I’m in the middle of a new WIP. I’ve got a rough outline that keeps me on track but leaves lots of room for growth and spontaneity. I have the back story written for my major characters. I have a potential scene list in a potential order.
I knew that some of the obstacles my MC would run into would be people, but as I approached each new scene I’d get new ideas about who those people were.
I’d been reading The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell and decided to do a Voice Journal for each new character entering the story. I didn’t ask the characters questions. I just let them talk about their lives and what brought each of them to where they are now. I’ve written three of them, each about 1200 words.
Here’s what they are helping me do in my first draft:
- The dialogue is sharper.
- I’m more tuned in to the distinct voice of each character.
- I’m discovering more hidden motives for how my characters are responding.
- I seem to be writing more words in a shorter time.
Have you used a Voice Journal or a variation of one? How did you like it? I’d love to hear your response.
Never have heard of them. I love this idea. I am definitely going to try.
I loved popping on your site just now. The mountain picture and the colors of the boy with the megaphone are breathtaking together.
Thanks, Tina. I hope you have fun with the voice journals.
I’ve heard good things about that book – keep checking at the library to see if they’ve got it yet.
I don’t think I’ve done an actual voice journal as you describe here (I tried an “interview” once– got bored way too fast), but I do “collect” songs that make me think of characters and/or their responses/attitudes, which I imagine serves a similar purpose.
When I get stuck or want to get deeper into a character’s head I’ll listen to the playlist while I do something completely unrelated & it seems to be an effective way to engage my story-brain.
Hi Amy, I really liked The Art of War for Writers. You could probably get it thru inter-library loan. I haven’t used playlists but lots of writers really like them. I’m glad they work for you.
Oooo…I could see imagining my characters on Larry King, Oprah or at the shrinks office getting asked questions or interviewed.
Rachel, those are great ideas. Thanks!
Bell’s Plot & Structure is great, too. I’ve tried this, and it worked really well for some characters, not so well for others. For my less chatty characters, I sometimes make them do group work with the other characters, and as I write their conversation, I get to know them and I get to know how they respond to each other.
Fantastic post!
Thanks Chazley, I also enjoyed Plot & Structure. I like your conversation idea for those less chatty characters.
Sounds awesome. I have done first person narration “journals” but only with my main character. But sounds like a good idea to do it with major secondary characters too. Glad it has helped you!
Hi Laura. The journals have been fun, and well worth it.
I have not done this, but sounds like a great thing to try! thanks for the idea.
Sure thing, Terry!
I’ve never done that before. I might for my next WIP, because in my head they have really distinct voices, so I think I need to get them out on paper.
Thanks for sharing this technique. I’d like to do this with a future wip since it has the potential to make characters more vivid and scenes easier to write.
I’ve never thought of doing that – but it’s an intriguing idea. I’m just cooking up a new character for my WIP and this might be exactly what I need to get her started. Thanks!
I’ve done sketchy outlines w/ motivation and backstory but never anything this in depth. Very interesting to hear how it is helping your writing. That’s always a good thing, right?
You are at least the tenth person to talk about this book. It is decided, I must own it. I need it. Thanks for sharing your voice insight!
Jon, I really like The Art of War for Writers. It’ll be interesting to hear your response to it.
No, I haven’t, and it sounds like a wonderful tool. I did interview some characters once and learned a lot. But I like this idea of a journal for their voices. It seems like it would really lead to more distinct dialogue. Excellent. Hope your trip is wonderful.
Voice Journal… I’m on it. Thank you, again, wise one from the north!
This came to me at a good time, just when I’m sussing out some quirks of my characters… Thanks, Paul.
Yes, I like to have the characters write a letter to me before I start writing. It helps me understand where they’re at.
Jill, I think I do a similar thing when I write a character’s backstory before I start a first draft. I never thought of it as a letter but really, that’s what it is.
I’ve never done this, not in quite the way you’re describing. But I have just let my characters talk to find their voice. I put them in a high-stress situation and write out what they say — or don’t say. Then I do a scene where they’re alone and see what they notice. If they talk to themselves. Etc. It helps me ground myself with who they are and how they talk, what they notice, what they don’t, how they describe things, etc. That’s helped.
Elana, your process sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing it. It seems like a great way to both learn about your characters and maybe discover some yet unnoticed plot twists.
Thanks for all the ideas and expansions regarding voice journals. Lots of rich material here!!
I’ve never tried a voice journal, but I like the idea. That part about helping to make the character’s voices more distinct sounds like a great benefit.
What a great idea! I’ve never heard of voice journals either. I sometimes write out information about characters but I’ve never tried to do it in their own voices.
This is something I’ve got to try. Maybe I’ll do one tomorrow instead of working on the MS. It will be good procrastination.
Cool! I’ve started general character sheets with three 4 main areas of development: General Description, Relationships, Flaws, Words to Describe. I always have conversations with my characters, but I don’t always right them down. I’ll have to check out the Art of War for Writers…thanks!
Nope. No voice journal. I seem to carry the voices around me in my head and I’ve never tried to put the way they sound on paper until I start a story.
Glad it’s an effective tool for you.