Most times readers want to know where an author gets there ideas to write the stories they write. Sometimes ideas come upon us full blown, other times we have to fight with them, argue them down to our size, or just plain wrestle them to the ground. I find if I start out with my characters, interview them or at least do a detailed character sketch the story pretty much takes off on under its own power. Would you call that channeling your characters?

I thought about that when I began writing about Zip from Knapsack Secrets. That little guy kept saying to me he had more to say. I wrote what I thought was his story, rewrote it and now Im not sure it is what he wanted to say. I was, at that point more concerned over word count than him. So perhaps its time to rewrite his story for the third time. This time I have a coach though. Suzanne Lieurance is a childrens writer, writing coach and so much more. Just the input Ive gained from her on the first 1,000 words of this story has helped immensely. Well see where it goes from here.

As a reader, how important is it to get to know the characters in a book? Do you pick your books by an author you trust, reviews, or some other way?

As a writer how do you decide on your characterspersonality, looks, thoughts, feelings? Do you have a special formula?
If you have an answer to these questions and post them I will see if I can answer them.

Have a great February full of love, happiness and success.

Billie A Williams
http://www.billiewilliams.com
Coming tomorrow Valentine Express
Available from Red Rose Publishing
Fin, Fur and Fatal an Ary England Mystery/Suspense
Available wherever books are sold and in any format.

You might also be interested in:

1. Need Blogging Ideas? Try this new service called Plinky. Plinky prompts you with a thought provoking question that could turn into a whole blog post. Even better, you can post your answer to your blog, facebook, or twitter right from the Plinky site. Check it out: www.plinky.com/prompts ...
2. Developing Characters That Sell – Part One by John Patrick Lamont So, you have a killer plotline idea that you’re confident will sell a million books. You may even have a title that will jump off the front cover and grab the attention of anyone who sees it. That’s great! You’re way ahead of the majority of people who dream of...
3. YRW Online Workshop: What a Character!!! Jump from Cookie Cutter to Great 3-Dimensional Characters in Your Writing! **Permission to forward granted and encouraged** Yosemite Romance Writers is proud to present their online workshop for April. Date: 4/6 – 5/1/09 Workshop title: What a Character!!! Jump from Cookie Cutter to Great 3-Dimensional Characters in Your Writing! How many times have you heard how important it is to have...