New Views on Characterization

I'm always on the lookout for interesting blogs or articles on characterization. We know that one of the main components for fiction is believable and interesting characters that grab us by the hand and pull us into the story.

Alton Gansky, suspense novelist, blogged on characterization and then talked about another blogger who'd written the same. Jack Cavanaugh, well-known writer, has just begun to blog. His site is Word Forge: A Working Writer's Studio. Today's blog, August 26, 2009, is on four points of what makes a character memoriable. http://www.jcwordforge.com/

Notice also on his blog that he has a number of links to other interesting blogs on writing, especially on characterization.

Symbolism: Does it work in fiction?

Symbolism is a scary word for many readers but they would be surprised that they enjoy it all the time in fiction and naturally in poetry. Symbolism is a wonderful technique to say things without using words, but by creating images and examples using another form of communication.

In the American Christian Ficton Writers's (ACFW)latest newsletter,Afictionado, you can read an article from published novelists on the topic of symbolism.

This month’s question is:
“We all know that symbolism can deepen our stories and give them that something ‘more.’ But, how do you incorporate it into your story?”

Multi-published authors express their views on the subject and provide examples. You might enjoy hearing what they have to say.

http://www.acfw.com/ezine/cgi-bin/aug09.pl?record=4

Creativity: Reader's Comment Question

In the "comments" section of this blog, people sometimes ask questions. If the question seems it might interest more of you, I will often respond here.

Here's the comment from Terri B:
You mention books on creativity for writers. Could you give the titles? I have a lot of books on the craft of writing, but I can't think of one that specifically deals with creativity. It's a subject I love though. Since we're made in the image of our Creator, part of what that means is a slice of creativity.

I don't recall mentioning any specific books, but I have found many articles on creativity in magazines on writing and websites that offer exercises and information on creativity.

Writers Digest has an Internet link that provides 101 websites for writers dealing with creativity. They are reliable in providing excellent writer's information:

Click here: Writer’s Digest - 101 Best Websites for Writers: Creativity/Challenges

They I have never read any of these books, they are ones that caught my interest. This one is from the author who wrote The Artist's Way

Click here: Creativity On Tap: Writers

These also looked worthwhile. If you own one or purchase any of these or any others, please let me know what you found helpful. I'd love to have you send me a review on the book for others who might benefit. I'll post it here. authorgailmartin@aol.com

Click here: Freeing Your Creativity: A Writer's Guide: Creativity Exercises: Marshall Cook's Out-of-Print Classic Suite101.c

Click here: Creativity Rules!: A Writer's Workbook - John Vorhaus, Jeff Arch, Paperback - Books Buy Creativity Rules!: A Write

Click here: Be a Creative Writer - Tish Farrell, Paperback - Books Buy Be a Creative Writer India - Infibeam.com

Creativity can come from our own delving into those questions such as:

What if. . .

What's the worst thing that could happen?

What does my character want verses what does my character need?

What would my character never do? Then make him/her do it.

These work if you spend time brainstorming.