Day 7 – 30 Days of Writing Advice – Keeping Track of Character Details

 

DAY 7

This month of daily writing advice will include tidbits, tips, and sometimes tricks. This isn’t a replacement for editing or book coaching, it’s meant as a jumping off point for exploration and thought! I hope it helps! ~Amy

TAKE A PICTURE, IT LASTS LONGER

One of my issues, if you will, is remembering what my characters look like. I never see their faces, so it makes it all the more confusing. I know their features but a full picture doesn’t emerge. I make lists so I don’t forget — but they don’t alway work — they’re BORING.

Since I’m a visual sort — I loosely employ the use of doppelgangers. I find a photo online that somewhat sorta kinda has elements of my character, so I can SEE them.  I have multiple photos for one character.

I also love the idea of incorporating an art project into my writing and am utilizing this for my new WIP. In addition to the photo doppelgangers, I am using this:

I’ve printed it out, and have started writing on it — hair styles, eye color, jewelry choices, condition of hands and nails. It’s all in one place and more visual than a list. And believe me, I do love lists.

Do you think this would work for you to keep track of your character’s traits? I’ll let you know how it works for me going forward. It will certainly be fun!

SEE YOU TOMORROW~

Amy xo

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