I never thought I'd use a quote by Nicolas Cage, but there you have it. He's right. Not to mention, perfection is impossible in a person. All of us have our quirky ways of creating drama and conflict, even if we think we're right, or in this case, perfect.

When NaNoPrep "October Novel Prep Challenge"  started, which is run by the amazing Brandiwyn🎶, my story for a novel was nothing but a tiny dot. A mirage to my mind and nothing more. As the first day arrived, my focus sharpened and I saw my characters better, knew what the basic premise is and will be, and what I wanted out of my story. The one thing I couldn't quite get a handle on were the conflicts between my characters in order to create drama. After all, it's what keeps the story going!

I don't like my characters fighting or having too much drama. That also means that I'd end up with either a pretty boring long story or an okay short story, but not a good novel. Not at all! Who'd want to read about two characters meeting, falling in love, and that's the end of it? I sure wouldn't.

No matter how much I dislike conflict in personal life I do know that I have to have it in my book. I headed to the forum and asked for help - something I rarely do. People replied to my post, emailed me, and gave me great advice! It gave me many ideas but I realized that I had to make sure my characters were alright with my decision and choices. I've decided on quite a few, some from the suggestions I received and some came to me once I started reading their ideas. My characters agreed and we're on the right track at the moment.

It's not easy pleasing your character. While mine arrive in slow motion, other people dream about them and can't help but to follow their direction. One thing I've learned over the years is, just because you think you invented your characters and their misfortune in order to get a good story, doesn't mean it's actually your idea. You'll be surprised how stubborn characters can be and stuck in their own ways until you end up giving into their spoiled way. You end up writing what they tell you to.

And how is your Prep going? If you'd like to know more, don't forget to visit my second newsletter about what my character decided to do, in "Mystery Newsletter (October 12, 2016)" 

'Til next time!
~ Gaby