Voice

Few things leave an impression of a character more than their voice. Not just in dialogue but in prose as well, if the POV is restricted to their thoughts and perceptions.

I've been writing a lot of Victoria recently, and it's really made me think about voice, and how unique hers is. She has such a particular way of speaking and seeing the world, and for all the darkness lurking within her, all the things that she's been through, I really enjoy putting myself in her head. She gets such a kick out of the most esoteric things, and feeling that along with her is weirdly satisfying. This arcane, abstruse thing will occur to her, and she will absolutely revel in the joy of it, while everyone around her looks at her like she's crazy. (This week it was quantum mechanics.)

Her power is immense, but her past makes her judicious with it, as does her strong sense of justice and egalitarianism. She can be arrogant and aloof, but since she's right most of the time, she's kind of earned it. I do, however run into the issue of writing a character who's smarter than me, and that can be tricky. She's not a genius (that word is overapplied, I feel), but she is very intelligent, and I have to struggle to keep up with her sometimes.

How? By taking my time. It may take me weeks or months to come up with a solution or insight that takes her a few moments, or in some cases, is instinctual for her. I have to expand my vocabulary to do it, too, so in some ways, I am learning from her. Always be learning, improving, changing, adapting, otherwise what are you doing? This series started with Victoria, and she's still teaching me to be better, and demanding that I not get complacent. I owe it to her, and you, the reader, as well.

She has some changing and adapting to do herself in Book IV, so I'd better get back to it.

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