� Create a timeline for your character. Use whatever format is comfortable for you. You may write in complete sentences or in phrases. Be as detailed as you like.
� Freewrite about any date on the timeline. Spend ten or fifteen minutes freewriting about whatever stands out.
� When you�ve finished your timeline, do a freewrite about your character�s �wants.� Use the starting line, �(insert name) wants�� and go for ten or fifteen minutes without stopping.
� Peek into your character�s dresser or junk drawer. Freewrite for ten or fifteen minutes about the contents of the drawer. The objective of this writing exercise is to learn more details about your character�s history and what he or she values. Don�t merely list things like socks, underwear, hankies, shoes, etc. This is a private drawer where your character places mementos or important things he/she can�t throw away. For instance, a woman might have saved a dried rose from an important date. Or a man might save a dollar from a bet, or it�s the first dollar he ever earned. Create the micro histories of the items in the drawer. What do these items tell about your character�s history? What does it tell about what he or she values? Instead of a drawer, you might want to probe the recesses of your character�s closet. What�s in the box on the shelf? What is shoved to the back of the closet?
Another variation of this exercise is to write a scene where your character is holding a garage sale. What items does she price to be practically given away? What items does she bury? How quickly does she haggle with buyers? As always, have fun with it!
Copyright 2002-2007 Rita Marie Keller |
