I’m back with the second post about my original Forgive My Fins novel notebook. (If you missed the first part, check it out here.) In the pages I’m sharing today, I go further into developing the story and the world of my mermaid series.
Character Archetypes
For almost all of my books, part of the process of developing my characters involves using The Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes and Heroines by Tami D. Cowden, Caro Lafevers, and Sue Viders. Assigning an archetype to a character really helps me get into the head and figure out what motivates them.
Mermaid-y Traits
Along the same lines as my rules of magic, whenever I create a creature (like a mermaid) I like to list some special traits or characteristics. This becomes helpful when trying to make sure my characters are unique and feel consistent.
Sparks Fly Scene
Sometimes I just need to write out a scene that shows two characters in peak conflict. The relationship between Lily and Quince has always been contentious (to say the least). I’m not even sure if this particular scene made it into the book, but it definitely shows a clear view of how they interact.
Threads Notes
Often, as I’m writing, certain themes or plot threads pop up that I either didn’t know about at the beginning or that I feel have kind of dropped off along the way. I always make a list that I can refer to as I’m writing and then as I’m revising to make sure that they are fully developed throughout the book.
Self-Revision Notes
Along with the threads list, I also make a self-revision notes list. This can be anything from scenes I need to add or flesh out to changing the name of a character to making sure a character expresses a certain personality or belief.
Lily’s Class Schedule
Keeping track of timing and schedules can get so confusing! Especially when you have a character in school and need to make sure you’re not putting them in two different classes at the same time. Along with the timeline page, if a book takes place during the school year, I make a class schedule and include the teacher’s name and any other characters who are in that class too.
Other Underwater Characters
Because such a big part of worldbuilding is having a cast of characters, I like to keep track of all the secondary and minor characters I introduce along the way in case I need to use them again later
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