Early this morning we headed to the state park to watch the waves churned up from the gale force winds. The boardwalk towards the lighthouse was dangerous as waves crashed onto it. Having learned previously just how treacherous the boardwalk can be, we moved over to the beach. Here we encountered blowing sand stinging our faces… and retreated to the car and watched the presentation of power.
Last night I sat outside again, watching the storm move in. Listening to the fountain, the rain, the gurgling gutters. The wind rustling the leaves of our tree, and pushing the falling water of the fountain and rain. First, I was reading a book on my kindle. Then as the storm grew stronger, I closed the kindle and just enjoyed the display. People began coming home from work, lights flashed on in windows across the pond, dogs were walked in the rain. I sat quietly, observing, enjoying.
My mind cleared, then drifted to my book. Plot and outline completed, chapter by chapter. But still, something bothersome and crucial has been missing. There are three main characters, I know them well, and yet, they are somewhat fluid, and too much alike. They need to have their own distinct souls and personalities. I recalled a helpful technique….
Write short stories on each of your characters, living life separate from the book. Put them in other situations, maybe mundane, maybe interesting, but developing their characters, making them come to life on their own. Their own way of thinking, their own distinct beliefs, characteristics… separate souls. Fully developing each character before they appear in my book.
Writing simple stories of each of the three. Tiny prequels to the beginning of my book. Views before the three came together in the explosion of life to come. Developing and cementing their individual characters.
Maybe I will share a few here.