The Originals - Symposium From Topic 1

I fear PatrickB 's writing special topics. I go into a running-around-waving-my-arms-in-the-air state (in my head, mostly) and I freak out that I am going to lose my perfect answering status. I think I've come close to the deadline a couple of times. I will be forever glad my time zone is ahead of the deadline.

This time - introducing a character - was no different. I've been writing Owen's story (Watching Clouds) for a LONG time and I barely know what he looks like!!!! He's a first person character which isn't really an excuse, but also is. I mean, I don't go around describing what I look like so why should he? As a matter of fact, I introduced him during November's What a Character. Epic fail. So I chose not to introduce him a second time; he's still recovering.

Anyway, when I introduce my characters it is always piecemeal and can take several pages and episodes. I'm not one for info dumping (though I used to be). And I am utterly terrible at description; it's one of my serious weak links (read any of my stuff and you'll get the picture). I cannot describe a character to you and make him/her interesting. Their foibles and characteristics tend to come out in their actions and dialogue and, for me, that takes longer than 250 words.

So - well, this is me apologising for those of you who have to read my entry. It is a fair enough description of my vampire but may be too patchy to offer something coherent.

But thank you, too, Patrick, because this is kicking me into action to know and understand my characters better! I'm going to start a new 'book' and have them introduce themselves. It will be like pulling teeth no doubt (mine and theirs) but gotta make something positive out of the stress.

Can't wait to meet everyone's characters.