HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR CHARACTERS?

Do you feel that? The 'acting' of sorts that goes in creating a believable character. Something that sucks you into their moment and doesn't let you go?

That's a good book, movie, song and expression. Artist can do that. Create a moment a feeling that absorbs you and takes you away into their moment.

HOW CAN YOU WRITE IT

When I wrote my first draft ever of a book, it was awful. I gave a listing of accounts. Like, 'He was six foot tall with dark hair about 150 pounds..." and "He was angry, sad, mad..." Yuck!

Then my daughter gave me the answer after she read the first few pages of my horrible draft.

"Mom, pretend you are an actor. That you are the character and write that."

BECOMING YOUR CHARACTER

Living in the moment of your character is darn fun! I close my eyes and open myself to the experience. Also writing in a close 3rd person. That way I can have more characters point of view.

EXPRESSION

This bit is where you are constantly told, "SHOW and DON'T TELL" and you do this by asking yourself, what happens to a person when they are:

Angry: Eyes dilate, muscle clench, teeth grind
Sad: Tears fall, sniffle, whimper
Scared: Hairs raise, trembling, teeth chatter

THE ACTOR IN YOU

So the next time you watch a movie, a show, a commercial or your friend's youtube videos ask yourself how that actor has portrayed their emotions. Write it down while you watch, create your cheat sheet and.... FIND YOUR INNER ACTOR (sometimes dubbed as a Muse)

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR CHARACTERS?

I usually close my eyes and pretend I'm them. What a rush!