Forum: September 2011

All About Characters All Month Long They say that great characters can make up for a weak plot, but weak characters won't do anything for your book no matter how strong your plot may be. Have you read reviews that say, "I just couldn't get into the characters." If readers love your characters, they'll love your books. Isn't this what you want to hear? Dalton, "just Dalton," is a sweet-talking Texas black ops contractor equipped with a sharp mind, big muscles, an intriguing background tragedy that makes him cry over babies, and boatloads of sex appeal. … Romance fans will drool over Dalton and his fellow camo-clad helicopter-riding commandos as they look for runaways and love. (Publishers Weekly, March 14, 2011). Join award-winning author Terry Odell in September for some interactive discussions about characters you love (or love to hate), how to get to know them, what to do when they don't behave, how to make them distinctive. Share your own favorites and ideas. Topics we'll discuss: Getting to know your characters. Do character worksheets send you screaming for thi hills? We'll discuss techniques used to get to know your characters—and whether or not they're "required" before you can write. Revealing characters to your readers isn't the same as revealing it to yourself. A look at the different sorts of characters. Heroes, heroines, sidekicks. Extras, walkons and spear carriers. How can you help your readers keep them straight. The author will also share her technique for naming characters. What makes some characters memorable? Share some of your favorites and let's see what it is they've done—or haven't done—that makes them the kind of people you wish you knew. Who are the characters that you want more of when the book is over? And why? Terry Odell is our Seminar Host