#looneylune

[thiswasrequired]

What's a farm without managers and supervisors? #itsadog #violettheviolent #looneylune (at New Roots Farm)

[thewritershelpers]

Hey- btw thanks for your great work! I have a novel idea which I've developed into a little more than an idea- I have a vague plotline with a few key elements worked out, but I feel like before I actually begin writing I should do a lot of character development work to start out strong. However, the pages of desire/fears/backstory work many guides recommend is rather daunting. Is this absolutely necessary or is it possible to develop strong characters that "reveal" themselves as I write?

The first thing on most character development guides is physical appearance- hair color, eye color, skin color, etc. What if I don’t want to define those? Would it be frustrating to readers not to give them an explicit character description? I have always struggled with the physical appearance vs. actual personality dichotomy because one does not always reflect the other, although we naturally assume them to. I also don’t want to place them in a specific ethnic context.

You’re absolutely right, looneylune.  Physical appearance does not reflect actual personality and, if you ask me, you’re much better off developing the later than the former.  If you don’t want to define your character’s appearance, that’s your prerogative as the writer.  If you don’t want to place your characters in any specific context, that’s up to you.

You also may want to treat those character development guides as guidelines rather than a strict code.  If you don’t feel that knowing a certain thing about your character is important to the story, don’t fill it out.  If it does turn out to be important later on, you can always go back to it.  Character development is very important but different writers develop characters in different ways and because of this, these guides can’t really be helpful to all writers.  It’s just a matter of finding out what works for you. If that means diving into the story and letting your character develop as you write, then go ahead.  Just be careful about keeping your character consistent.

If I may make a personal suggestion, I find Chuck Wendig’s Zero-Fuckery Guide to be extremely helpful.  He says a bit about your physical appearance concern as well so you may want to look into that especially.

Also, thank you for your kind words.

- A 

[martolun]

looneylune replied to your photo: My Tumblr Crushes: looneylune...

-’ . ‘- oh seriously? hi. um. thanks? :)

Hi c:

Your blog is cool so shh.

[martolun]

looneylune replied to your post: looneylune replied to your post: I might be...

Oh no- I’m in Los Angeles now. I’ll be here for about a month. Graduated from high school- don’t know when I’ll be back there again. :\

Then we wont have a time difference that wont let us talk, yay c:

[martolun]

looneylune replied to your post: I might be going to bed soon. It’s really late,...

Oh don’t worry I should really get to sleep too.

But aren't you in Taiwan?

PS: You should get on skype more, if you want. I enjoy our chats c:

[martolun]

looneylune replied to your post: looneylune replied to your post: looneylune...

Oh- I understand. But still. Alone works too. I rarely do my weird world-wonder-wandering with friends either. Remember- alone doesnt have to mean lonely.

I should do my weird world-wonder-wandering more often too. It makes me feel more alive. You inspire me to do that more often.

Now maybe I should go before my hearts bursts out of happiness... yeah.

Hope I can get to talk to you more often, Lune. Sweet dreams-

[martolun]

I might be going to bed soon. It's really late, sorry if I can't stay to talk.

[martolun]

looneylune replied to your post: looneylune replied to your post: Omg you have no...

awwww *hugging you back*but yeah. I had a point. Take it and run with it. :P It just seems like youre ALWAYS on tumblr.

Yes, you were right. I spend a lot of time online.

I guess it's because all my friends are here, and I am very scared of being alone. I'd gladly do all the things you mentioned if I had someoneone to do them with.