Search the Zodiac for character development, add a splash from the advice column. Go to the edge
Writers have experienced relatives and friends with chaotic collections of contradiction. Regardless of how intimately we know someone, he or she becomes too elusive, contradictory or shadowy for our story-cloning needs. If added to the quirky traits, humor and positive qualities create amusement and engagement for the reader.
What motivations and dimensions can we add to characters to ensure their intrigue?Read the horoscope page in the newspaper. How would you develop a character based on these traits and predictions? Mix and match. Then use a situation from reading an advice column.
Horoscope examples and a situation: Your ability to mix it up with all the right people means that you are drifting into a leadership role -- that is, if you aren't already filling it! Assume you can handle it and move on quickly. You're not in the best position to get people back on track -- your energy is building up now and you can't make them see what needs to be done. Wait for one more day before taking action. Someone new in your life is making you rethink quite a bit of your preconceptions -- and you think you like where you're headed! It's time for you to flip the switch and make a big change. Do not let a crisis go to waste. You have an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.
Ask yourself, "What would Rahm Emanuel, President Obama's chief of staff do?"
Question from an advice column: My husband has expressed a desire to quit work and sail to Hawaii and then on an extended trip. He has purchased a sailboat and is taking lessons with our kids. I tried it but become frightened of drowning and get deathly sea sick. I want to support his dream but don't have the stomach for it. He told me today he's found someone to crew: a recently divorced woman and her two kids. I don't feel good about this since the sailboat is only 37 feet long and they are planning their first two-week trip this summer. Should I start taking sailing lessons and hypnosis for my fear?
Writers have experienced relatives and friends with chaotic collections of contradiction. Regardless of how intimately we know someone, he or she becomes too elusive, contradictory or shadowy for our story-cloning needs. If added to the quirky traits, humor and positive qualities create amusement and engagement for the reader.
What motivations and dimensions can we add to characters to ensure their intrigue?Read the horoscope page in the newspaper. How would you develop a character based on these traits and predictions? Mix and match. Then use a situation from reading an advice column.
Horoscope examples and a situation: Your ability to mix it up with all the right people means that you are drifting into a leadership role -- that is, if you aren't already filling it! Assume you can handle it and move on quickly. You're not in the best position to get people back on track -- your energy is building up now and you can't make them see what needs to be done. Wait for one more day before taking action. Someone new in your life is making you rethink quite a bit of your preconceptions -- and you think you like where you're headed! It's time for you to flip the switch and make a big change. Do not let a crisis go to waste. You have an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.
Ask yourself, "What would Rahm Emanuel, President Obama's chief of staff do?"
Question from an advice column: My husband has expressed a desire to quit work and sail to Hawaii and then on an extended trip. He has purchased a sailboat and is taking lessons with our kids. I tried it but become frightened of drowning and get deathly sea sick. I want to support his dream but don't have the stomach for it. He told me today he's found someone to crew: a recently divorced woman and her two kids. I don't feel good about this since the sailboat is only 37 feet long and they are planning their first two-week trip this summer. Should I start taking sailing lessons and hypnosis for my fear?
Creative Write: Play with the above examples. Or, do your horoscope research and read an advice column. Have fun developing characters to interact.
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