Goodreads asked Sue Hinkin:

How do you get inspired to write?

Sue Hinkin I watch, listen, and read.

Plot ideas come from everywhere—life experience, media, friends & relations, overheard conversations and sheer imagination. Once you have the essence of a plot that you can initially express in a logline (which will probably change and evolve if it’s any good), and are clear on what’s at stake for the main characters, then the story begins.

I’m not a writer who outlines very much—I’m a “pantser.” I may, however, outline a particular chapter or scene if I need focus. Beyond that, once I have the general plot and characters, I step onto the mystery bus, strap in and take the ride.

Once a plot is in mind, I figure out how the characters would deal with the challenges of the story and grow as people along the way. I don’t have all this information locked up before I begin to write--much of the character’s personality comes out during the process of writing and editing. Each crisis demands a decision by the characters and dealing with the consequences of that decision should make for great tension.

Here are the things I consider when a character is coming to life:
• Appearance & style
• Personality strengths, weaknesses & vulnerabilities
• Family background & overall backstory
• Passions
• Driving motivation
• Profession & Interests
• Traumatic experiences/hardships to overcome
• Habits/quirks
• Geographic ties

As I move into a series with a growing host of players, I’ve created a “character bible” with thumbnail pictures of all my folks with a couple sentence summarizing their role.

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