Character Charts

Do you make Character Charts?   Do you make lists of their likes and dislikes?  Childhood?

I do.  I want to make sure that I have their hair color and color right.  I like to make sure that I don't have all my characters blonde or brown hair.   I think they are a good idea but I don't delve deep into their past, unless it will be good for the story.

Whatever works for you is a good thing. 

What I think is a good idea is to give your character a fear or phobia.

Fear of spiders or heights is a good thing, but too common. 

I try to to go one step further....If your character is afraid of heights, make her afraid of standing on a chair or coffee table,, that is even to far up.  It would work if you are writing a romantic comedy.  or if you are writing a parnormal,,,have your character have a fear of water, but take it one step further make him fear of mud puddles, cause as a child he stepped in a mud puddle and saw the future and it wasn't good, so he avoid mud puddles. 

It will work if you write light stories or darker stories.  Give your characters a fear and take it a step further.  don't make it common that the reader has seen it before.

When you are doing your Character Charts, don't make your characters to common.  Let them stand out, and your story will stand out.

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http://iamwalkingwithgod.blogspot.com/  

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