3 Character Exercises for the Stumped Writer

If you enjoy writing fiction, then you might be like me; finding yourself a little stumped from time to time with how to make your characters stand out and be well defined or relatable. There are many ways to work around this, and below is a list I have compiled that I personally have found to be very helpful in my writing endeavors.

Personality Quiz: When I first begin creating characters I find myself going to this exercise frequently. If you are familiar with the Meyer's Brigs Personality test then you may have already thought of this, but if you haven't, let me put it this way: this test is a psychological way of trying to grasp and categorize the many personalities that make up the diverse world we live in.

I like to take this 16 Personalities Test, but as I take this quiz, I answer the questions from the point of view of the character. When I am done, it will generate a basic synopsis of the character's personality. Even if this personality type doesn't line up with what you were envisioning, it is extremely helpful to put yourself in the character's shoes when answering the questions. This really helps to understand different aspects of each character even ones that aren't directly relevant, such as how tidy certain characters might keep their work space,
or how they manage their money.

New Situation: When I get stumped on how a character might react to a situation, sometimes it helps to put them into a completely different scenario or world that has nothing to do with your actual story. This exercise can reveal a lot about how you, as a writer, view your character.

For example, let's say I had a snarky pirate with a famous silver cutlass and a thing for the ladies. We'll name him Robert the Silver Blade. Currently, I have him captured by his rival with his hands in shackles, hanging off the side of the ship upside-down. I have no idea how he might get out of that situation, and I'm stumped with a nasty case of writer's block.

Instead, I begin a new scene in which Robert the Silver Blade is running from a herd of stampeding dinosaurs. Is that ridiculous? Yes. Are dinos in my actual novel? No. Will anyone besides me ever read this? No way! In fact, I would write this in a separate document as well.

This of course is just an example and really you can put your character into any situation you want, you'd be surprised how much it can help. Imagining your characters in unlikely settings can help you connect with them in new ways and shed light on the story that really matters.

Animal Association: This particular exercise is probably the most fun to me. When we look at the animal kingdom, each creature has its own unique personality. They may be caricatures of people we know in real life. Is your character manipulative, quiet, and deadly? They could be like a spider or snake. Do they constantly "talk the talk" but not really "walk the walk?" Sounds like a peacock, strutting around, or a blowfish, puffing up and praying his enemies leave him alone. Maybe they are a high society aristocrat who believes in looking their best, like a poodle or a very distinguished house cat.

This simple trick can really put your characters into perspective and I have found it to be quite useful, especially when I am looking at an extreme side of my characters. It gives me a good idea of where they're headed and a basic outline for who they are. Don't be afraid to be specific and don't settle for "my character is a dog." Ask yourself "what kind of dog? A big, noble English mastiff? Or a feisty chihuahua?"


While these are just a few of my personal methods, you may find them useful in your own writing journey as well. The beautiful thing about the art of words is that we can each have different ways of effectively creating our worlds, characters and ideals. If you have any fun methods of developing characters, please feel free to comment and let me know!

5 sci-fi/fantasy young adult novels adults might enjoy

Many adults who enjoy speculative fiction have often branched out into reading young adult novels as well, for a number of reasons. Usually these stories include great character depth and plot. I found myself on many a night, enjoying the tales of teen aged heroes, struggling to survive in their fantastic world. Sadly there are many young adult novels and it can be very confusing as to which ones should be read, especially if you're just branching into this particular set of fantasy and Science Fiction. So I have compiled a list of my personal favorites. This list, while by no means massive, should at least have a few suggestions for the avid YA reader, and a good base for those just checking out YA genre fiction for the first time. So without further ado, a list of YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels, in no particular order:

Sabriel (Abhorsen Series)
The very talented Garth Nix has a wonderful habit of producing quality worlds with fun concepts and unusual twists on classic archetypes. Nix realizes a land with electricity and automobiles, separated from "the Old Kingdom" a place filled with magic and monsters. Sabriel follows the story of a girl by the same name, who is the daughter of the Abhorsen, a powerful necromancer who uses his control over the undead to keep them from menacing the living. But when her father turns up missing, Sabriel must go on a quest to discover the truth behind his disappearance.

Across the Universe (Series by the same name)
Beth Revis takes the reader on a journey aboard the Godspeed where not all is as it seems. Combining science fiction and drama, with a nice dystopian twist, Across the Universe follows Amy, a girl frozen in cryostasis. Amy has been waiting for the Godspeed to arrive at her new home, a planet far from Earth. But when she is mysteriously awakened from her sleep early, she must protect the others in cryostasis from a murderer aboard the vessel.

Westmark (Westmark Trilogy)
One of my favorite authors, Lloyd Alexander, delivers an epic tale of a dead princess, a wanted criminal, and a con man all set in a revolutionary war style world. While this isn't directly historical fantasy, the muskets and minutemen found within the pages help spark a feeling of revolution and discovery as our hero, Theo tries his best to flee the clutches of an evil adviser and gets caught up in love, rebellion, and the intriguing art of the con.

The Looking Glass Wars (Series by the same name)
As the name might suggest, this tale deals a lot with the classic tales by Lewis Carol but with a new and unusual twist. Frank Beddor writes of a Wonderland that is familiar yet, distinctly different. Princess Alyss is forced from her home in Wonderland into our world, barely escaping the mad queen. Desperate and in search of a way home, she discovers Lewis Carol who makes her horrible time in Wonderland into nothing more than nonsensical children's literature. But, her bodyguard, Hatter Madigan has not given up on finding her and bringing her back so that she may take her rightful place on the throne of Wonderland.

Ready Player One
Ernest Cline gives his readers a healthy dose of nostalgia via a dystopian world in which everyone plugs in to one massive multiplayer online experience (MMO) called the Oasis. School is taught via the Oasis and most jobs are run through it as well. But when a treasure hunt begins, with rights to the Oasis being the prize, mega-corporations and individuals alike set out in search of glory. The book is riddled with 80's pop culture references ranging from Dungeons and Dragons to the classic band Rush. Cline does a masterful job taking romance, science fiction, action, and anything "nerdy" and molding it into one giant amalgamation of awesome.

Mythical Monster Mondays: The Tokoloshe

As I continue my search for odd and often overlooked myths I found this particular creature at the suggestion of a reader so, thanks! If there's a particular creature you would love to see featured let me know!

The Tokoloshe is a part of the Zulu Mythos, a South African mythology that includes a plethora of deities and creatures. In my quest to find lore on the monster I turned up varied opinions and mythos but have done my best to compile this all properly. Early legends of the Tokoloshe hint at it being a harmless water sprite that could turn invisible by drinking water. It was helpful and fond of children.

However, this creature's story was changed over time. Some say this happened when Christianity entered the picture as the Christians tried to explain the beast from their own perspective as some sort of demon. Legends of the Tokoloshe now describe it as a hairy dwarf-like monster in appearance. Many illustrations show it with the features of an ape as well.

This version of the Tokoloshe is feared and known to assault women and kill their husbands. Some say that it can cause illness as well. The beast could turn invisible by eating a pebble and it is believed that the monster is created by an evil witch and is used as a minion for her own nefarious ends.

It is a common practice (even to this day in some parts of South Africa) to raise one's bed on bricks so that the Tokoloshe cannot reach you. Dusting yourself in salt is also used to keep the beast at bay and some won't even speak the name of the creature for fear of bringing it down upon them.

Mythical Monster Mondays: The Knocker

       

Hello Folks!
I have decided it would be fun to showcase a mythological creature every Monday on my little corner of the internet. Most of the creatures I will write articles about will be ones a little less known to the general public. These particular beasties aren't often showcased in many books or movies and I have decided it is up to me to show them a little love. So without further ado, I give you the first myth of many in the form of... the Knocker.

These little spirits aren't typically taller than about 2 feet and dwell in caves and mines (even occupied ones) Some say they look like older men that are average in appearance save their height, while others believe them to have heads that are larger than the rest of their body. Their origins are English and were most well known in the mining communities in Wales and Cornwall.

They are commonly depicted in a miner's garb and were thought to be the cause of a creaking or knocking sound right before a cave-in. While some believed this was the Knockers trying their hardest to cause a cave-in, the more popular view is that it was the little creature's way of warning the miner's so they could get out before that section of the cave collapsed.

It was actually common practice for miners to toss a part (or whole) pastry into the tunnel to feed the Knockers and thank them for looking out for the miner's best interest. Some even believed that the knocking sounds from their helpful little friends were instructions as to where they should dig and find the greatest riches.

The Knocker's legend even spread to the United States in the form of the Tommyknocker. Immigrants from Cornwall came over during the Gold Rush and brought their wonderful stories of mischievous little miners who caused strange sounds in the mines, calling out a warning of imminent danger.

5 Overused Fantasy Tropes

Fantasy is probably one of the oldest genres in the history of storytelling. When we look at mythology we see a lot of “fantastic” concepts -- from gods battling one another to the humble protagonist growing into a powerful and formidable warrior. 

These ideas aren't new to most of us and many have stood the test of time. However, there are a select few that have come to strike me as WAY overused. Keep in mind, this list is merely my opinion and I am sure there are plenty I have missed or tropes I am guilty of overusing myself. Also, this doesn't mean that I dislike any story that uses these ideas (as I'm sure I do). I just hate to see them used where something more original could be placed. 

5. Halflings, Elves, and Dwarves OH, MY!

If you have read any fantasy besides Tolkien I am sure you have noticed the myriad of books containing the races that he made popular. While this is not inherently bad, it can be a bit lazy, especially when these races aren't changed at all. Most fantasy readers are familiar with the Dwarves’ love of the mountains, the aloof nature of the Elves, and the jovial (if somewhat naïve) behavior of the Halflings. While these truly have become tropes in their own right, it's fun to see authors who change things up a bit and give the races a new direction. Would it really be so bad if Dwarves and Elves got along? What if Halflings were a nomadic people? Simple changes can make a big difference.

4. The Damsel in Distress

While I understand that the tales of yesteryear were from a more primitive time, this is the 21st century. Time to move on! I am in no way saying that a female character should never need help or have no flaws at all. That would be very boring. I refer more to the stereotype of the princess in need who can't do anything on her own and is often merely a "prize" for the hero at the end of the story. There are so many ways to turn this on its head and change things for the better -- oftentimes with just a few well-placed sentences. 

3. The Power Within

This is a more recent trope in my opinion and it has taken middle school and young adult fantasy by storm. Many of these stories end up with the hero discovering some latent abilities that slowly turns him or her into an awesome powerhouse. Used simply as a tool to tell a coming of age tale, as the hero learns to better utilize their powers, rarely do we see it taken further. The majority of the time their abilities are a shallow reflection of their personality -- and nothing more. I myself am guilty of using this, as my upcoming novel Kelligan's Call features a protagonist with powers she doesn't yet recognize.  Still, I tried to make it a little different in the way it is presented and use the power she is given as magnifying glass, amplifying the character’s personality traits.

2. The Prophecy

This can come in many different shapes and sizes. Sometimes it heralds doom, other times a savior. In the end it tends to just be an overused device that gives the characters something to anticipate or dread, adding a bit of a thrill. However, the more this is used the less thrilling it is as it becomes more and more predictable. 

1. The Chosen One

I can't tell you how many times I have groaned in frustration when I have read "the chosen one" in a book or heard it in a movie. It transcends fantasy and has made its way into science fiction as well. While there is most certainly an appeal in seeing someone destined for greatness, it can get a little old as you usually know how the story will end. The hero either rises to the occasion, making the ultimate sacrifice, or falls completely flat and joins the ranks of the antagonists.  Most readers are aware that the main character will do something of note in the story and will usually have a solid impact on the world around them. Do we really need to be blatantly told that this will happen?

Five Great Fantasy Novels for the Whole Family

Growing up, my parents did their best to make sure that we got to spend time together as a family. Movie nights were probably the most common, with the occasional board game night. While these times are important to me and shaped many a happy memory, the ones I remember the best are those in which we read together. 

Now, before I continue, it's important to understand that I don't mean that we read some short, little bedtime story before we drifted off to dreamland. Once a week our family would all gather in the living room. We’d have tea and possibly cookies, as our dad would read a few chapters to us. Both my sister and I were quite awake, riveted by tales of mystery and adventure!

While many a tale was told, to me the ones that always stuck out took place on other worlds; stories packed with magic and excitement, each page full to the brim with ideas; subtle reflections of our own world around us. These stories not only fueled my imagination, they also sparked a passion for genre writing that is very dear to me.

Reading with the family was a very special time for me and, as such, I hope others enjoy this experience as well. If you already do this with your family, or you would like a few recommendations to get started, you've stumbled across the right blog.

So, without further ado, here are five fabulous fantasy books for the whole family, in no particular order.  

Redwall

While this is a fantastic and full-blown series, the first book is simply titled Redwall. It's a story told from the perspective of anthropomorphic animals set during a time of medieval-level technologies and beliefs. The very talented Brian Jacques weaves the tale beautifully, writing in the specific speech patterns of his various characters (which may be a little hard on the person reading aloud). I will say the series is a little bloody from time to time but should be fine for those around age 7 or so. 

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

C.S. Lewis’ story may be a little dated, but even now it is most certainly relatable to both kids and adults. As with many tales of fantasy, this particular story pulls from various mythologies and beliefs, most notably the Christian religion. The characters are well put together and even the unearthly, supernatural Aslan is inspiring and understandable. It's a classic tale of good versus evil, and it's hard to go wrong. 

The Book of Three

Not only is this a great family book, it's one of my all time favorites! Inspired greatly by Welsh mythology, author Lloyd Alexander takes his readers on a tale of grand adventure, teaching all along the way what it means to be a real hero. With lovable and strong characters, this story has world building that will probably remind you of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, with a much more kid-friendly approach. 

A Wrinkle in Time

This is the third title I have listed that is older than I am but has stood the test of time. While some would say this book is much more in the vein of science fiction, I personally believe it is just as much fantasy. Madeleine L'Engle is a brilliant author who delves into a lot of political commentary, dealing with cold war topics relevant at the time of writing, in such a way as to be a wonderful read for adults while still entertaining children. As she looks at humanity through a strange, otherworldly lens, much of what L’Engle has to say still applies to our society even now,

The School for Good and Evil

The newest book on my list, this story is what happens when you mix some of the basic ideas in Harry Potter and the classic fairy tales we all grew up with into one beautiful concoction. Soman Chainani tells the story of two girls sent to the school of good and evil. One will learn to be a good villain in the school for evil, the other a princess in the school for good. But when the girls are seemingly sent to the wrong schools they both learn a lot about themselves. Ultimately this story teaches a lot about the beauty beneath one's own skin, turning many classic fairy tale tropes on their heads to help children see that what’s in our hearts is what matters most. 

3 Basic rules of Worldbuidling

If you're like me, it isn't always enough to read about strange and unusual worlds. Deep down you have a desire to build your own unique places to visit in your mind's eye. Those with the heart of a science fiction/fantasy writer never really lose sight of that sense of wonder a child gets when playing pretend in the backyard, brandishing a stick against the forces of evil that are vivid in their minds.

While the thoughts in your head may seem easy enough to jot down, actually building a coherent world takes a lot of work, and often stretches the builder's creativity to its limits. Whether you are writing a setting for a tabletop RPG for you and your friends to enjoy, or writing your own Fantasy/Science Fiction novel there is a lot to consider in the process. What kind of governments run your world if any? What kind of religions are there? Does magic exist in the world? What kind of people populate this land? What does the map itself look like? How does the landscape affect the cultures that inhabit it? The list goes on and on!

While it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless sea of questions, I have found a few guidelines that have helped me in my journey creating and building a world for my own fantasy novel I have written for middle schoolers. If you're relatively new to this process then perhaps a few of these tips and tricks will help guide you on your journey through your own imagination. If you are a seasoned world builder, just consider this a refresher on the basics.

1. Start where the ideas are.

To some this may seem like a given but quite a bit of world building advice I have read states that the builder should start with the map, or the races, or a specific location etc. In truth, I consider this particular writing process an art, and as with all art we won't all go about it the same. Someone who enjoys cartography may start with a map as that is easy for them, where a sketch artist might choose to draw out landscapes, battle scenes and characters to help them get a solid understanding of the look and "feel" of the world. Still others may think like a historian, looking at possible wars, or cataclysmic events that might have happened.

This may shock you when I say this but, none of this is wrong! Go with it! When writing my first book, Keligan's Call, I actually got the idea for the entire world when I came up with a fun concept for how magic would work. From there I applied what I like to call the "Rule of Impact" which will really help any worldbuilder fine tune their natural approach.

2. The Rule of Impact.  

This particular rule is really rather simple and straightforward. When coming up with ideas for your world, it is imperative to ask yourself a simple question when adding something to your world, "How does this impact the immediate world around it?"

Let's say for example that I have decided it would be a fun idea if there was a society that had mastered the art of taming wild animals, truly unique ones such as lions, tigers, and even bears (oh my!) From there I would apply the Rule of Impact and ask, how this would affect the things close to it? For example I might decide that this level of domestication has really screwed with the food chain, making the select few undomesticated animals very desperate. I might also decide that the society as a whole actually has a rite of passage ritual in which a thirteen year old is given a young cub they have to raise and train to be their own. By the time the cub is a year old the child in charge of it is considered an adult and keeps the animal as a friend until it passes. I might decide that maybe the animals have impacted the society so greatly that losing one requires a funeral just as intricate as that of a family member, complete with appropriate attire for mourning and speeches.  

What's really nice about the Rule of Impact, is it can really be applied to any beginning approach. If an artist is looking at the scenes they have drawn they may ask "How did this scene impact the world around it?" Or even dissect individual weapons, armor, etc. within the picture and ask the same question. 

While this rule may seem like common sense, it is important to stress how deep you can go with it, and how few world builders actually do. 

3. The nouns.

Something I find very useful when organizing my worldbuilding into something a bit more cohesive than my typical ramblings, is to simply categorize by the important people, places, and things within my world. This list doesn't need to be exhaustive, but having 5 to 10 listings for each category is probably good. 

The fun thing about making this list is you can get there however you want. You may start with cartography (places) artifacts (things) or the terrifying warlord that wants to cause genocide (person) and you can apply whatever natural method you have of forming ideas. Ultimately, the goal is to get these nouns down on paper and applying the rule of impact to them. I listed this step last because I see this as the end goal for basic world building. You gather ideas, apply the rule of impact, and jot it down under Person, Place, or Thing.

So, hopefully you have found this pretty helpful and fun. Because in truth, if worldbuilding isn't a fun hobby (or exciting career) for you then why bother doing it? You'll probably suffer a bit of writer's block through this and at moments it may seem like a drag, that just means your brain probably needs a bit of a break even if for a fifteen minute time frame.

Good Luck Builders!