As an author, how long did it take you to develop a relationship with your new characters? Exactly how did you guys meet in the first place? Hitting it off with a new acquaintance can take time – especially if you created them out of thin air.
But it’s
time well spent. After all, if you and
your little darlings, lovers or zombies are complete strangers, the next Gone with
the Wind may have to take a back seat while you get to know the stars of your book
a little better. Have you ever wondered how well Charles Dickens, prior to
sitting with quill and pad, knew the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come?
Did Frank Baum immediately know the Scarecrow
was no dummy? While writing chapter one, did Margaret Mitchell know Rhett Butler wouldn’t give a damn by the end of the
book? Without a doubt, character development differs from author to author. If you know your characters intimately from the get-go, they’re more likely to drive your story. If you’re content to give the relationship room to breathe, the story may propel them.
There are Character Profiles on the web that will help introduce
you to your next heart throb, mass murderer, werewolf or Fairy God Mother. Do a search, fill out the prompts and prepare
to meet the next Harry Potter.
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