U:Unique

Characters need quirks. What makes yours unique?

It doesn’t have to be something big. Not every book needs a ninja/librarian that loves chocolate ice cream and orange kittens. It came be something simple. Which character in popular literature wears round glasses? Which female protagonist survives with her mad bow and arrow skills? Which cartoon characters have a pet platypus?

It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but give your characters something that makes them unique. Give them a trait or a love or a dislike that will stick in the readers mind. This will make the character more real and memorable.

Important note: don’t go too far with the trait. If your character always does the Hokey Pokey when they hear the word red, it might get a little annoying. For a character whose uniqueness makes them obnoxious, watch Episode 1 of Star Wars. Jar-Jar Binks is unique, but . . . .

What are your character’s quirks?

I, J, and K

I’ve missed the A-Z challenge for three days now, so today is catch-up day.

I: Isolation

Writing can be a solitary form of art. Authors can spend hours in their own heads, getting to know characters and structuring plots. Creating novels takes quiet time.

Today’s I post is about isolation and why it’s bad.

Don’t hole yourself up and forget the world for your words.

Spend time with your loved ones. They may provide inspiration. Spend time with friends and family that don’t write or particular understand. It will help you gain perspective. And most importantly, spend time with other writers. Attend writer’s conferences. Sometimes local libraries will host free writing classes. Join an on-line forum. Attend book signings of local authors. You will get advice and make friends.

What are some ways you connect to others in the writing world? Any favorite on-line forums?

J:Jessica

Jessica. Isn’t it a great name?

Not only is it my name, but also my roommate’s name. (Yes, it does sometimes get confusing, but it makes it easy for guest because they really only have one name to memorize).

According to a wild rumor (supported by google), the origin of the name Jessica goes back to Shakespeare. Yeah, that Shakespeare. A pretty good little writer or so I’ve heard. The first time the ica was added to the Jess was in The Merchant of Venice.

My mother let my older sister name me. So that’s where my name comes from. She is four years older than me, so I guess I’m lucky I didn’t end up with a name like Sparkle Princess Barbie. My name suits me, so I guess it worked out in the end.

Do you know the history of your name? How did your parents choose it?

K: Kinda cool news

I’ve been delayed in my blogging for two reasons. First, I’ve been having a fabulous time with my family. Second, I’ve been querying my latest novel and received my first ever full request. First time is always exciting.

When my nephew heard I was sending my story to agents, he got very excited and announced that he had a great idea. He knew exactly who I should send it to.

Agent P!

So if things don’t work out, I’m sending a query to Perry the Platypus.