS I KIND OF JUST REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


JUST
If something just happens, it happens right then and there. But do you need to say something just happened if you are already describing it's happening?
Example 1 - "I'm just glad I finally ended it."
Example 2 - "I think I've just lost my appetite."

Deleting 'just' makes the sentence flow better.
Example 1 - "I'm glad I finally ended it."
Example 2 - "That's disgusting! Now I've lost my appetite."
Example 3 - Blog Header: 10 WORDS I KIND OF REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


KIND OF
Would you want someone to kind of give an explanation to you? It's a fuzzy statement, what does it mean exactly?
Example 1 - "I thought maybe she'd give me some kind of indication."
Example 2 - "It really is a must for anyone wanting to get into any kind of entertainment field."

Flesh out what 'kind of' actually means or just get rid of it.
Example 1 - "I hoped she'd tell me whether you aced the test or failed."
Example 2 - "It's a must for anyone looking to become a professional comedian."
Example 3 - Blog Header: 10 WORDS I REALLY HATE WHEN EDITING


REALLY
Like 'very', I really really hate this word. Using really is lazy writing.
Example 1 - "We really need to talk."
Example 2 - "I used to go out with her and we really don't get along any more."

Be more creative with your descriptions.
Example 1 - "You better sit down. We have to talk and you are not going to like it."
Example 2 - "We use to go out and saying we don't get along is an understatement."
Example 3 - Blog Header: 10 WORDS I HATE WHEN EDITING


BEGAN
I begin to cringe every time I see myself using this. Wait no, I don't begin to do it, then stop. I actually do it. This word should never be used if it describes something still happening.
Example 1 - People began to gather around to watch the demonstration.
Example 2 - She began to develop strong feelings for him the past few weeks.
Example 3 - Kenny began pointing at Erick and laughing hysterically.

Normally a person doesn't begin something, then suddenly stop. When they do something, they do it.
Example 1 - People gathered to watch the demonstration.
Example 2 - During the past few weeks Vicki developed stronger feelings for him.
Example 3 - Kenny pointed at Erick, laughing hysterically.


THINK
If a person is telling you about something, do they also have to tell you they are thinking about it?
Example 1 - "Why do you think she blames you?"
Example 2 - "I think Jenni will be able to help you."
Example 3 - "Do you think I care any more?"

Sometimes it's better to do something instead of thinking about it. Also, asking what a person thinks is redundant. When they reply, you'll know what they think.
Example 1 - "Why does she still blame you?"
Example 2 - "I'm assigning Jenni to help you."
Example 3 - "I give up. I don't care any more.


HAD
This word implies you no longer have whatever you are referring to. I have a problem using it when I shouldn't.
Example 1 - "I thought we had an honest relationship."
Example 2 - Erick did comply despite all the nonsense she had put him through.
Example 3 - Erick begins to tell Vicki what had just happened to him.

Rewrite so the sentence doesn't imply the situation no longer exists.
Example 1 - "Don't we have an honest relationship?"
Example 2 - Erick complied despite the nonsense she puts him through.
Example 3 - Erick starts explaining to Vicki what happened earlier but suddenly stops, not wanting to bring up Jenni again.