- The secret was revealed, but it didn’t make anything better.
- Outdoors in the middle of the night, barefoot, he/she/they twice crossed the rough ground between the orphanage and the empty house.
- “Everyone knows,” the elf said, “and they blame you. Don’t feel bad.”
- I would rather listen to a jackhammer breaking rock than to hear that name again.
- Snow White said, “Happy endings aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.”
Miss Maddox says:
Does anyone have tips for describing the MC’s appearance in a first person POV story? I feel like it can be really hard to make it sound natural. Most of the time when I think about my own appearance, I’m thinking about things that change, like my facial expression or outfit, but in a story, the reader also needs to know the character’s general appearance that doesn’t change. How do you bring that up without it sounding weird? And how early should you bring it up? I normally describe my characters close to the beginning, but in first person stories there’s not always a good reason to bring it up immediately. If you wait, though, then your reader is lost trying to imagine them, which isn’t what I want.
Christie V Powell says:
I haven’t tried writing first person myself, so all I can do is brainstorm with you. I feel like there are ways to creatively sneak it in.
I’ve seen people sneak in hints of appearance while describing other things. (The wind catches my blonde hair as I jog down the road).
Maybe she would think about her appearance if she’s comparing herself with someone else? (At first, I think that my long-lost sister looks nothing like me. Her hair is red, not auburn, and I don’t have freckles. But when the man who brought her calls her insulting names, I immediately recognize her glare.)
Or if he’s comparing himself with a younger version of himself? (I haven’t seen her since I was ten. I was chubby back then, with my dark hair cropped short and long eyelashes I hated because they looked girly).
Or, if it’s something unusual, you could show the reactions of the people around your character. (The old lady is staring in disapproval at the tiger tattoo on my shoulder).
Maybe she’s shopping and she’s trying to see if the item she wants to buy matches her complexion?
He’s just been injured and he’s checking the mirror to see how bad the damage is. (Is my hair long enough to hide the scar?)
Miss Maddox says:
Thank you! This is really helpful! These are all great ideas. I’ll be sure to try some of them out.
M says:
Ms. Powell’s suggestions are good, but if you need another one, you could have another character suggest that the main character change their appearance (new haircut, dye hair, put on some makeup/spend more time in the sun so they aren’t so pale, etc.)
Christie V Powell says:
Good one!
Miss Maddox says:
This is also good! Thanks!
Fiona says:
I was wondering what websites or tools anyone could recommend writing with. I’m currently still planning out my book, but am hoping (more like wishing as planning is taking longer than usual) that I will be ready to write soon, and I’m not sure what is the best place to start writing full manuscript drafts. If there is anyone who very much likes certain sites, or could recommend some that would be greatly appreciated!
Christie V Powell says:
I use google docs for writing my rough drafts because it can be used offline. Once my alpha readers have looked at a chapter and I’ve tweaked it with their suggestions, I move it into Microsoft word for formatting/final edits. There’s a free version of microsoft word connected to my dropbox account, which is where I save most of my writing things.
Some authors swear by Scriviner, which is specifically made for authors. I know that you write chapters/scenes individually and there are places for notes and outlines and inspiration stuff. It’s somewhat costly, so I’ve never tried it.
Did that answer the question?
Fiona says:
Yes, thank you so much! I usually use google docs and have never worked with Microsoft word, but I’ll give it a try when I finish the rough draft!
Miss Maddox says:
I also use Google Docs. I think Microsoft Word is the industry standard for publishing. A lot of people love programs like Scrivener, and I’m sure they’re helpful, but I also don’t think they’re necessary. You don’t need anything that complicated to draft, just somewhere to write it all down. More complicated programs might come in helpful for organizing notes if you have a lot of them. Good luck with your writing!
Christie V Powell says:
Here’s a random question.
I’m writing a YA fantasy retelling of Aladdin and Cinderella. I gave my main character Marjie a pet snake. (It’s an ordinary snake, not evil and not talking). It’s not important to the plot, just a fun character quirk.
I am slightly worried that people who are terrified of snakes would stop reading or wouldn’t relate to Marjie anymore because she keeps one. So, would you put down a book if the character had a pet that you can’t relate to?
Miss Maddox says:
This wouldn’t be a problem for me at all. I would find it interesting to read about a different kind of pet. But I’m also not super terrified of any specific animals, so I can’t say how I would react if I had an extreme phobia. I doubt the majority of readers have phobias that extreme, though.