Lori Devoti's Blog, page 2

Using the Enneagram for Developing Characters

I discovered the Enneagram for developing characters a number of years ago. I came to it in a bit of a roundabout way. Basically, I discovered a site for character development with some cute names for nine types of characters and some great information on these types. I was an instant fangirl. Then I realized all the information was really just a renaming of the Enneagram. So still super fun if you are into developing realistic characters that readers will connect with, but… well… it’s the Enneagram and it predates the cute names.

What is the Enneagram?

The Enneagram is a method of understanding people. All people, no matter their gender, culture, religion, or political leanings, fall somewhere on the circle/within its nine types. It’s a theory on personalities types that can get very detailed and intense.  For character development, we don’t have to wade in too deeply though, which is where my nine steps come in, but we’ll get to those later…

Enneagram literally means drawing and nine. This describes the basic symbol of the Enneagram, a circle with nine points labeled (one for each type) and nine lines connecting these points.

Each type has a different basic view of the world and each type is driven by different motivations and fears.

Why use the Enneagram for Developing Characters?

The beauty of the Enneagram for fiction writers is that since it is based on real people, it is a great tool to use when developing characters that readers will relate to. And, since fear and motivation are built right in, it keeps the writer from suddenly forcing a character to do something out of character.  If you follow it of course.

What are the Nine Types?One- Perfectionist, Improver, ReformerTwo – Giver, Nurturer, HelperThree – Achiever, SucceederFour – Romantic, IndividualistFive – Observer, ThinkerSix – Sceptic, Trouble-Shooter, Pessimist, LoyalistSeven – Adventurer, Visionary, EnthusiastEight – Leader, Boss, ChallengerNine – Peacemaker, Mediator

These nine types at their simplest give you a basic glimpse of who a character might be.

Enneagram for Developing Characters: Types and ExamplesEnneagram Type One

Atticus Finch, from To Kill a Mockingbird, is a great Enneagram Type One. He knows what is right and what is wrong. He wants to reform his world but can keep things in perspective and work his cause without burning everything down around him to do it. Nurse Ratchet, from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, is also a One, but not so “healthy.” For her what she feels is right is all that matters.

Enneagram Type Two

Enneagram Type Twos like to help. Twos also like to be recognized for helping. A healthy Two is Ray Romano from Everybody Loves Raymond. A Two who has tipped over to the other side and is WAY too focused on the helping/recognition of helping is Annie Wilkes from Misery.

Enneagram Type Three

My favorite Enneagram Type Three character is probably Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.  Like all Threes, Scarlett is driven to succeed, or at least “appear” to succeed. This “appearance” piece is key with a Three. For many of them, it is far more important than actual success and can tip them over to the side of con artist/scammer. An example of an unhealthy Three is Tom Ripley in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Oh, and side note… another great Three who I love is Midge Maisel from the new Amazon series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Enneagram Type Four

Enneagram Type Fours are romantics and dreamers. They fear being without personal identity or significance. Being “one of the crowd” would be hell on earth for a four. To see examples of a couple of fours in action check out Grey’s Anatomy and the two lead characters from the early years: Meredith Grey and Dr. Derek Shepherd. An unhealthy example of a four can be found with Blanche duBois in [image error] and a healthy romantic at his best is Rick Blaine in Casablanca[image error].

Enneagram Type Five

I personally love a good Enneagram Type Five in a book, movie, or TV show, and if you are a fan of detective fiction, you probably do too. Fives are thinkers. They really like knowledge and can even love it so much they value it over actual human interactions. My personal favorite Enneagram Type Five is Dr. Gregory House from House M.D.. Another example is though Scrooge from A Christmas Story. (Read a character study of Scrooge here.)

Enneagram Type Six

I didn’t realize how much I love a good Enneagram Type Six character until I discovered Alex Karev in Grey’s Anatomy. Enneagram Type Sixes are skeptics, but loyal skeptics. It may take a while to gain their trust, but once you have, they are a friend for life. Enneagram Type Sixes also tend to be anxious. Some show this by obvious nervousness (phobic six), others by being aggressive (counterphobic six). Alex, by the way, is counterphobic. Other examples of sixes in fiction are Dr. Watson from Sherlock and Jerry Seinfeld from The Seinfeld Show[image error].

Enneagram Type Seven

The Enneagram Type Seven fears being deprived or trapped in pain, a situation, a relationship, etc. A Seven needs to be free to fly, to chase the next big adventure, to have fun. Their basic desire is to be satisfied and fulfilled. An example of an unhealthy Seven is Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones Diary[image error] or Hugh Grant in about anything. Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s[image error] is a healthy Seven.

Enneagram Type Eight

The Enneagram Type Eight fears being controlled or violated. Their most basic desire is to protect themselves. Eights want to be seen as self-reliant and important. Their flaw is their lust for power, activity, challenge, purpose, etc.. An example of a healthy Eight is Rhett Butler in Gone With the Wind[image error]. An unhealthy Eight is Michael Corleone in The Godfather[image error].

Enneagram Type Nine

The Enneagram Type Nine fears loss and separation. The Nine wants peace of mind and wholeness. Nines are patient and good-natured, optimistic, and supportive. They make a great listening board and friend. They can also though be neglectful, stubborn, and repressed. An example of an unhealthy Nine is Professor Humbert Humbert from Lolita[image error]. A healthy example of a Nine is Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz[image error].

This is a very brief overview of the Enneagram, but it hopefully gives you some idea of how you can use the Enneagram for developing characters of your own.

Check back. I’ll be posting more on the Enneagram for developing characters and other character development tips.

Disagree with any of the Enneagram type calls I made? Let me know. I love to discuss character.

~~~

Lori Devoti is the author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and young adult fiction. Under the name Rae Davies, she writes the USA Today Bestselling Dusty Deals Mystery series. Check out her books at www.LoriDevoti.com and RaeDavies.com. Looking for help with your writing? Lori also does developmental editing and critiques for other authors and publishers. See our Editorial Services page for contact information and pricing. Or check out Lori’s classes at the Continuing Studies Department of the University of Wisconsin.

The Witch Thief, reviews

***

For the sixth book taking place in the unique world constructed for the Unbound series, many of the details are new and the main two characters find themselves tackling one difficult dilemma after another. With none of the previous characters being present in this story, the hero and heroine will have to depend upon each other in Lori Devoti’s latest creative paranormal tale. THE WITCH THIEF has an original storyline for its particularly likable couple.

A quest to learn about her past leads to Amma stealing a chalice from Joarr Enge, a dragon-shifter. The witch believed he would not even notice one small cup is missing from his disorganized pile of hoarded treasures. What Amma did not know is Joarr is the Chalice Keeper for the dragon army, and although he is uncertain as to whether the ancient artifact actually does have any powerful capabilities, he wants the piece back. When he is able to trap her spirit, he plans to keep her under his control until she tells him what happened to the stolen item.

Although Amma found Joarr to be a tempting man and passionate lover, she felt stealing from him was necessary and disregarded any feelings she had for him. Now she finds herself working with the commanding dragon to retrieve the cup, but knows their child that she carries must remain a secret or her dreams of being part of a family will never be reached.

Every paranormal detail in a book by Lori Devoti is continually innovative. From characters to settings to plots, each aspect is cleverly inventive and lets the reader visit a world like no other. The Unbound series has always been very distinctive in its own way, and THE WITCH THIEF takes Ms. Devoti’s frequently matchless stories to another level. Dragons, witches and dwarves find their lives intertwining, and the result of these meetings is often startling and definitely interesting. The personalities of each character is depicted with credible behavior that goes along with their inner natures, some pleasant and others not so nice. While the dealings of Joarr and Amma may sometimes appear to be motivated by self-interest, how they respond before all is finally concluded really reveals their true dispositions. The conversations where these two sparred with verbal jabs are amusing and enlighten the reader to their real temperaments. Both are intelligent beings with a zest for life, yet neither of their lives has been very fulfilling and they would love for there to be something more enjoyable in their futures. Their desires are conveyed through sincere thoughts, and their passion for the other is expressed with deepest longing. The physical abilities each of them possesses are often exceptional, and I was repeatedly amazed by a number of scenes where their skills came into play. Background information concerning dragons is inventive, thus making the newest Lori Devoti story not only fascinating but also entertaining. THE WITCH THIEF is an imaginative paranormal romance full of unusual characters and imaginative scenarios. – A. Richard, CataRomance reviews 4.5 Stars

Buy The Witch Thief, 6th book in Nine World series, from:

Amazon  

Or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

The Witch Thief, Nine Worlds 6

Read Excerpt

Read Reviews

Order from: Amazon  

Or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

Book 6 of the Nine Worlds (previously  Unbound series)

TOP PICK, Romantic Times Magazine

“Devoti packs nonstop action and excitement into a riveting and quickly moving plot.  Additionally, the characters are quite well drawn.  Joarr is an irresistibly sexy hero, and Amma is the perfect strong female archetype.” –Alexandra Kay, Romantic Times Magazine

He who plots to hurt others often hurts himself.

Dragon-shifter Joarr Enge has waited a century for his revenge. And now the witch who betrayed him, stole from him, and got him imprisoned is within his grasp.

But she is also powerful and just as tempting as she ever was. Maybe more so.

Amma is a survivor. She didn’t target the dragon to hurt him, but a witch on her own has to do what a witch has to do… or end up dead.

Choices had to be made, and Amma made hers.

Now though, the dragon has turned and Amma isn’t the one in control.

Or is she?

Powerful enemies can make powerful allies and even more powerful lovers.

Magic, fire, and ice will flow.

Secrets will be revealed.

And a millennia of traditions will be destroyed.

But in the end, will love conquer all?

Find out, get the award winning 6th book in the Nine Worlds series today!

Behind The Scenes

Nine Worlds Glossary

Nine Worlds Characters

Earlier Editions



The Witch Thief

Sixth in Unbound series

Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne

ISBN: 978-0373618835

Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance

Release Date: May 2012 (actual release date mid-April)

Thor: Ragnarok

Let us all pause and say it again… THOR… RAGNAROK.

Have you seen it? Have you seen the other Thor movies?

If not…. WHY NOT?

So I’ve been watching from the beginning. Honestly, before I even made the whole Marvel connection… I mean… it’s Thor. The Marvel thing wasn’t even secondary to me. Since then my son has become a hard core Marvel fan. This has been a huge plus since it means he, my daughter and I have a shared love. (He also refused to see Wonder Woman with us because… DC, but that’s another story…)

The first Thor movie was great. The second not so much. But I am happy to report the third is excellent. There are honestly very few things I didn’t love.

The pluses…

–
–
–
–. (I did keep wondering where I knew her from. Turns out it was Westworld!) Valkyrie is a great anti-hero. I really hope we see more of her. Also valkyries in general are really under-represented. (Except OF COURSE in my book, Wild Hunt.)

So those were my favorites. I’ll also give a nod to . I actually liked him better in the original Thor, but still was glad to see him back in the game. AND despite my bias against Hulk from the horrible TV show of my youth, he was highly entertaining too.

So what about you? Have you seen it? Who did you love? Who not so much?

If you haven’t seen the movies. There is no time like a holiday weekend to get caught up!!! Start with Thor (link to Amazon) then follow up with Thor: The Dark World (link to Amazon). You won’t regret it!!

Seven Layer Overnight Salad

As a child of the 70’s, I ate this salad a lot. It was honestly one of the only salads that I really enjoyed. As an adult I have discovered that a lot of people somehow missed out on this culinary delight/trend in their own childhoods… such a shame. It is super simple and easy to make and super tasty. It is also the perfect potluck dish. I just took it last month to a potluck at our stables/barn.

Ingredients:

1 head iceberg lettuce – washed and chopped
1 cauliflower – washed and chopped
1 bag (10 ouunces) frozen peas – thawed
1 lb bacon – fried until crisp, drained and chopped
1 medium to large onion (yellow or red)
12 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (the cheap stuff in the shaker)
1 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Disclaimer: I never exactly follow instructions. Add more of things you like, use less of what you don’t. Also some people add a couple of tablespoons of sugar to the dressing. I don’t. I don’t think it needs it. 

Mix the last two ingredients (mayonnaise and parmesan cheese) together and set aside.

Layer everything else in distinct layers into a bowl deep enough to hold everything. Smear mayonnaise/parmesan cheese mixture on top so “seals” everything into bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

(I like to use something like this, although an extra large Rubbermaid container is great if taking this salad on the road.)

[image error]

Toss right before serving.

It will be crunchy and delicious.

Get the bowl from Amazon.

The Vampire Who Stole Christmas, vampire romance

Vampire Romance Novella

Not every soul can be saved.

At least that’s what daimon Aimee Polk has told herself.

And there’s no time limit on revenge.

Especially when you’re a vampire.

Drystan Hurst has been waiting and plotting since his adopted family left him for dead, left him to be found by a vampire. It’s taken years, but he finally has the perfect way to expose the family and ruin all of their social and political aspirations.

Turn his adopted brother’s new angelic fiancée against them.

Aimee lost her last charge. She’s failed as a daimon, but she has another chance to do good, this time as a human politician’s wife.

Her days of saving souls are behind her.

Drystan is a creature of the dark, and Aimee is a creature of the light.

No beings could be more opposite.

But they may be just the thing the other needs most of all.

Can they save each other? Or will they both be lost for eternity?

Find out. Get The Vampire Who Stole Christmas today!

Buy at Amazon or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Reviews of this Vampire Romance

…darkly romantic…

In Devoti’s darkly romantic “The Vampire Who Stole Christmas,” bitter vampire Drystan Hurst is on a vicious mission of vengeance and plans to use his brother’s fiancée, gentle Aimee Polk, to destroy his adoptive family. What he doesn’t realize is that Aimee has a stunning supernatural secret of her own. An enjoyable duo of holiday romances with a supernatural twist.  -Library Journal

Lori Devoti creates imaginative scenarios for her unforgettable characters, where every moment is enchantingly riveting.

Drystan and Aimee make a very unusual couple with his darkness and the lightness surrounding her, but Ms. Devoti expertly shows how some differences do not manner when love enters into the equation. The feelings expressed between this couple are beautifully conveyed with stirring emotions and sincere actions, and these sentiments are extremely heartfelt in each scene where they are together. Drystan’s quest for revenge is almost palpable, as his anguish for what was done to him comes across with realism. The potent emotions of “The Vampire Who Stole Christmas” are fueled by fervent passions and deepest desires, making this a most rewarding story. -Amelia Richard, ParaNormalRomance Reviews

– Earlier Versions-

Christmas with a Vampire

Lori’s story…The Vampire Who Stole Christmas (see description below)

Publisher: HQN

Genre: Vampire Romance

Release Date: December 2010

ISBN: 978-0373776139

Order from: Amazon

Five red-hot vampire romance stories that will make the season sizzle!

Prepare for an exhilarating journey across the boundary of death into a shadowy, daring new world. As darkness falls on another year, five fanged rebels are ready to celebrate like never before.

It’s a time for bloodlust and stolen kisses, for clandestine bites and forming new bonds beneath the mistletoe. Succumb to the forbidden as these powerful vampires give you a Christmas you’ll never forget.…

 

December 2008, Silhouette Nocturne

The Vampire Who Stole Christmas

Not part of Unbound series

Publisher: Silhouette Nocturne

ISBN: 978-0373618019

Genre: Vampire Romance

Release Date: December 2008

 

A heartwarming tale of the undead…

On a mission for revenge against his adoptive family, vampire Drystan Hurst needs daemon Aimee Polk to help him put his plan into action. But Drystan doesn’t expect to fall in love with Aimee–especially when it means choosing between her affection and the ultimate family payback he has always dreamed of…

 

The post The Vampire Who Stole Christmas, vampire romance appeared first on Lori Devoti, Author.

The Vampire Who Stole Christmas

Not every soul can be saved.

At least that’s what daimon Aimee Polk has told herself.

And there’s no time limit on revenge.

Especially when you’re a vampire.

Drystan Hurst has been waiting and plotting since his adopted family left him for dead, left him to be found by a vampire. It’s taken years, but he finally has the perfect way to expose the family and ruin all of their social and political aspirations.

Turn his adopted brother’s new angelic fiancée against them.

Aimee lost her last charge. She’s failed as a daimon, but she has another chance to do good, this time as a human politician’s wife.

Her days of saving souls are behind her.

Drystan is a creature of the dark, and Aimee is a creature of the light.

No beings could be more opposite.

But they may be just the thing the other needs most of all.

Can they save each other? Or will they both be lost for eternity?

Find out. Get The Vampire Who Stole Christmas today!

Buy at Amazon or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Reviews

…darkly romantic…

In Devoti’s darkly romantic “The Vampire Who Stole Christmas,” bitter vampire Drystan Hurst is on a vicious mission of vengeance and plans to use his brother’s fiancée, gentle Aimee Polk, to destroy his adoptive family. What he doesn’t realize is that Aimee has a stunning supernatural secret of her own. An enjoyable duo of holiday romances with a supernatural twist.  -Library Journal

Lori Devoti creates imaginative scenarios for her unforgettable ch

aracters, where every moment is enchantingly riveting.

Drystan and Aimee make a very unusual couple with his darkness and the lightness surrounding her, but Ms. Devoti expertly shows how some differences do not manner when love enters into the equation. The feelings expressed between this couple are beautifully conveyed with stirring emotions and sincere actions, and these sentiments are extremely heartfelt in each scene where they are together. Drystan’s quest for revenge is almost palpable, as his anguish for what was done to him comes across

with realism. The potent emotions of “The Vampire Who Stole Christmas” are fueled by fervent passions and deepest desires, making this a most rewarding story. -Amelia Richard, ParaNormalRomance Reviews Read Full Review

– Earlier Versions-

Christmas with a Vampire

Lori’s story…The Vampire Who Stole Christmas (see description below)

Publisher: HQN

Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance

Release Date: December 2010

ISBN: 978-0373776139

Order from: Amazon

Five red-hot vampire stories that will make the season sizzle!

Prepare for an exhilarating journey across the boundary of death into a shadowy, daring new world. As darkness falls on another year, five fanged rebels are ready to celebrate like never before.

It’s a time for bloodlust and stolen kisses, for clandestine bites and forming new bonds beneath the mistletoe. Succumb to the forbidden as these powerful vampires give you a Christmas you’ll never forget.…

 

December 2008, Silhouette Nocturne

The Vampire Who Stole Christmas

Not part of Unbound series

Publisher: Silhouette Nocturne

ISBN: 978-0373618019

Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance

Release Date: December 2008

 

A heartwarming tale of the undead…

On a mission for revenge against his adoptive family, vampire Drystan Hurst needs daemon Aimee Polk to help him put his plan into action. But Drystan doesn’t expect to fall in love with Aimee–especially when it means choosing between her affection and the ultimate family payback he has always dreamed of…

 

Giveaway! First THREE books in paranormal romance series!

First three books in my Nine Worlds series!

Just go to the link below and follow the directions. (Super easy, just following me on Amazon) And you will be entered to win one of five copies of Unchained, the book bundle of the first three books in my Nine Worlds series. Based on Norse myth and featuring sexy alpha shifters, these books will keep you up all night!

Enter Now! (And please share with your friends!)

99 Cent Bad Boy Romance!

Get from Amazon!

I know she lies to me, but her secrets only make me want her more.

I’m the guy they all want to marry, but I won’t get down on one knee for anyone.

They’re the ones who need to get on their knees. And they all do.

And they stay there, on their knees in front of me, until I let them get back up.

Maybe you think I don’t deserve a wife. Maybe you’re right.

Two days ago I wouldn’t have cared. But now, all that’s changed.

Kristina Masters.

She knows how to use her sweet assets.

She won’t get on her knees for me.

But she will be mine.

Whatever it takes.

Even if I know she’s not who she says she is…

His Huge Rock is a standalone, full-length novel of approximately 150 000 words. No cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Includes bonus content!

Get from Amazon!

99 Cent Sale Demon Angel Romance

Get from Amazon! (Sale ends 9/10/17)
Family and blood.

After 1100 years, these simple words mean everything to Herald. His life has been ruled by keeping his siblings safe, keeping them from becoming prey whilst feeding on the weaker. His failures have been many and measured by those he has lost. People like his twin brother.

There has always been another enemy.

Just who the enemy is comes into question when Herald meets the dangerous, angelic creature he is to guard. Wondering where his true loyalties lie is a dangerous thought. No matter whether he chooses family over the heart, it will mean death.

Only the right choice will ensure the life taken is not his.

Get from Amazon! (Sale ends 9/10/17)