Tag: #CharacterChart

During the presentation portion of our November meeting, we had a round-table discussion about doing research, hook and curtain lines, and how to keep interested in your own projects. One of the things our group does best is share experiences and knowledge about our love of writing. Below are the main results of the lively session.

1. The first line of the product description should include a hook. This refers to a book blurb on any of the book-selling sites. Kathy Shay suggested bolding the first line. The shorter the description, the better, i.e., three to four sentences.

• Stop setting up the scene at the beginning of the chapter and start with the action. Filter the background information throughout the chapter.

• The curtain line at the end of the chapter could be the opening hook for the next chapter.

• Use a Character Chart for descriptions, personality, education, conflict, etc., for the major characters. If you do this before you start writing, you will know how your specific characters will act or react in the situations you put them in.

• If you already know the ending, write the story toward the ending, even if the ending may eventually change.

• Use different colors to highlight different topics in your story when editing so you check detail accuracy and consistency.

• When researching nonfiction, relationships with people you speak with are important. If you want information, ask for it. People like to talk about themselves.

• How to keep interested in your work? Write shorter stories, include new characters, or add a subplot.