Making Characters "Reveal Themselves to You"

TL;DR

In this interview, a bestselling novelist discusses her inspiration for creating characters, her personal experiences, and the challenges of writing authentically.

Transcript

well that's a good question i I've known these people for a long time I started Rosie in 1980 so oh that's 30 years ago I felt like 15 years ago now 30 years is that 30 years ago 1980 oh my god and I can honestly say in this case that this little girl with black curls and enormous Siamese blue eyes came up to me tugged on the sleeve of my shirt and... Read More

Key Insights

• ✍️ Writing is often inspired by personal encounters and experiences, even if not directly autobiographical.
• 😀 Understanding the psychology of drug-addicted characters requires extensive interviews and insights from those who have faced similar struggles.
• ⚖️ Balancing personal experiences and fictional storytelling can be challenging for writers, as assumptions and expectations can arise from readers.
• 👯 Authentic character development involves gradually revealing their true nature, mirroring how people reveal themselves in real life.
• 🫥 Writing compelling dialogue requires removing forced or overly witty lines, prioritizing authentic communication.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did your encounter with a little girl inspire the creation of the character Casey Ferguson?

The protagonist's name from my father's novel and my fascination with the little girl's features came together to create Casey Ferguson as a character in my novel. It was an instance of serendipity that shaped Casey's creation.

Q: How did your own experiences with alcoholism influence your decision to write about it?

Though I had not yet achieved sobriety at the time, I was intrigued by the internal struggles of a religious yet high-achieving person who couldn't control her drinking. Exploring this theme in my writing allowed me to reconcile and understand my own experiences better.

Q: How does the process of gradually revealing characters' truths mirror real-life experiences?

Just as in real life, where we slowly get to know people, their growth, and setbacks, characters in a story also reveal themselves gradually. It adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative and makes the reader feel more connected to the characters.

Q: How do you ensure your characters speak authentically without sounding forced or overly witty?

I initially include witty lines in my characters' dialogue, hoping to impress readers. However, during the final draft, I carefully remove such lines to maintain authenticity. It's crucial to let their voices emerge naturally and avoid imposing artificial brilliance on them.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The novelist reflects on her 30-year journey in writing and how a little girl with black curls and blue eyes sparked her interest in creating the character Casey Ferguson.

• She discusses her fascination with alcoholism and her own struggles with sobriety, which led her to write about a character who couldn't stop drinking.

• The interview also highlights the importance of gradually revealing characters' truths, avoiding forced dialogue, and the struggle of distinguishing between personal experiences and fictional storytelling.