The Joys of Characters--Or Something
Characters can be really interesting to work with. I mean that both for real and sarcastically. :-) My current problem (and I'm not sure that's quite the right word) is that Logan isn't letting me see below the surface. Oh, he had me fooled for a while, thinking that's all there was, but I figured out that there's more than the easygoing guy he's let me see so far.
It's how I figured it out that makes me want to add the sarcasm to "interesting." You see, I'm getting loads of information about Logan's brother. Too much. I'm not writing Kel's story and I don't need to know most of this stuff to write Logan's story.
Being the curious person I am, I started to ask Logan questions. He sidestepped me. I talked to Kel about Logan. He only gave me some basic info before sidestepping me. I asked assorted other people in Logan's life about him and they all gave general details before sidestepping the questions.
When I see this kind of systematic avoidance, it definitely makes me go hmmm. I have no doubt that he is generally easygoing and that his family is important to him. It's what's beneath that surface that's beginning to intrigue me--and frustrate me since I can't get answers yet.
One of the little facts that I found interesting is that Logan has more sexual experience than Kel, his twin. If I'd had to guess, I'd have picked the opposite. Kel's also gruffer and has a more prickly exterior, but that's because he's so empathetic and feels things so deeply, that he needs that extra protection. Which brings me back to Logan and has me going hmmm again.
I think I'm going to need to sit down, bring out the bright lights, and grill Logan to get some answers. The last thing I want is a mid-book surprise. Been there, done that.
It's how I figured it out that makes me want to add the sarcasm to "interesting." You see, I'm getting loads of information about Logan's brother. Too much. I'm not writing Kel's story and I don't need to know most of this stuff to write Logan's story.
Being the curious person I am, I started to ask Logan questions. He sidestepped me. I talked to Kel about Logan. He only gave me some basic info before sidestepping me. I asked assorted other people in Logan's life about him and they all gave general details before sidestepping the questions.
When I see this kind of systematic avoidance, it definitely makes me go hmmm. I have no doubt that he is generally easygoing and that his family is important to him. It's what's beneath that surface that's beginning to intrigue me--and frustrate me since I can't get answers yet.
One of the little facts that I found interesting is that Logan has more sexual experience than Kel, his twin. If I'd had to guess, I'd have picked the opposite. Kel's also gruffer and has a more prickly exterior, but that's because he's so empathetic and feels things so deeply, that he needs that extra protection. Which brings me back to Logan and has me going hmmm again.
I think I'm going to need to sit down, bring out the bright lights, and grill Logan to get some answers. The last thing I want is a mid-book surprise. Been there, done that.
Labels: characters, WIP
posted by Patti O'Shea at 7:15 AM
*sigh* Characters. Can't live with 'em, can't kill 'em. (or at least, if I do, they tend to come back to life on me...so then they're frustrating AND kinda bent out of shape.)
Sounds like you're in for an interesting time of it with this one. Of course, it'll make for an incredible character, once you figure him out.
Dayna,
I don't know about you, but I go through something with at least one character in every book. I always swear none of my other characters were ever as bad as the troublemaker, but then my writing buddies so thoughtfully remind me of the torment I was put through by other heroes and/or heroines.
I hope he's an incredible character and that I'm not reading more into him than what's there, but it just makes me awfully suspicious when no one will tell me anything. :-)
Patti
but then my writing buddies so thoughtfully remind me of the torment I was put through by other heroes and/or heroines.
Oooh aren't they helpful? Every time I say "This character is making me insane" they say "Madi". That woman was the biggest pain in my patootie...
Of course, compared to her, everyone else is just peachy so far, anyway...
*looks afraid*
Have you found a theme in your difficult characters? Mine tend to be half-breeds: half elf, half sprite - or they have issues regarding self-accpetance...but there's usually some sort of familiar...thing that they're being difficult about...
Good luck, I'm SURE you'll nail him down and he'll be faboo!
Dayna,
I don't blame you for being worried after saying no one is as bad as Madi. :-) That's like totally tempting fate. :-)
I don't know about a theme with the characters. In all honesty, I've probably complained about the hell my characters are putting me through with every single book and I doubt Logan and Shona are worse than any others. There is a reason my motto is "torture the characters before they can torture me." ;-)
Patti
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