Monday, February 25, 2013

Amy Wilentz on Writing about People

Amy Wilentz wrote a wonderful essay on how to make people come alive for your readers. She begins:
When you write nonfiction characters, you have to be vigilant and observant (this leads to good fiction writing, as well). People consist, for other people, of four things: what they look like, where they are, what they say, and what they do. Ask any actor. It’s all about: costume; setting; dialogue, and movement or action.
Here's the rest:  here.  I particularly enjoyed her observations on how you have to love your character, at least a little bit.

2 comments:

Linda B said...

I've been so busy, Ruth, but just read on Irene's post that it is your birthday too, or was, if I missed the time zone. Happy, happy Birthday! Hope it's special, or WAS special!

Author Amok said...

Hi, Ruth. I like your advice here, about character. At my critique group last night, we talked about this kind of "staging." In what order does a character see and do things? Would he see a fire first, or does stepping onto his doorstep happen before he sees?

Happy birthday to a fellow Pisces! There seem to be many of us among the PF ranks.