The other day I was trolling for a picture for one of my characters, Amanda Pomeroy. I cannot write a character without a picture of some sort. It helps me flesh them out, bring their "essence" to the forefront of my mind. When I have a picture, I know I'll "get" them and their story.
Well, in looking for Amanda, I also found several others that I just had to have in my "characters" picture file. And lo and behold, I found a complete family with a butler and a hero. Now, to be quite honest, I have no story. I have no plot other than the two sisters are in love with the same man. That's it. No inkling of how, why, when, where or how this is going to play out. I don't even have a title. But I have the characters.
This is the Earl of Dinsmore. Handsome, distinguished, no nonsense. Have no idea what his name is, or where he's from. Don't even know what kind of role he's to play in the scheme of things.
His wife, Countess Dinsmore. Beautiful, and brilliant. Stands by her husband. I think she might be related to Lady Olivia in some way.
Lady Ariana Dinsmore, the eldest daughter.
Lady Arabella Dinsmore, the youngest daughter.
This is the guy both sisters are fighting over. I have no idea who he is, or what he's up to, but I do know he's going to be in a heap of trouble when the sisters realize he's flirting with both of them.
And this is the butler. Have no idea who he is either, but he seemed like a good butler.
So there we have it. I have the characters, but I have no story. I'm sure one will show up sooner or later, but for now, it's nice to know they're here.
I'm sure it won't take you long to come up with a good story though!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. I never try to find pictures of my characters. They are who they are and no one out there looks like them. It actually confuses me as to who they really are.
ReplyDeleteAlex -- We'll see how long it takes. I have 4 others I have to write first. Hopefully I won't run out of plots.
ReplyDeleteS.P. -- It's just something I've always done. I really don't know why, other than, if I can't "see" them, I don't know who they are.
How fun! I'd fight my sister over Sean Bean--I think that's Sean Bean in the photo of the love interest. (Have you ever seen the "Lady Chatterly's Lover" film with Sean Bean as the lover? Oh, my!)
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting how different writers approach a novel. I think lots of writers start with characters, like you--either with visuals or a personality. I start with a concept/logline "Murder has many possible suspects, but it turns out to be road rage", or "A Paris Hilton loses everything, becomes homeless, and finds true love." Or sometimes I start with a last line. (And then never use it.)
I think you're going to have fun with this one!
I agree with Anne. I could see why two sisters would fight over Sean :-)
ReplyDeleteAnne -- Believe it or not, that's not Sean Bean. At least I don't think so. Sean is actually in another picture I have for another character.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have the characters but no story. Usually they both come together at the same time. I just hope it's a good story when it finally does emerge.
Sarah -- Yeah, he's cute, isn't he?
Fun! The pictures are like photo writing prompts! Looking forward to hearing more about the story.
ReplyDeleteOh! You've got the sisters fighting over Sean Bean! (Sigh....)I see sparks turning into a fire in your future, Anne.
ReplyDeleteLiza -- I guess I have to do yard work to get the plot. I've got nothing except the characters.
ReplyDeleteBish -- I just hope the fire doesn't overwhelm me at this point. Too many kettles on the stove already.
I just love how you pick out characters! if anyone can flesh them out, it's you! can't wait to learn all about them.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is certainly a unique way to approach the process. I like it! Now the images are embedded into your mind, you'll come up with their story in no time.
ReplyDeleteFour others to write? I want some of your creativity.
ReplyDeleteAnd saw your comment about the Challenge on another blog. Go ahead and sign up. Then you'll have new visitors who will see your awesome books and become readers and fans.
Wow, you just pulled it together? You must work faster with graphics than I. Great introduction to Amanda.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the A-Z Challenge. Hope I can keep up.