This past week, I was invited to speak about character development to a creative writing class at a local community college – specifically focusing on how I develop my characters.
To be honest, I never gave much thought to my process. It was just something that happened. But the speaking invitation gave me a reason to think about how it all occurs for me.
When it comes to my characters, I tend to spend a lot of time with them. They hang out with me while I’m at work. (I’ll be the first to admit this isn’t always convenient. It’s not easy trying to focus on my job when my characters keep vying for my attention.) They ride with me to the grocery store and walk with me on the beach. I guess you could say we develop a friendship of sorts.
As I learn about the characters, there’s so much information coming at me – it’s easy to forget the little details. I’ve tried a variety of methods to keep my facts straight. Not all of them have been successful. If you do a google search, you’ll find bookoos of these type of forms. After looking at several examples, I decided to make one that fit my needs. If you find that the sheet works for you, please feel free to use it.
Thanks for stopping by and joining in the celebration of the release of clutch: a novel
Clutch is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit story that chronicles the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer, who goes through a series of unsuccessful romantic relationships she compares to various styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to stand up for the handbag style that embodies what she ultimately wants – the “Clutch” or someone to hold onto.
Check out the book trailer:
Meet Lisa Becker:
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m fortunate to have had a series of wonderful careers outside of writing including being a wife, mom, PR professional, college professor, volunteer and Girl Scout troop leader. Clutch: a novel is my 4th book and is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit story that chronicles the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer, who goes through a series of unsuccessful romantic relationships she compares to various styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to stand up for the handbag style that embodies what she ultimately wants – the “Clutch” or someone to hold onto.
Each writer has their own rituals – some listen to music while others drink coffee. What do you do to bring on your muse?
I like to write with the television on in the background. When I first started writing years ago, I was obsessed with Law & Order reruns. Now, I can’t seem to get enough of NCIS. I guess there’s a part of me that likes to see justice served.
When it comes to a new novel, what/who usually shows up first? The idea for the story or the characters?
Clutch: a novel actually started out as a screenplay that was optioned by a production company housed at one of the major movie studios summer 2014. Unfortunately, it fell out of development. I was eager to have this fun story with some of my favorite characters told, so I turned it into a short novel earlier this year. My hope is that the book will renew interest in the story as a movie.
When I was writing part of the Click Trilogy, (Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click, Right Click) I saw an episode of NCIS where one of the characters mentioned that men were like purses – something useless to hang on a woman’s arm. I started thinking about how men are like handbags and the idea grew from there.
How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on their meaning or because you like how it sounds? What other things do you consider when naming your characters?
Names certainly can tell you a lot about a person. For this book, I tried to think of names that fit the characters’ regional, cultural and economic backgrounds, as those were important qualities to understanding who they are as people and why they act the way they do.
Thinking about your latest novel: If one of the supporting characters could step off the page and join you for lunch, which would you choose and why?
Mike is definitely a character I would enjoy spending time with. I must admit that I developed quite a crush on him while I was creating him. I told my husband he better watch out or he just may lose me to my book boyfriend.
Which would you prefer: Hiking/Camping or Dinner/Movie
Dinner and a movie for sure. And if it happens to be Chinese take-out from Bamboo and a good chick flick, even better.
At the end of your life, when it is all said and done, what would you want your tombstone to read?
Here lies Lisa Willet Becker – a great wife, mother, friend and citizen who wrote books and movies people loved.
About Lisa Becker
In addition to her new book, clutch: a novel, Lisa Becker is the author of the Click Trilogy, a contemporary romance series comprised ofClick: An Online Love Story, Double Click and Right Click. She’s written bylined articles about dating and relationships for “Cupid’s Pulse,” “The Perfect Soulmate,” “GalTime,” “Single Edition,” “Healthy B Daily” and “Chick Lit Central” among others. She lives in Manhattan Beach, California with her husband and two daughters. To learn more, visit www.lisawbecker.com.
Connect with the author:
I have a love/hate relationship with autumn.
There’s October by U2 – Seriously, what’s not to love about that!
(No intent to infringe on any copyrights by sharing this video.)
There’s the fun stuff like driving out to Mike’s Farm and going on a hayride, decorating for Halloween and enjoying the fire pit. There’s apples and caramel dip, sweet potatoes and warm soup on chilly evenings. There’s football games and county fairs. There’s this feeling of hearth and home – of gathering the family – of sharing the harvest. This is what fall means to me…
BUT:
There are days that I hate the very existence of the fall season. There’s the migraines brought on by the neighbors burning moldy leaves and the headaches that announce the arrival of a new weather front. Yes, my head is in fact a barometer. Satellite out at your house? No problem – give me a call. My noggin is a sensitive instrument – capable of picking up on the slightest weather change. Yesterday, we had a high in the low 70’s. Today, we topped out in the upper 50’s. I woke up last night – my head aching, announcing the arrival of the latest front.
Gotta love a built in barometer.
NOT.
dsmcknight.com 