When I get stuck part way through a book, I’ve found two things to get me back on track.
1. Pick up any of James Scott Bell’s writing reference books. Start reading. Give it a page or two and inspiration will strike.
2. Start asking my characters questions. Often I get stuck because I just don’t know enough about my characters. If I don’t have enough material to work with, a book gets weak, I get bored. Boredom leads to distraction.
Here’s a list of 30 questions I ask my characters. Call it a Character Interview if you will.
- What did you do yesterday?
- Tell me one of your fondest memories.
- Tell me one of your saddest/scariest memories.
- Tell me one of your most vivid childhood memories.
- What is it you fear most? Why?
- What is it you want the most?
- Who are the most influential people in your life, and why?
- How do you feel about your mother? Your father? Other members of your family?
- Are you superstitious? Do you read your horoscope?
- What were some of the defining moments in your life?
- Do you believe in favorites? If so, what’s your favorite number? Color? Holiday? Season?
- What tragedies or disappointments have you endured thus far?
- What could you not live without? What is your greatest weakness?
- What are your strengths?
- What do you like the most/least about your appearance?
- What is your home like?
- How would you describe your appearance?
- Do you care about what other people think about you?
- Whose opinion do you value?
- How do you view authority? Religion? Politics?
- Describe your ideal ‘mate’.
- How have your relationships progressed in the past?
- Do you have any pets?
- What was your biggest heartbreak?
- What gestures do you use?
- What speech patterns do you use? Do you swear? Are you self conscious about how you speak?
- Who are your friends?
- Who are your biggest enemies?
- What is the biggest chip on your shoulder?
- How do you feel about technology?