What does your character look like?

Imagination is as individual as it is wonderful.  We can read the same book but how we visualize the scenes and characters are unique to each of us. Recently, someone who had read my novel Of Dreams and Shadow approached me.  She said she knew exactly how the character (bad guy) Silas looked.  She went on to describe him as looking like Robert Carlyle, the actor who portrayed Mr. Gold from Once Upon a Time.  Mr. Gold is one of my favorite characters but I never envisioned him as Silas.

When we think about bad guys, certain characters probably come to mind.  I think about Wild Bill from Stephen King's The Green Mile and The Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz.  These characters are presented as less than attractive - some might say ugly. But where is the rule that states all bad guys have to be repelling? Why can't a bad guy be something more?

The character of Silas developed over time.  When I first started writing him - I didn't see his face but as I spent more time with him - his features came into focus: shoulder length dark hair, a face that would attract a females attention.  (Think Ben Barnes, the actor who portrays Prince Caspian.)  I think the fact that Silas is not only dangerous but beautiful makes him more compelling.

So, what do you think?  Are you surprised by how readers "see" your characters?

What Makes A Story Memorable?

What makes a story memorable?  Is it the skill of the writer or is it the subject matter?  There are many variables but I think a great story is produced when the author is able to tap into the well of emotion.  For many of us, that well is a scary place.  We skim the surface without delving into its dark depths.  I think there's a reason for that -  it's in the depths that our most painful memories reside.  It's not hard to recall happy times and to apply those feelings to our writing.  But when it comes to a story that involves loss or sadness, some writers do it better than others.   They find it in themselves to explore their pain, humiliation, etc. and then they use those feelings to drive the scene.  That ability doesn't come easy for everyone. There are memories/feelings that I don't necessarily want to revisit.  But how do I write something believable if I can't go there?  It doesn't matter that the scene I'm working on differs from my personal experience.  It's the emotion that I am trying to convey.  My writing instructor was famous for saying - "Give me more!  It may only be a line or two - but show me the feeling!"  

So, what makes a story memorable for you?


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Creative writing - Describing a place (in this case - the beach)

One of my favorite places to visit is North Topsail Beach, NC.  Unlike many visitors, it's not the sun I'm seeking - it's the solitude. That's why I tend to go early morning or late evening.  It's one of those places where your troubles can be washed away - where the stress of the day can float away on an ocean breeze.

North Topsail Beach, NC

So I was thinking about how I could describe the beach.  We've all read about water rushing to shore - but a beach is more than that - it's the sum of several things coming together to form something completely elemental.  

Where to begin?  I think we turn to the basics - our five senses.

Hearing:  There is something to be said for the sounds of the beach...the pounding of the waves, the momentary quietness as the water rushes back to the sea...the cries of the birds as they fly overhead-searching for their next meal and the howling of the wind.  
Touch:   Feeling the sand beneath my feet - And the water as it runs over my toes.  The feel of the wind as it touches my skin.
Sight:  There's a lot to see - the sand, shells, water, sky and grasses.  There's crabs, birds, and dolphins and perhaps a boat just off-shore.  People may be walking, swimming, or surfing.  There's bound to be seaweed or a dead fish, not to mention a sandcastle or a discarded beer can.
Smell:  A beach has a certain smell.  It's several aromas blending together - salt, suntan lotion, decaying sea life.
Taste:  Who hasn't been tossed by a wave or two and come up sputtering - after having swallowed a mouthful of salt water?  If you haven't - you've missed out!  Seriously, the salt seems to hang so heavy in the air that it seems like you can almost taste it. 

If you can't get to a beach, find a picture and close your eyes.  Let your mind do its job - imagine or recall a trip to the beach - the sounds, the smells, etc - and then write it all down!

-DS McKnight

Self Publishing - My Journey Continues

I thought it was time for an update on my self-publishing journey.  As you may know, I chose to use Create Space.   Being this was my first novel, I didn't want to leave anything to chance. (Editor-check.  Readers-check.)  My biggest fear (besides no one liking my story) was having someone purchase my novel and then see boo-coos of formatting errors.  I just wanted the assurance that I had done everything I could to make my novel as perfect as possible.  So while I could have formatted my novel, I choose to purchase CS's formatting service.   What I didn't expect was the l-o-n-g wait between each step of the process.  Silly me - I failed to consider how many other writers are using their services.  My friend and and mentor, Carol Ann Ross, formatted her book, uploaded and after a few changes  *BAM* her novel was in her hands.  I submitted my manuscript at the beginning of April...It is now mid June.  I have received my first formatted copy (digital) and have found errors such as:  wordswithoutspaces.

It's a bit frustrating...especially when I know what I submitted.  I look at the time - festivals are happening all around my area - tourists are vacationing - students are on summer break - and I am waiting for the publishing process to be completed.  I've been trying to do all the right things.  I blog. I post on Facebook.  I try to connect with fellow writers and the all important readers.  And I have no idea of when I will be able to announce an official release date.

So what about you?  Have you had a similar experience and/or did you choose another company? What was your experience?   Anything you can share will be greatly appreciated.

-DS McKnight

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Sneads Ferry, NC - my inspiration

Of Dreams and Shadows takes place in the fictional town of Parson's Cove, NC.  Parson's Cove is based on Sneads Ferry and parts of Swansboro.  I love Swansboro's waterfront with all its shops, restaurants, music and view.  But it is Sneads Ferry and the salty New River that has my heart.  The people here are a special breed and they make for an amazing community.  If you're familiar with Fulcher's Landing from way back when, I'm sure you will remember Capt Jim's restaurant - (now the Landmark Cafe)  Remember the lighted sign with the fish jumping from the water?  I loved that sign!  Capt. Jim's is actually in my book as Capt. Jimmy's.   As you read about Parson's Cove, I hope that you are able to recognize Sneads Ferry because she's there between the lines.  The Ferry is truly a special place and it has provided an amazing influence on the Cove. 

The Landmark Cafe - Originally Capt. Jim's

Sneads Ferry, NC

Boat Ramp located on Fulcher's Landing

Sneads Ferry, NC

So here's a short excerpt from Of Dreams and Shadow.  I hope you enjoy it!

Jenna made her way to the end of the wooden planks and leaned against the railing.  She listened to the water as it gently lapped around the pilings.  Seagulls flew overhead, hoping for an easy breakfast.  While apologizing for coming empty handed, Jenna pulled her hood up, trying to keep the cold off her ears.   Her eyes moved, taking in the rustic beauty around her.  Just off to the right, on a lone weathered piling, a pelican kept watch.  And beyond him, in the distance, a boat ambled its way up the river.

The chugging of a motor grew steadily louder, pulling Jenna's attention to her left.  A skiff drew near to the pier and puttered by, carrying an old man.  Gray hair surrounded a weathered face.  He threw up a gnarled hand in greeting.  Jenna smiled and waved back. 

-DS McKnight

Creative Writing - Building Suspense

It was Miss Scarlet...in the study...with the candlestick.  CLUE - I think we've all played it.  And who hasn't daydreamed about being a super sleuth?  Red herrings are key components in any mystery.  False leads, multiple suspects - these are the things a good writer is strategically placing throughout the story.  Debra H Goldstein and Nancy Curteman both had really informative posts regarding the use of red herrings. 

I write YA fiction.  While OF DREAMS AND SHADOW isn't a mystery, it does have elements of suspense. So, how do I build the suspense necessary to hold my reader's attention?  One of my characters was purposely written in a way to cause the reader to question the character's sincerity and motives.  By doing this, I was able to add a sense of mystery.  The uncertainty helped propel the story to a pivotal moment.  Location was another element I used.  By having my villain stalking a certain area, I was able to place my unsuspecting heroine in harm's way.  I also used a shared experience.  While the experience affected my characters in different ways, they were bound together.   

Suspense is necessary in any story.  It compels the reader to turn the page.  I found a great post at Divine Secrets of the Writing Sisterhood titled Ten Tips for Building Suspense in a Novel.  It is so worth checking out! 

Writing

Writers write.  They also read.  I consider myself a writer who reads when I has time....and come to think of it, my writing falls in that category too.  Like many writers, I work a full time job and have a family.  You know the routine...work, home, dinner, homework, games, and the list goes on.  Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to add extra hours in my day.  :)

Recently, I read that a writer isn't a writer if they don't write everyday.  Maybe that works for those people fortunate enough to make their living writing....or for those who require less sleep than I do.  I thought long and hard about this statement.  Does the fact that my life prohibits me from writing every day mean that writing is nothing more than a hobby at best?  I don't think so.  My story is always with me.  I think about my characters as I cook dinner.  I mull over my plot as I vacuum the floor.  And when time allows, I sit down and something wonderful happens.  My characters speak.  My story unfolds and I get the chance to do the thing I love...I write.

D.S. McKnight

Improving Writing Skills

Writing Tips and Exercises

My creative writing instructor gave me an exercise that I found very helpful.  When writing a story, its important that your characters stay "in character."  In real life, your Aunt Mary may be afraid of snakes.  You know how she will react when having a snake encounter  When writing a fictional story, your characters should be the same - they need to stay true to the characteristics they've been given.

The exercise:

Draw a circle and write the character's name inside it.
Draw lines shooting off from the circle.  On these lines, write down the characters attributes - ie: brave, strong, stubborn, petty.

This exercise can help when facing the dilemma - "What would my character do?  How would he/she react to a situation?"

-DS McKnight