Side Character Spotlight!

Hopefully, you haven’t lost too much sleep on this National Novel Writing Month 2020 adventure.

Or, hopefully you’re not too hard on yourself for wherever your word count is at whenever you are in your personal writing storyline.

Anyone who knows me knows I love me some good character-driven stories, and I’ve, personally, enjoyed responding to the character prompts from this month the most.

However, if you are anything like me, sometimes you can get stuck on just one character.

The main one, usually.

Today, whether you have one character that hold point of view screen time or multiple, choose a side character that we never get to spend time with and explore a side story for them.

What is something from their past that makes up who they are in the present?

How has that event shaped them as a character?

What relevance might it have to the story, even if you never get to physically write it out?

The main character is sometimes only as strong as their supporting cast, so delve into the minds of the people surrounding them, then get write on in to your daily session.

See you tomorrow!

My Response:

When Cochava was younger, she never asked to watch her sister get murdered. She never asked to feel like she was next, or to hide underneath her bed as she shook and waited for the murderer the leave. The murderer she had trusted at one point in her life. A man she could probably give thanks to for being alive. A man she once called father.

She never knew what her mother, her sister, nor her had done to upset her father so. But she’d never forgotten the last look on her sister’s face as her father sliced her neck open. The way their eyes met in a last look of pleading. Cochava wished, still to this day, that she could have done something to save her. It didn’t matter, for regardless of time — even that spent in the Lanniswell Hollow — she did not forget.

From that moment forward, she swore she would never trust anyone. Her father had looked at her after he killed her sister, and it seemed as though seeing her crouched underneath her bed forced him to realize what he had done. He let her go, for whatever that meant, and left her, alone and scared, to fend for herself. She was all of nine years old when that happened, and no amount of time passed could change the effect it had on her psyche. She’d never seen her father again after that, but she swore if she ever did, he’d never live to see another day.

#GetWriteOnIn to Your Character's Living Space With This #WritingPrompt

We are well in to National Novel Writing Month 2020 now, so hopefully you’ve done some good connection with your characters, plots, and settings.

I hope the same for you even if you’re not doing NaNo 2020.

Today, we’re going to do a bit of a double-dip and increase our character connections through a focus on setting:

Describe your main character’s bedroom.

Are they clean, or a total mess?

Do they even have a bedroom?

Are they one to settle, or do they bounce around a lot?

This is another place to let out some expository information.

Sometimes, you want to include every little detail within the actual manuscript, and it can take you away from the actual story.

So detail out one or more of your character’s personal spaces, then get write on in to your daily session.

See you tomorrow!

My Response:

Vaeda’s room is absolutely nothing like mine. Granted, he doesn’t exactly have a room in the story as it is, but back in his hometown in Hardmoure, he kept things tidy. Dark, but tidy. He didn’t have much, really in the first place, because he liked to keep things simple and neat. He’s never been one to put much thought into material, and outside of the necessities like a bed and a place to cook and eat, he didn’t need much.

His living space is also not the biggest. It would be akin to a studio that hardly fit the bed, but he felt comfortable in his little shell. There was always some part of him that wondered what it would be like in a place much larger, although a cave wouldn’t have been his first choice. He didn’t have many windows as it was back in his home, so the darkness of the cave doesn’t bother him in and of itself. He just had a very simple and plain existence.

His unit was one of fifteen in a subregion of Hardmoure, and it wasn’t known to be the richest portion of town. Hardmoure itself wasn’t too interested in the ritzy glitzy life as seen in the larger cities. There wasn’t even any carpet on his floor, just dirt like he lived in a tent. None of it ever bothered him, and he always appreciated his additional connection to the earth. He never realized how much he’d miss it until it was already gone.

Plot Problems? Please. Let's #GetWriteOnIn to a Fix With This #WritingPrompt

Whether you are kicking off National Novel Writing Month 2020 week two or just somewhere on your writing path and struggling to connect with your plot, I’ve got the prompt for you today.

Today’s plot prompt is so simple it’s almost stupid:

Describe your favorite plot arc.

Here’s the thing: 

Characters have main stories, side stories, secret stories, and everything else in between.

There’s only so much focus you can spend on the plot in a scene-by-scene basis.

So take this opportunity to pick your favorite arc in the story.

It doesn’t have to be the main one, and it might be a little easier if it wasn’t.

What makes it your favorite?

Is it an arc you chose on your own, or one you feel chose you?

Is it a side arc that, after some exploration, may need more attention?

If it is your main plot arc, what about it intrigues you?

What about this story keeps you up at night or waking early to write it out?

So take this time to reconnect with your plot, then get write on in to your daily writing session.

See you tomorrow!

My Response:

My favorite plot arc is the one that focuses on the friendship between Vaeda and Go’Ranashu. Everything in this book has dark under themes and discussion of an inability to trust the people around them. With Go’Ranashu in particular, I’m always trying to make him as approachable and trustworthy as possible. I feel like Vaeda needs someone to be there for him through thick and thin and come to his defense anytime he needs it. Go’Ranashu is easily that person, and it’s also very easy to make it work.

Part of what I like about this particular arc, even though I suppose it’s more of a character arc in between Vaeda and Go’Ranashu, is the examination of different ethnicities through it. There’s some things I guess I’m trying to be careful about as far as my handling of sensitive topics. Obviously, with Go’Ranashu being an actual beastly creature, I’m not trying to be insensitive toward topics like race. My intent with him in particular is to showcase racial injustice through the judgment people place upon him simply for the fact he looks different and looks like he “could” be mean. I’m hopeful that’s coming across in what I’m trying to produce.

But all of it comes down to the whole idea of who is “good,” who is “evil,” and what the difference is between those two terms. Good and evil is as subjective as creative works, in my opinion. They don’t go as hand-in-hand, and that’s going to be one of the main plot arcs examined throughout this book as a whole. How much deeper can we go past the surface? Can we bring forth a unity by simply recognizing our differences with respect? These are questions that this particular relationship is going to help explore throughout the text.

Angry Characters? #GetWriteOnIn to Their Issues With This #WritingPrompt

If you’re here on publication day for this video, you’ve just made it through the first week of NaNoWriMo 2020.

One way or the other, so far, at least, we’ve all survived the first week of November 2020.

Hopefully.

Whenever you are, I hope your story is going well.

Our last few character prompts have seen us journaling as our characters and interviewing them, but today we’re going to turn around the spotlight.

Today, you’re going to let your character tell you all of the problems they have with you.

How much do you annoy them?

Are they happy with the way you’re representing them?

Do they think you’re giving them enough time and attention?

Are they bored and lonely?

Who’s really at fault for the disconnect here?

This is your time to let your character unleash all of their frustrations.

Once they’ve blown off some steam, it’s time for you to get write on in to your story.

See you tomorrow!

My Response

From Vaeda, my main character.

You better not screw this up, dude.

Seriously, I get it. I’m random. You had no idea who I was a few months ago, and it’s not like I just “came to you” like your other characters or whatever.

But do not for one moment forget that it was I that chose YOU.

So far, I think you’re doing a pretty good job, if I’m actually being honest. I chose you because I had faith in you, so don’t start getting twisted and egotistical thinking this is all your doing. If I hadn’t decided to make myself known to you through the randomness of the generators and by simply assuring that my name bore your favorite letter, this wouldn’t happen.

You’re welcome.

All of that being said, though, I’m getting a little tired of all of these comparisons you keep making to me and your other characters from other books.

When are you going to realize they have nothing to do with this?

This is OUR story — nope, I’m so sorry, scratch that — this is MY story, so if you would please desist with all of this self deprecation and just allow me to EXIST LIKE I ALREADY DO, that would be great. The story’s going fine, and it doesn’t matter if anyone is here or not. I’m with you on comfort levels when it comes to thinking about who may be here with us They may be your words on the line, but it’s my life people either attach to or don’t.

At least you (probably) don’t have to worry about people hoping you die.

You'll #GetWriteOnIn to Setting Development with This #WritingPrompt

Week one of NaNo might be coming to a close when this video comes out, but who knows when you are.

November 6, 2020 or anytime thereafter, today’s writing prompt will bring us back to our settings again.

You may have developed a history or researched events based in fact, but today we’re going to have a little more fun.

Today we’re just going to pick one of our favorite locations, and do one of two things.

Either describe why it is your favorite location, to yourself, and elaborate.

Is it because there’s a memorial from the character’s deceased grandparent that brings forth its sentimentality?

Is it a place you know more of only as the author, but wish you could share it more in the story itself?

The other option is to detail it out in as much expository detail as possible.

Describe every color, every building or room or drawer, or whatever.

Spend so many words describing it — or just fifteen sentences — so you don’t have to worry as much about some of the expository information.

Picture the story, then get write on in to your descriptions.

See you tomorrow!

My Response:

I think my favorite location here is, or at least will be, Hardmoure. This is where Vaeda, our main character, is from, as well as Go’Ranashu, who is the only person he can trust. Hardmoure is a beautiful city that, quite frankly, reminds me of where I am from. I grew up in the foothills of Yosemite, and I thrive when I am among the trees and the mountains. I had to give Vaeda a similar home setting, because I think that’s what helps him connect so well with his inner self.

Everyone knows I’ve been reflecting on my own journey during the writing of this book. Hardmoure reminds me of the mountains of New Zealand. Those bring about multiple bouts of nostalgia, both because of the fact I had the fortune of seeing them for myself, as well as because of movies like Lord of the Rings. There’s a peace out there that’s hard to explain. Those who have seen it or experienced it for themselves know all too well what that’s like.

The cave is the total opposite of that. The stark contrast of everything in Vaeda’s life is represented by the darkness of the cave. In a lot of ways, the cave of course is a representative of darkness in general. Vaeda is also on a search of self-discovery as he tries to find and hold on to any memory that will present itself. Hardmoure is the root of all of that, a place he may never see again, but one that has molded every aspect of who he is, all the same.

#GetWriteOnIn to Your Word Count with This Story Prediction #WritingPrompt

If you are stuck on your storyline on day 5 of National Novel Writing Month, I have the prompt for you.

If you are stuck on your storyline and you are not on day 5 of National Novel Writing Month…

I still have the prompt for you.

I’ve also got you for setting and character prompts, but not today.

Today, we are going to talk about story predictions.

Almost a week in, how has your story changed, if at all, from what you’d thought before you began?

Do you think it will change before the end of the month?

Are these changes you’re allowing and embracing openly, or ones you’re trying to fight off?

The story takes on a life of its own after a while, and there’s nothing wrong with that in a general sense.

You’ve just got to be careful to prevent it from getting too far off track.

But make some predictions, have some reflections, and then get write on in to your story.

See you tomorrow!

My Response:

So far, this story has just been a wild ride from the start. Everything about it has been kind of shocking to me, but all in a good way. Now that I’m finally able to really get into the story and explore it, I’m finding that it’s shaping itself pretty closely to my expectations, if not perhaps exceeding them just a little bit. I didn’t realize how much Piranesi was going to end up influencing this, but it has definitely made a mark on the writing of this story. It excites me that it isn’t all blowing up in my face, considering what I’m doing.

There are times, though, when I’m having a harder time connecting with what’s going on. My character, and all of the characters with him, can’t see anything. That’s fun in some ways, because I feel like I’m developing the characters through their energies instead of their physical traits. It’s just difficult because I have to paint a picture without actually using any color. I watched a lot of blind videos before I started this, so I’m hoping it’s helping, but I’m really interested to see how that develops throughout the rest of this book.

I embrace every change that comes along the way. It’s weird, any time I think there’s something that’s changing from the original, I head back to my chapter-by-chapter analysis and find that it hasn’t really changed at all. Writing it out like that in the first place got me connected to it on a deeper level. That connection makes subconsciously writing it all that much easier. Hopefully I feel the same way by the time this is all finally over.

Practice This #WritingPrompt to #GetWriteOnIn to Character Interviews

Getting into the mind of your character can be a bit tricky sometimes.

If you tried out the character journaling prompt the other day, it may have helped you connect with the mind of your character.

Today, we’re going to tweak that exercise, just a little bit.

Pick a character — perhaps a side one you haven’t spent as much time with for this one — and put them in the hot seat.

Play a detective and interrogate your character.

Ask them the questions to the answers they won’t offer themselves.

Dig deep into their psyches to see what makes them tick.

Sometimes, in journals, even when you act as your character, there are aspects of ourselves that remain in denial.

This is an exercise to “sit your character down” and have a chat with them.

Depending on the theme, mood, and character, this can vary in intensity, of course.

But talk some things out, get some answers you might be struggling with, then get write on in to your story.

See you tomorrow!

My Response:

Character: Runavan

Me: Why aren’t you telling me what you know?

Runavan: *After a shrug* I have told you what I know. It’s not my fault you don’t want to believe me. My memory isn’t what it once was, and it isn’t my fault.

Me: Aren’t you afraid of what’s going to happen?

Runavan: Of course I am. But what else am I to do? The future is always scary, but sometimes so’s the past.

Me: I feel like there’s more to this that you’re not telling me.

Runavan: Of course there is, but why would I tell you more? Wouldn’t that take away the fun of the exploration?

Me: But I feel stuck sometimes. I feel like I don’t know where to go because I feel like I don’t know how to connect to people like you. People who know more than they let off.

Runavan: You aren’t as right as you think. While I know plenty somewhere deep within me, neither of us know how to unlock that yet. Until you go forth and explore, neither of us will ever know the answer.

Use This #WritingPrompt to Help You #GetWriteOnIn to Setting Connection

If you are anything like me, bringing the “setting” of your to life can be challenging.

I’ve recommended before to think of your setting as a living being, and that is our focus for today's three-paragraph prompt.

Any"where" you are in this journey — whether it be NaNo 2020 when this comes out or anytime thereafter — put a focus on the main location of the story real quick.

If the city, town, cruise ship, etc, that your story takes place in could talk, what would it tell you?

Choose one event that has shaped the history of your setting, and embellish on it.

The fifteen sentences today should see you exploring a war.

Or surviving a storm.

Examining the first civilization.

Or the maiden voyage.

Anything you want.

Think about everything your setting has been through, and write out some cool history, just for the fun of it..

Then get write on in to your book.

See you tomorrow!

My Response

The city of Raelevarre wasn’t always known for the darkness found within its borders now. Before the likes of men came around, the landscape was the most attractive part of this city. In fact, the beauty from the mountains caught the attention of men in the first place and encouraged them to inhabit the place. If Raelevarre were a person, she would say she loathed the day she was tainted by human kind. That she would have been better off if she’d stayed remote for the rest of time.

If Raelevarre were a person, she would cry over the blood that was spilled across her story. The wars that occurred, the battles that strung out over her land. Men fought over things like gold here, things that shone in the rays of the sun whenever they caught in the best light. Raelevarre, as a living being, does not understand all of the pain and torment created over things that glint in the sunlight. If she were ever to have any control, she’d have stopped this madness.

And yet, beneath this city, in tunnels and caves spread out into a spiderweb beneath her, people lay trapped. Bodies rot into skeletal dust as pain and torment permeate every corner. If Raelevarre were a person, she’d beg for the freedom of the people trapped within her. She’d plead for the injustice that occurred within her out of her control. She’d do everything in her power to free every captive.

Plot Got Your Tongue? Try Out This #WritingPrompt to Help You #GetWriteOnIn

When you’re writing a book, sometimes the hardest part to get into is the actual plot.

Is the story interesting enough?

Do you have any gaping plotholes you’re not aware of?

Have you thought out every possible arc?

What if there was a better way to tell this story?

If this character took this path, or that character took another one.

Today, if you’re having a hard time getting into your writing — whether you’re on NaNo day two when this is posted or anytime on your storyline of writing -- try purposefully writing out a bad subplot.

This may seem counterintuitive, but if you spend some time — three paragraphs, fifteen sentences, to be exact — writing out a plot you know is bad, you’ll get it out of your system.

You won’t have to worry about it sneaking back and ruining a perfectly bad first draft.

Let out the crap, flush it down the toilet, and get write on in to your story.

Happy writing, everybody.

See you tomorrow!

My Response:

When Vaeda explores the caves that have him trapped, he stumbles upon a yeti and a dragon coupled together. The yeti, it turns out, is pregnant, and the dragon is tasked with protecting the cave from intruders — like Vaeda. The dragon, however, is unable to breathe fire, and clipped his nails before Vaeda arrived. The dragon tries to fight off Vaeda, but is unsuccessful. Vaeda is able to remain invisible to enemies.

The yeti knows how to brawl, and isn’t afraid to fight. Pregnant or not, she attacks Vaeda when the dragon proves unsuccessful. Vaeda, of course, doesn’t have anybody else in the cave with him, because they’ve all abandoned him and left him to die. He runs through the halls of the cave, chased by the yeti, who screams at him in some foreign language. He does everything in his power to calm the beast down, but to no success. 

At last, Vaeda outruns the beast. He doesn’t know where he is, obviously, because he’s pushed himself further into a cave, but no matter. He’s escaped the jowls of the beasts that wanted him for dinner, and he was on to live to see another day. It would be nice to find a friend or two, but he remained grateful of his ability to stay alive on his own. He just hopes his luck sticks out with him for the rest of his life.

Read the first chapter of The Fight to Save the Future here.

#GetWriteOnIn to Character Development with this Character Journaling #WritingPrompt

Sometimes starting your writing session is the hardest part.

Whether you're at for the actual start of your book, or if you’re just having a hard time starting out today, try out some character journaling.

If you’re starting fresh, what’s your point of view character’s life like before it’s about to change?

Do they know what’s about to happen?

What do they normally care about, and how might the upcoming events change or influence them?

Just three paragraphs here, five sentences per paragraph should do.

Feel free to go wild and do as much as you would like, even if this counts for your daily 1,667 word goal.

I did it once where I alternated characters daily for about a week and color-coded who was up.

Have fun with this, don’t stress yourself out, and get write on in.

My Response

Vaeda

Sometimes I don’t remember what it was like to be a child. Various memories drift in and out of my mind at random, but I struggle to grab hold of any memory and make it tangible. When I close my eyes and try to think of the path that has led me to my present, I feel nothing. There are times when I wonder if that darkness is a part of me, keeping me in balance. There are others when I feel like it defines me and controls my life.

I long to reconnect with that part of myself. The freedom of childhood, always taken for granted, never to return or repeat. I wonder about the mistakes I’ve made, bitter pangs of agony and torment that annihilate my insides as I try to piece together their happenings. Why have I always kept myself so distant from my own identity? Why was I always so scared to simply… step into the light?

It’s hard to explain where I feel the makings of truth. There are layers within me, parts of myself I have yet to access that will accelerate my very being. How am I meant to feel about that? How am I supposed to be strong, rise to the occasion, when nobody cares? What can I do to make a difference when nobody is even here to listen?

Read the first chapter of The Fight to Save the Future here.