How to Write Books Good, Part 2

Thinking up the character:

Look at your idea.Wonder what kind of character would best suit that idea.Come up with character.Give character a name.Scribble out name. Think of a better name.A better name than that.Look at the name you've picked. Realise "Johnny Rockjaw" sounds made-up.Decide on a name. Decide name is fine.Write character. Character is fine.Character does what character is supposed to do.At halfway point, character rebels.Character starts telling you stuff. History. Backstory. Opinions. Stuff not in the plot.Panic.Character derails plot.Plot crashes and burns.Character emerges from wreckage, continues on.Struggle to catch up to character. Character walking too fast.Character behaving like real person.Panic.Who is more real? The writer who writes the character, or the character who writes the writer?Experience existential crisis.Have lunch.Get back to work.Congratulations! You now have your character!