Ten Weeks of Writer's Prep and Challenges: Week Three

Welcome back to Ten Week's of challenges! If you don't fancy yourself a writer and have no interest in beginning, scroll on down for your challenge.

Ten Weeks of Writer's Prep

Week Three: Character Depth

So this week last year, we focused on creating antagonists by answering some questions (See Here.) This year we're going to expand a little on that post by focusing on furthering character depth. 

Be your character protagonist, antagonist, side character, or by all means a characters favourite lamp, if there is going to be any focus on someone or something, as a writer you'll want to give it depth. Something that makes readers connect, and want to read more. 

Now you may be laughing at that lamp part, but if you've ever watched the show Supernatural (to use just one example), you'll know that an inanimate object can indeed be a character all of it's own, a focus point, something that conveys emotion in readers/viewers. In this particular show, the car "Baby" belonging to the main characters has even had episodes dedicated to further explaining it's poignant role in their lives, it's deeper meaning. Folks, if we can cry over a car and create a whole segment of a fandom for it, then by golly you can create depth for your characters!

So how did we come to fall in love with a '69 Chevy Impala, and feel pain over it's destruction, understand the character Dean's devotion to keeping it in good shape, cringe at his brother letting a dog get in it? We, through brilliant writing and producing by the cast and crew, were invited to delve deeper into what made the car so special. Where did it come from? What sentimental dents, additions, sounds, made it special to the boys? In what way was Baby always there for the special moments in their lives? All throughout the television series, these questions and more are answered. So, put some thought into answering similar questions about your own prospective characters. It doesn't have to be all at once. In fact, it's better to drop little informational tidbits as you go. It will tease and entice reader's all the more if you do!

Consider what makes them unique, different from all of the rest? What seemingly minute details come together to make them stand above the rest?  What misunderstandings might people have about them that need to be corrected, but perhaps never are? (Don't forget to explore how your character feels about these misunderstandings! Do they know? Do they care? Do they want to be understood, or have they given up on that ideal?) Ask yourself "What are a few things you need to understand about ____?" "What are a few things you need to understand about why ____ does the things they do?" Remember, this isn't just for your protagonists, your antagonists need just as much depth because they're not bad just for the sake of being bad. Or perhaps they are, but why?

And that there is the key question when creating depth, 'But,...why?"

Never be afraid to dig deeper into their emotions, their reactions to certain events or scenarios either. They could react entirely differently than you would in a given situation, that just makes it all the more intriguing to read! Explore why they react differently, what past experiences are causing their emotional or logic driven responses? Why do they get upset over such little things? Why do they get so very excited over pie? Did their grandmother always bake them fresh pie when she visited? Are they upset over that spilled milk because their day has just been really long and spilled milk isn't really a big deal but happens to be the straw that broke the camels back? Why do they hate being called that one nickname? Was it because someone they hated used to call them that? Perhaps it's because someone they loved used to call them that!

Whenever you write about your character, turn to that question. Memorize it. Repeat it. Let it become your character creating mantra. Use it as much as a toddler who has just learned the words;

"But, why?"

"But, why?"

"But, but..... why?"

"But, why?!"

Good luck!

Ten Weeks of Challenges

Week Three: Liven Up Your Work Space!

This week last year, we discussed giving someone an ego boost (See Here) however this year, I'm challenging you to spend the next week giving yourself an ego boost! How? Through showing yourself how awesome you are even in a place where you may not feel totally awesome. That's right, at work!

Life is stressful, it's difficult, it's dreary, and it's so very trying. We spend so much of our lives at work just trying to get through the day so we can pay the bills, and spend more time at home preparing for our next work day, only to enjoy a small amount of time focusing on ourselves (if at all) before repeating it all over again. 

So, why not take some measures to make the oh so necessary work a little better? 

A few years ago, I wrote a piece on making our surroundings reflective of who we are (See Here). So that's your challenge to focus on this week. Add something to your work space or work day, that reflects who you are in all of your awesomeness. I'm a colourful person who loves plants, so my desk at work is splattered with colour and has its own mini garden complete with grow lights. It started with a small plant, a colourful pencil holder, a painted photo frame, and a bright seat cushion, ....and then kept going and has yet to stop. 

It makes me happy to see the pops of life and colour surrounding me while I'm running reports on the computer. 

What would make you happy to have at your desk or workspace? (That won't get your fired!)

Do you drive around all day as part of your job? How about a silly air-freshener and a bobble head dash figure?

Do you sit at a computer all day? What about an awesome mouse pad or a chair cover? 

Explore some options, bring something into work that makes you smile!

Good luck!

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Hey Ramblers! Whether you are a writer or not, I hope you enjoy week three of your challenge. As always, feel free to comment below or email me at thebrastreetrambler@gmail.com to share your experiences or feedback.

Cheers!

The Bra Street Rambler