Writers: Are you stuck?

    Have you ever been SO stuck in the depths of a manuscript that you just want to chuck it into a drawer and forget about it? You just can't go on, and you don't know WHY.

   I have been like this a couple of times and when I stumbled across the answer, I was embarrassed. I believe it doesn't matter if you are a pantser (guilty), or an outliner, you can run into problems if you don't KNOW YOUR CHARACTERS!

   So, if you are stuck in a first draft, or you are rewriting and something isn't ringing true, take the time to make out a character sheet for each one of your characters. Ninety percent of the information you write down will not appear in your writing, but the way your characters interact will be honest and their motivations will shine through. These motivations will propel your plot FORWARD, I promise you!

Give it a chance.

   One of the best character "interview" sheets I ever got was from NANOWRIMO. I have since adjusted it for my own use, which you will have to do as well, but here are some sample questions. Remember, to adjust the form for your use. This is used primarily for kidlit, but I believe it is also essential for adult literary pursuits.

!. Do they have a nickname?

2. Birthdate:

3. Gender:

4. Hobbies:

5. Weakness or Fears:

6. Secrets:

7. What does their bedroom look like? Are they sloppy or neat as a pin?

8. Who is their best friend? Why?

9. What is a trait or tick that makes them stand apart from everyone else on the page? A speech or mannerism?

10. Name some personality traits: Are they an introvert, or extrovert, are they organized or a mess, are they tolerant or fickle, creative or book smart?

11. Physical traits: What is their body type? Does it impact their personality in any way? What is their weight, height, style, hair, and eye color? Do they have a disability of note?

Filling out these character sheets for your protagonist, antagonist, sidekicks, love interest, mentor and other characters in your book WILL be time-consuming, but once you know your characters' world as if you were living in it, consuming it, your writing will not only come alive on the page, it will go  much faster!