I pulled up close and peered through the glass walls. Time evaporated. I was in my wedding dress again, and Jon and I had an open sea of possibilities before us. I could taste the candy canes we had scattered on the tables, see the twinkle lights on the Christmas trees, and feel Jon's strong arms around me as we twirled around that wooden floor. You know the song from My Fair Lady, "I could have danced all night?" Well, that comes to mind.
As I sat in my car, watching the sun shine through the hall in soft slits, I felt a surge of emotions. I marveled at how a simple reception hall could hold the power to transport me in time. And that got me thinking... What would hold this kind of power for my character? A place? A song? The smell of a certain perfume? I want to know. I want to lay it bare for my readers, letting them into my character's world with honest abandonment.
What about you? How do you tackle this characterization thing?
By the way, check out Carrie Harris' blog if you get the chance. Her book, Bad Taste in Boys, comes out in 2011!
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14 comments:
Carrie Harris has one of the most awesome blogs ever!!! I'm jealous of all the monster stuff!! Too cool for school!
Awesome book cover too wouldn't you say??? It's going to be EPIC!
I love this post as well, I love those moment where you can sit down and remember exactly what happened like it was yesterday, the memories the smells, everything about that moment. I think a few of my characters have these moments but you have me now making sure to watch out for them in my revisions. They should be stronger :)
Awesome post Samantha.
When I'm working out a character I like to make a playlist. I get a feel for the character as I write, but having a song (and a playlist) helps me. :)
Mmm... I'm torn between thinking of places that have that power for ME, and places that would have that power for my character. Thanks for the food for thought! I know when I was looking at schools for my little one, the smell of the lunchroom--even when it was empty!-- sent me back about 30 years. Boom, I was in elementary school again. And no, it was not a happy memory. ; ) But it was still strong!
My early drafts tend to be really short on setting, so I have to ask myself these kinds of questions all the time. So awesome to hear how you approach it.
And mucho huge thanks for posting my cover! You = awesome!
Jen: I agree! Love the monster-ness!
Lindsay: Love the playlist idea. I usually have a Pandora station that matches the feel of the story.
Molly Hall: Isn't it crazy how memories, good or bad, can surface so vividly?
Carrie Harris: De nada! Excited to read your book!
I LOVE that cover! Wow! I love how your beautiful memory sparked thoughts on what would hold that kind of power for your character. That's an excellent question to ask of our characters. I'm adding it to my questionaire that I use to get to know my MC! Thank you.
Aww, that's very sweet.
Heather: Me too! It's so tasty!
Avitable: Aww, thanks.
I know what you mean! I'm always looking for a sentinel event or thing that can be triggered in my characters. Not on purpose, but it's always there, for each one. Great post!
I love this post! I could really see through your eyes - such a poignant moment.
And whoa, I really like the cover of this novel!
Lydia Kang: Yes, love those triggers.
Talli Roland: I agree. It's be-a-u-tiful!
I think everyone should go back and revisit the place they got married. It's so neat that such a place can have a power like that.
Thanks for following my blog! I'm currently writing a YA sci fi novel and hoping to query in the fall. What's your YA writing about?
Aubrie: Thanks for the follow! I write YA sci fi too. Good luck querying!
I would like to exchange links with your site samanthajbennett.blogspot.com
Is this possible?
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