Characters

Personality Quirks

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 5, 2015

We all have personality quirks. These are part of our charm.

Some people may think that the fact I have named my three houseplants is a personality quirk. But what other modern living beings would put up with the monikers Perpetua, Magnifica, and Scholastica? When I ask my husband, “Did you water Perpetua?” he knows what I mean.

We inherited a large peace lily from one daughter’s college days, called Lord Ellington. Our daughter still living at home renamed him (I’m going with the male designation since he was a lord). The new name? Jade.

Your turn:

What personality quirks do you give your characters to make them come more to life?

Do those quirks reflect your own personality?

Which plant do you think is pictured? Perpetua, Magnifica, or Scholastica?

Unlikeable Characters

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 18, 2014

In a recent blog, I touched upon the problem of unlikeable characters. I mentioned that I stopped reading a published book because I didn’t like any of the characters. So when do I think a reader will keep reading about unlikeable characters? I’d say one or more of the following will save a story: 1.) The protagonist has been victimized and the reader can root for her to overcome being …

Category: Craft, Writing CraftTag: Characters, Writing Craft

Naming Names

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon July 24, 2014

We recently received several excellent questions that I would like to answer: 1.) Should (you) repeat a book name and how old should it be? I believe you are asking if it is okay to use the same title for your book even if it has already been used before. And if so, how many years should pass before using that previously used book title. What you are trying to avoid is having your book mixed up …

Category: Book Proposals, Writing CraftTag: Characters, Craft, Titles, Writing Craft

Where are the Worthy Characters?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 5, 2014

I just finished reading a general market novel that left me wishing I had used that time to read a good Christian novel instead. I am not going to name the book because it isn’t my intent to offer a review. But the novel reminds me of many others in the general market. Well-written, well-received, heavy with social commentary. And populated with characters I didn’t like and …

Category: Craft, Reading, TamelaTag: Characters, Craft, Reading

Who Are You Hanging Out With?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon March 13, 2014

During a recent television program, realization struck. I didn’t like anyone on the screen. So why was I spending time with them? I don’t think I’ll be returning to that program soon. When you are writing a story, you are asking your reader to hang out with your characters. For a very long time. Will they want to do that? Granted, you’ll be providing drama and conflict. For …

Category: Craft, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Characters, Craft, Writing Craft

Looking for a Brown Mule

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 2, 2013

I am beyond proud of my uncle, Eldridge Bagley.

Uncle Eldridge is a professional artist. He paints in oil on canvas. Most of his scenes depict Southern rural life in the mid twentieth century. The picture above, from 2001, is entitled Looking for a Brown Mule.

This picture speaks to me. Does it speak to you? Why? Why do you think he chose that title?

Now let's have some fun. Use your …

Category: Art, Creativity, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Characters, Creativity, Writing Craft

Fancy Schmancy!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon April 25, 2013

I just saw a funny short video about how to go from boring to fancy. Examples included labeling the same bread as "bread" and then "artisan bread" and the identical "cheddar" as "aged cheddar." I would have gone with "artisan" cheddar, myself. The last time our family dined in a restaurant with my in-laws in Connecticut, "Cheese made by Vermont artisans," was offered as an appetizer.

How about …

Category: Craft, Creativity, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Characters, Craft, Writing Craft