Personality - Voice - Writing

So, what makes a character stand out?

We were talking about this at my critique group on Saturday. Sometimes characters seem to blend together. Maybe it's because they are all too similar. In real life, no two people are the same - not even twins.

So how do we create characters that stand out from one another?

We shouldn't even have to use tags to know who's talking. No more, "Ellen said", "Jim answered" or "Josh screamed". We should know who screamed just by the way he did it.

Maybe easier said than done. But I was thinking about this when I was sewing new cushions for my benches outside.

Maybe most people don't even have benches outside and those that do, might be happy just to have the benches - but not me. I want soft, cushy pillows to sit on.

What does that say about me? Maybe I'm a WHIMP or spoiled, it might even mean I have problems with my butt - who knows. But it has to say something. And we should make sure we create characters that are saying something about themselves by what they do, wear, or even the way they position their bodies during a conversation.

Everyone has their own way of doing activities, saying simple phrases or even wearing their clothes.

Here's one little Youtube video I've shown before but I think it's helpful. My family and I tried to show what voice means, simply by the way we say things. See if you can guess what kind of personality each person has just by the way we say this one famous sentence.

How 'Bout a Danish?

And I'm not talking about Proud Chef Luke. I'm talking about Tea Biscuits.

Luke and MacKenzie practiced their pastry skills. It was one night filled with poppyseeds and buttery goodness. Not a good way for me to stay on my diet but, hey, we've got to make sure our kids know how to cook--right? So, I'm a Mom willing to make those hard sacrifices-like, in my waist line. I guess I'll just need another new (larger) size pair of jeans. But, then think of all the great projects I can prepare-repurposing those old jeans-that don't fit any more.

Anyway, if you'd like to let out your jeans too, here's the recipe:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter (unsoftened)
3 1/3 cups unbleached bread flour
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup 2% milk
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg white, beaten
3 Tablespoons white or black poppy seeds

Mix cold butter with flour in a medium bowl and mix well, add sugar and salt, Microwave the milk for 40 seconds, add the milk and egg yolk to the flour

Knead the dough for 4 to 5 minutes or until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, let sit for 30 minutes

Roll the dough, using saran to keep it from sticking to the rolling pin. Make into 10 X 24 inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough, brush the beaten egg white down the long edge

Fold the unbuttered side over the buttered side and tuck the edge brushed with egg white under, pressing to seal. Pierce the dough gently with a fork and brush with the remaining egg white. Sprinkle with the poppy seeds.

Cut the dough into ten to twelve triangles, Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 20 minutes at 400 degrees or until golden brown. Remove and let cool.

WAH-LAH! You've got a true Danish pastry.

Saturday Craft Day

How about painting your own easel and frame? Discount stores have bare wood frames. Why not add a little paint and have some fun with your kids decorating them to suit each personality? It's fun, EZ and useful. Plus, it's a great way to show off your personality.

We got these little frames and easels at IKEA but other craft stores have them too. If you do go out and buy some and paint them, please post a picture so I can see how creative you and your kids are.

Great Give-away 30 Books in 30 Days

Writer Mama does it again - and maybe the third times the charm. Check it out here.

30 Books in 30 Days.

Sounds like a wonderful way to start a school year.

Earth-Friendly Friday

We all have old pants sitting around the house that don't fit us any more. Okay, maybe that's only me. But you must have some jeans that have worn out knees or holes all over the place--right?

Well, if you do, why not find a way to put those jeans to use. How about repurposing them for back-to-school gear: Like a locker organizer. It's EZ-smeezy. All you have to do is cut the pants off at the legs, sew a seam that seals the opening. Sew a couple straps on the top, then flip 'em around so the pockets can be used to hold combs, makeup, pencils or anything else. The straps can be tied onto the locker for strong support. Your kids can decorate them with buttons, ribbon or appliques.

Send your kids back to school with repurposed jeans - it's sooo kewl :)

Here's one free pattern.

Answer to Thought for Thursday

Answer: You might have guessed for writing Sherlock Holmes stories but that would have been too EZ. He was knighted in 1902 for writing a pamphlet in defense of British actions in the Boer War, entitled "The War in South Africa: Its Causes and Conduct."

Thought for Thursday

THOUGHT: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was knighted, for writing . . . what?

Pop back by around 3, to find out the "write" answer ;)