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This week: Getting Started Edited by: Gaby  
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It begins with a character, usually, and once he stands up on his feet and begins to move, all I can do is trot along behind him with a paper and a pencil trying to keep up long enough to put down what he says and does.
~ William Faulkner |
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Most people will tell you that the first page has to hook a reader in order for them to continue. Perhaps the first paragraph? No, the first sentence. If it doesn't hook them by the end of the first page, your character is doomed, your story is doomed and there goes all your hard work. Right? In today's day and age, everything is timed. There isn't any room for enjoyment. Results are expected from the start.
Say it isn't so. Let's say that the character matters more than the first line or paragraph or page. Shouldn't they?
A reader will always look for some kind of connection with the character - a trait they can relate to. No matter how much we want to escape reality, the truth is, we always need a lifeline to it. Your character can provide that. You as a writer can produce a character who will have a hold on them. Remember, once the familiarity is established, the world you created becomes the reader's world.
We all have different tastes in genres and the types of writings we prefer. Same with the hook. Starting with a long winded description of something such as the surroundings will most likely cost you a few readers at least. They are eager to start a story rather than be lost in a place they aren't familiar with.
That is why your focus has to be on target and when creating a character whom the reader is supposed to cheer for you have to be careful when deciding on their traits. More positive then negative, but always in moderation. No one likes a know-it-all either.  It isn't easy creating the right recipe no matter what anyone tells you.
Best way to go about it is to create a character spread sheet, making notes of anything which might be important or may play a role in the story to come. Even perfection has its faults.  If you do decide to go with the traits which completely stabilize your character than you must create conflict which they will face throughout the story.
No matter which road you take, do bring your character to life and don't make them a shadow of a person. Their emotions are important and need to be seen by the reader. Without it, you won't establish the right connection and no matter how hard you try and create the best story you possibly can, if their personality is lacking something important because you dismissed it, your reader will dismiss the story itself.
Escaping the reality is only a mirage. We all want to belong somewhere and the attraction of books is where we find ourselves in. Make it last.
'til next time!
~ Gaby  |
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Drama: March 23, 2016 Issue [#7515]
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Care to share? Kidding aside, that is true. Internal emotion is always important. 
I can do a lot of sarcasm though. Mixing genres is part of writing, the only difference is the main focus of your writing. There are plenty of sub-genres in each story. I just hope I don't have to do a whole lot of comedy. 