I’ve been plotting out my NaNo novel (as one does), and during the process realized that my main character is someone I already know.
Let me backtrack: I have a great fondness for writing sequels. The story I’ve been editing — the one I referred to in my last post — might not be my best work but it has spawned a whole world of other stories.
I didn’t realize this new one was supposed to be another piece of the existing puzzle until I got there and started matching up the edge pieces. It is such a relief to know I’ll be wading back into familiar waters. In each of these sequels I’ve taken a minor character and given them their own life and their own story. It pleases me no end to know that this character, who I’ve only used sparingly in the past, is about to get her own turn in the spotlight… and in a world I know so well that telling stories about it is really second nature.
This just goes to show that there really are no minor characters. Everybody is the star of his or her own show. All it takes is for the spotlight to turn in the right direction.
(Can it be November yet, please? Now I’m ready to start.)
Dreaming in Character 
October 21, 2014 at 7:08 pm
I have been wanting to read Marian’s story since Denny’s. :squee:
I love it when a story slides into established canon. I don’t have to build a world on top of everything else and my secondary characters are generally pretty solid too. 🙂 Then there’s tone and style and vocabulary and sometimes structure that come built in… It’s just easier in a way.
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October 21, 2014 at 7:32 pm
It’s like going back home.
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October 21, 2014 at 7:54 pm
Yes! (see how much more articulate and concise your version is! 🙂 )
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October 21, 2014 at 8:01 pm
Haha.
Marien, though… she’s such a wide-open character. I can’t wait to find out all the things that make her tick.
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