Talent Search

Do you have an unusual or unappreciated talent? I want to hear about it!

 

Memorable fictional characters have a goal, a flaw, and a unique personality. As I type away at the latest novel rewrite, I’m studying the wonderful things that set each crazy character apart from the rest. But I’m stuck.

 

I decided I could infuse more life into my characters by uncovering their unusual talents, so I got out a piece of paper and listed my own for inspiration. Here’s what I came up with:

 

1)     Balloon animals. Not just the easy ones like a snake or a sword, either–I can twist balloons into a dog, a giraffe, and even an elephant.

2)     Stick figures. I’m actually appreciated in (very) small circles for my stick figure drawing. A particularly well received piece was even selected as the logo for my ski team a few years ago (by ski team I’m referring to the friends I eat potato chips and gab with at the lake, but some of us do water-ski now and then).

3)     I keep a tidy closet. Um, yeah. It’s a talent. I’m sure of it.

 

After reviewing my sorry little list, I set it aside on the kitchen counter and blew out a big breath. I wasn’t any closer to what I needed. This morning I picked up my paper again, only to find that my husband had added a few items:

 

4)     Color coordination

5)     Ability to sleep immediately after a mocha

6)     Dog patience

7)     Bargain clothing hunter (aka finding Nordstrom at Target)

 

Although I appreciate his help, I’m still not feeling inspired. So, I’m asking for your help. Tell me about YOUR special talents. I want to hear about the odd, the fabulous, or the unappreciated little quirks that you bring to the world. What do you have to offer than no one else does?

 

 

Building Character

The Backstory Cafe is crowded this morning. My novel-in-progress characters have taken over every table and there is barely enough room left for me to sit on my favorite sofa near the back. Laughter and whispers fill the room, along with the swoosh of the giant espresso machine. I hear spoons clink against mugs and forks tap plates.

I am thankful there was one last chocolate chip scone left in the bakery case for me. I’ll need the sugar boost–I have a lot to do today. I spent yesterday in post-vacation chaos (an empty refridgerator, mounds of dirty laundry, and one needy dog deperate for my attention). Now I need time to work on my manuscript.

As I look around, I nod a greeting to my friends. They aren’t just characters anymore. They are much more important to me than that. We have been together every day for almost two years.

I remember the day I met Cate, my protagonist. Not only is she the main character, she is also the main reason this novel is as far along as it is. From the first day we started working together she was determined to see it to the end. Cate is on a mission to figure out what she wants to do next now that her kids are older and don’t need her at home as much. Her persistence in the face of opposing and often hilarious forces is a good example for me. She doesn’t stop working at it, and neither will I.

I raise my frothy mocha to her in a silent toast, thankful she is here.