There are so many parts to a novel. Everything we put into one, big or small, makes the novel what it is and reflects a bit of ourselves as well.
I believe in stories we're able to see an authors passion, or we're able to display our own passion, and clearly we each have our own favorite aspects of novel writing.
So, I'm curious, which of these three are you most passionate about when writing your novel?
Plot
Everything from the opening hook to the resolution. This is what fuels the story and makes readers want to keep reading. Is this where your passion lies, in creating a tale that draws people in and moving them from one scene to the next?
Setting
Maybe this is your forte. Inventing a world, whether based on reality or not, for your characters to live in. To me, this encompasses a lot of the research aspects of a novel, too. History, careers, or realistic depictions of a town or city, this element of novel writing combines creativity with accuracy and welcomes readers by making them feel like they're there.
Characters
This element is very much about relationships and compatibility. This is the part where you can create people that not only seem realistic in the plot you've laid out but also whether or not you can get readers to fall in love with them.
So where does your passion lie and why?
For me, I'm all about the characters. I typically can't form much of a plot unless I'm familiar with the characters and already feel something for them. My goal is to write characters so powerful they stay with readers long after the book is over.
I'd love to know which of these three is what you enjoy the most or feel you're the best at!
Definitely characters. I'm struggling with plot right now. Arggghhh.
ReplyDeleteIt's characters for me too. Even when I read. I can appreciate a good plotted book but if I don't LOVE the characters it doesn't hold the same spark.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm probably a plot first novelist. I think about what might happen...a series of events...then try to think of what kind of characters those events would be the most difficult on. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely passionate about the characters - about how they grow and change and learn throughout the course of the novel.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Cindy!
I'm a characters-first writer. I have trouble writing them unless I know them well. That knowledge enables me to devise a plot that will challenge them, stretch them, and enable them to experience the growth needed to reach their HEA.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm a nice balanc of plot and characters. I write suspense, so plot is important. But I also love characters and think they make/break the story.
ReplyDeleteWow, it looks like a lot of us are character people! It's hard not to enjoy becoming invested in someone else's life, even if they are fictional :) Thanks for the interesting responses!
ReplyDeleteCast my vote for characters too! Both in writing and reading, to me it's the characters that make a story credible and draw me in to their world.
ReplyDeleteI must love the characters to write well. It takes a lot of work for me to love them, though. And a good editor or crit partner helps, too--someone who can steer you back on track and rekindle that love with good suggestions.
ReplyDeleteOh, it's all about the characters for me too! I too dream of creating a character to remember...like Anne of Green Gables, She has stayed with me through the years. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Cindy. It's good to be back here. :)
Characters. I find people far more interesting than places and stories.
ReplyDeleteI'm always cheering for my characters! They are my favorite focus in writing.
ReplyDeleteI think my stories are more plot driven than character driven. Being an action/dialogue type of gal, setting often sends me racing to the nearest wall to bang my head.
ReplyDeletevery thoughtful!
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