Wicked Wordsmith

Wicked Wordsmith Question of the Day

The muse never comes when we really need it.

It seems during the most difficult, darkest, soul-wrenching days where the blank computer screen mocks writers that the muse vanishes. I think she hangs a GONE FISHING sign and laughs while her writers scream in agony, or develop a hunchback from sitting in front of the blank screen too long.

Sometimes you just have to make your own inspiration. When the creative juices are low, what do you do? How do you rediscover inspiration? How do you work through a block?

Can't think of anything because you are blocked right now? Then look at your characters. What do they do when they hit a brick wall? Whether a writer, a cop, or politician, all characters stumble or lose their rhythm. How do your characters get their groove back?

Write out the details and apply them to yourself. Sometimes just writing this out breaks the iron grip of the Big Black Creative Nothing.

Wicked Wordsmith Question of the Week

How do your characters feel about sex? Write up their relationship history and ask them why they feel the way they do. You might be surprised the direction your character development takes.

Angela Wilson - Wicked Wordsmith

Wicked Wordsmith Question of the Week

It's the middle of winter in most parts of the U.S. - and a particularly harsh one, with heavy sleet, freezing rain, and snow that just won't quit. What's the weather like where your current project is set? Is the weather an anomaly, or the norm? What role does the weather play in your story? If it doesn't have a specific purpose right now, should it?

Angela Wilson - Wicked Wordsmith

Wicked Wordsmith Question of the Week

The holidays are over - FINALLY - and soon, your characters will have to pay up for all that holiday cheer. What types of bills will your characters receive post-Christmas? What were the largest expenses/least expenses? Did they spend more on a hot New Year's outfit than gifts? Did they donate cash for a tax deduction in the names of people they know? Are they getting an outrageous credit card bill for their dirty little secret?

Spending habits give us great insight into people and can offer up significant details about your characters that you may not have known.

Angela Wilson - Wicked Wordsmith
www.angelawilson.net

Wicked Wordsmith Question of the Week

The New Year is fast approaching, and with it, a slew of resolutions to lose weight, get married, get divorced, change the hairstyle, etc. Some resolutions are doable, others are way out of the ballpark.

Sit down and write out next year's goals for each of your characters. What do they hope to accomplish in the coming year? How much is a repeat of last year's list? What items are new? Do they think so far outside the box that the goals are unattainable, or are they so afraid of change that they list items easily accomplished?

Angela Wilson - Wicked Wordsmith

WW Question of the Day

What does your character's MySpace page say?

Take a minute to "create" a page for your character, filling in the blanks with likes and dislikes, favorite TV shows and music, and personality profile. Think about what type of photograph your character would use, and how this character plans to use the site (networking, dating, etc.)

What fellow MySpacers are listed in the friends section? Does the character pursue friends, or wait for invitations?

You would be amazed at what types of insights you'll get from your character - and the new plot points those lead to.

Angela Wilson - Wicked Wordsmith

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WW Question of the Week

Everyone has a worst job. What about your characters? Have things always been peachy keen, or have they had some bumps in the career road?

Angela Wilson - Wicked Wordsmith

WW Question of the Week

Of the characters in your novel, who brushes their teeth on a regular basis? Who needs breath mints? Who has a set of caps? Who has lost their teeth to fights or gum disease?

Angela Wilson - Wicked Wordsmith

WW Question of the Week

Where do your characters live? Seedy apartments? McMansions? Why do they live there?

Angela Wilson - Wicked Wordsmith

WW Question of the Week

Most people can trace their adult behavior back to things that happened in childhood. Create at least a one page sketch of the childhood of your characters. Let your imagination run as you write.

Angela Wilson - Wicked Wordsmith