Dreaming Plots
The most frequently asked question seems to be: How do you create your characters and plots? In two short words—I’m crazy! My mind never stops working in overdrive. It drives my family up a wall. We’ll be traveling on the highway and I’ll be looking at the other cars and passengers wondering what’s going on in their lives. Of course, I have to share exactly what I think the other people might be saying or doing. In a short time, I have an entire plot and characters to go with it. My kids just roll their eyes and my husband wants to know why I’m so negative. It’s hard for him to understand that without tension and conflict, an entire book would sink unnoticed to the bottom of the ocean. Being negative is a positive thing (just like two negatives in algebra) when it comes to plots.
Sometimes characters develop on their own. I know this sounds wacky, but it’s true. Even I’m surprised at times. The character just takes over and suddenly he or she is revealing something from their past or possibly what they are going to do in the future….and I didn’t see it coming. I’ll sit back in my chair and stare at the screen. I can’t believe the character just said so and so. Trust me..it happens. In the just-released Thunder Bay book, Michael’s character wasn’t even in the original synopsis. He just popped up in the first chapter and decided to stick around long enough to become a significant character. He’s a bit pushy if you ask me!
Our world is full of lively characters. All you have to do is sit in a mall or at a bus stop to watch people in action. Gather all the goofy or unique quirks people exhibit and it’s not long before an imaginary character takes form. It’s fun…try it some time.
Until then…enjoy the warm spring weather and remember that Jesus loved you enough to die on the cross. There is no greater love!
Happy Easter,
Beth