I wish that my writing career allowed for me to spend my time at home preparing my characters for November 1st, but the reality of it is – it doesn’t! I have to work, and take care of my two kids, a home, a dog, and all while finishing my degree full time.
Last night I spent a few hours doing character interviews, and this morning, they were still asserting themselves. I was unable to focus at work, and with only days left, I knew I needed to come up with a strategy to quiet them. Here is what I have done in past situations like this.
1. 1. Jot down notes – I carry a notebook with me, specifically for Nano, but I recently read an interview where the writer did all of her notes on napkins.
2. 2. Send yourself a text or email – Give your characters a job, and have them send the email for you!
3. 3. Leave yourself a voicemail – I have done this before when driving.
4. Let your characters interact within your workspace - This is what I chose to do this morning. Instead of fighting them off, I invited them to sit with me. Only a few showed up, but I could visualize how they would interact with the patients. It brought me closer to them, and it seemed to quiet my mind. Thankfully, my six-year-old character is a quiet one, and played by himself in the corner, while his mother chatted with everyone who walked through the door.
What is your strategy?
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6 comments:
I love the idea of bringing your characters with you and imagining how'd they'd interact with the people around you.
I'm pretty good at ignoring my characters though. I need to work on focusing on them more!
@Xjaeva
It's a concept that I just recently acquired, and during the planning phase, which is unheard of for me. Thanks again for inspiring me to sign up for #NanoWriMo.
I carry a notebook with me wherever I go, but it's near impossible to get a moment to scribble at work, sadly. It's the thought that counts, right?
Love your blog! Good luck with NaNo!
I also carry a notebook with me where ever I go. But it seems like when I am prepared nothing pops into my head.
Also, my characters never visit me at work. Sometimes. I wish they would.
@Meika The notebook has become my very best friend - I would like to organize it a little more, but I'm trying not to be overly picky, so for now it's called "Scribbles."
@Rayne I think that my characters were just itching to have some alone time with me. Once I sat down with them, and interviewed them with as intriguing of questions that I could, they finally settled down. Now I feel like they are hiding on me o.O
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