They say there are two types of writers. Some carefully plot a novel scene by scene. Others do what is best described as winging it. They know where they want to go with the story, but that’s the extent of their planning. There is another phenomenon among writers, and that is the characters come alive. You want a character to do something, and you try to write the scene, but it just never comes out the way you want. It dawns on you that the character is trying to tell you they wouldn’t do what you want them to do. Sometimes they’ll even talk to you. I don’t mean you can have a whole conversation with them, but suddenly you will realize why the scene isn’t working – a character just wouldn’t do that. Whatever that is.
This happens with both types of writers. Those who carefully plot out a novel are the most surprised when this happens. This type of writer will often describe the character in great detail. Let me use a strange example here. The scene has Jane Jones going to a dinner party, and mashed potatoes are served. The writer will find this scene just doesn’t want to go together, and they will stop and think what’s wrong? Jane hates mashed potatoes, they suddenly realize. A good writer will stop and ask the question, why does Jane hate mashed potatoes? The writer realizes this is an excellent chance to deepen the readers’ knowledge of the character. Perhaps, it was an abusive parent who made Jane sit at the table until she finished her mashed potatoes. That is what made Jane hate mashed potatoes. This abusive parent will have shaped Jane in many ways. The writer and the reader knowing that will make Jane a much more rounded character.
Both types of writers will find their characters take on a life of their own. A smart writer will let their characters inform them to produce a richer story.
