Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little. I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel. Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.
I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.
Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.
The steps in making and using a character in a novel are as follows:
1. Development of the character
2. Revelation of the character
a. Description of the character - introduction
b. Voice of the character
If you've been following along, you know I started this dive into creative process with the two main characters. These characters were well developed before I started the novel. To me the main characters are the novel. Okay, okay, there is this thing called the plot, but in reality, the characters are what make the novel. The plot's important too, but it flows out of the characters. What do I mean by that?
In the novel Aksinya, the plot flows out of the fact that Aksinya conjured up a demon. If you call a demon and contract yourself to it, you really have only three choices:
1. Go along with the demon
2. Try to control the demon
3. Try to get out of the contract
Based on Aksinya's personality, you know she will not choose number one. She tries number two, but doesn't get anywhere. So, the novel eventually turns to number three. Add in the details of Aksinya's history and the motivations of the demon and the novel almost writes itself. That's not to say another author with the same material might not write something completely different. It means that the plot springs from the characters.
I'll introduce you to some more example, tomorrow.
I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
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