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Today’s WW is KevaD
What’s the one thing that remains unchanged during your writing process, from one book to another? (ie: Intensive plotting? Music?)
A: Learning my characters. I imagine them walking into my living room, and watch their movements, their unconscious habits. This one might rub the side of his nose before he speaks when he’s nervous, another might rub a knuckle, yet another may shift her foot back and forth on the ball of her foot. Does one sniff his food before the first bite? Does the woman across from him demurely sip her coffee, or slosh it over her tongue to savor the flavor? Does the man line up his belt buckle with the buttons on his shirt? Is the woman’s shoe heel scuffed from kicking it off, or polished because she removes her shoes by hand?
While these specific traits may or may not make it into the story, they teach me who the characters are and how they will react in the situations I place them in.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a new writer?
A: Be honest with yourself. Make sure you really want to do this. Mom and family don’t exist in the writer’s world when it comes to sales and reviews. Professional editors exist to send the most polished story they can to publication, not to tell the writer how wonderful he or she is. Just because your story is contracted does not mean it’s perfect or even close to ready for publication. Pay attention to what your editors say, as they are a treasure trove of information.
Of course there is another side to that coin. Unfortunately, there are some editors who couldn’t find their way out of a phone booth with a GPS and guide dog. So, if you get assigned to a good, skilled editor, become their best friend; they will make your writing better than it is now.
What’s the one piece of advice you wish was wiped from the minds of writers everywhere?
A: That the writer has to follow “the rules” that exist within certain genres. Write the story writhing in your soul, begging to be told. While it may take some searching to find the right publisher, you will find a home for your work.
What’s the one book you think everybody, writer or not, should read?
A: The one on your shelf you just haven’t found the time for. Bookshelves and e-readers shouldn’t be about amassing collections. Books are meant to be read. We not only do the writer and book a disservice by not reading, but ourselves as well. Find the time. Read.
read more about Writer Wednesday here…
Many, many thanks for allowing me to visit, Shilo. I truly appreciate it.
I meant Shiloh. I have to learn not to hit the button so darn quick.
I really need to put more of these mannerisms into my characters. Somebody needs a nervous tic! I tend to tap my foot when I’m anxious.I made a note of that.
It’s always nice to catch up with you!
Nice interview and great tips.
vb
Hi, Margie. You always know how to make me smile.
Hello, Vicki!! You’re such a joy. Thank you.
That’s one of the things that makes reading your stories such a rich experience.
Thank you, Amber. What a nice compliment.
Gosh, yes. So agree about being honest with oneself, KevaD. Very good thoughts and advice, and thanks for the peek into your creative process.
Howdy!
The advice about getting into the character’s head by studying little quirks and movements they may employ is a great idea. Hmm…wonder if I could talk my wife into doing me up a toga and calling me Caesar for a day.
Erm…well, maybe not.
“Profiling” a character, though. I’m SO using this one for the next!
Just another great post from KevaD!
Hello, Lelani,
Thank you very much for your comment. Really good to hear from you.
Hi, JS. You’re so busy these days your taking the time to stop by means a lot.
Well done, David. I enjoy how you envision your characters. Sage advice, all around. I particularly liked the bit about books. True, they are created to be read, not admired closed or stored in cyberspace.
Best-
K.B.
Hello KB,
Thanks for your kind words.
I have an awful lot of those unread books…should I stop writing to read them?
Thanks for giving us food for thought!
Great interview and tips. It’s always nice to get a little peek inside other people’s creative process.
Hi, SD. Thank you for dropping by!!
Hey, Lauren! So glad you took time to comment. Many thanks.
What a wonderful article!
This one really resonates with me: What’s the one piece of advice you wish was wiped from the minds of writers everywhere?
A: That the writer has to follow “the rules” that exist within certain genres. Write the story writhing in your soul, begging to be told. While it may take some searching to find the right publisher, you will find a home for your work.
Thank you so much for that
Aww, thank you, Ren!!
Keva D, you are more of a mentor than you realize. Thanks so much for the advice and offering aspiring authors a glimpse inside of the way you approach writing.
Hi Cornelle,
Thank you for the generous words, my friend.
I love how you remain honest and truthful to yourself. That’s very hard to do when you’re in this profession. It easy to say, hey, I’m the best author around but it’s better to ask, how can I become a better author!
Thanks Shiloh for having David and Thanks David for just being you!
Thank you, Judith.
I tried being you for a while, but my wife didn’t care for my shoe choice. Well, that and I don’t look so good as a blonde.
Great interview, David. I’ve shared the link on my facebook page. Great reminder to study your characters and trace their quirks. They should be three dimensional, not “cardboard cut-outs” that fit a current hot trend. Also, the more new authors that learn to “turn off” a slavish regard for all the rules, the better. But then I’m an aussie, and we have no respect for authority and rules, so maybe I’m biased.