Writers' Alliance Weekly Update--10/17/10
Entry posted by Riisiing Moon
400 views
The WA has really leaped off the ground with a force behind it--and that force is you guys, the participants. Thanks a lot for really attempting to revolutionize this whole system, and hopefully you're having fun while doing it.
For some more info on what they hey the Writers' Alliance is, check out this blog entry!
This week's theme is--
Characterization is, to state the obvious or tell you what you don't already know (depending on who you are, of course), is not only the creation of characters, but the process of delving into him/her and making a connection between that char and the reader (and hopefully yourself as the writer, along the way). So, this week, write a piece that does that! Write something concerning the creation, elaboration, and personification of characters, whether they be one or many. And when you do, link it back to this entry, along with any reviews of any writing piece anywhere on the forums ('cept Comedies, o' course), any tips you have to suggest, and any advice for the WA and how it works in general.
RM's Weekly Tips
Note--I'm not going to post the suggested tips of others here, as fortunately there was a massive influx of them; an entry should be coming sometime soon, consisting solely of tips and their discussion. Here're some of mine for your pleasure, though--
[submitted by Rising Moon]--This is a fairly obvious one, but one most writers acknowledge and totally overlook nonetheless, and it adds a heck of a lot of oomph in all aspects to your writing. Make your character realistic. It's a common practice to sum chars up in a few succinct words. It's my personal opinion, but I disagree with this technique of characterization. Could you sum yourself up in a few succinct words? You can probably come up with a lot that describe you, but none that really actually represent who you are. For that, you'd need to write monstrously large essays. Instead, make your char come alive through realistic concepts, not specific traits--traits describe, not make real. Give your char life. Make him a real, realistic figure with potentially deep levels.
[submitted by Rising Moon]--What's that about deep levels? Well, your char needs personality. He doesn't need to be oozing wit the exact some tone on every word, say every statement with the same emotion--that's a non-varying bore of a char. But he should fit a broad, general theme; like I said, you don't need to take that theme from a list--you should create a theme of your own, and fit it with a leveled char. You have levels. You don't talk monotonously, or pick one emotion and say everything you say in that tone. And while I can't see your every move, I bet if I know you well enough I can predict what you're going to do because your levels fall within a persona. This delves into making your char realistic and lifelike--make him deep, and stick to it.
Also, this blog entry may be a bit helpful. Express your thoughts there as well!
Alright, there's the weekly update--go write, and in the meantime, see you all on the forums!
14 Comments
Recommended Comments