Developing Characters on the Web

My Webster’s dictionary is getting dusty. I used to love leafing through the pages to find a definition or correct spelling. Now the only times I grab it are to challenge my husband during wicked games of Scrabble. Like everyone else, I’ve turned to the web.

Researching Words

If it were just about the definitions, I might still be using Webster’s, but the beauty of the web is seeing the words used.

When you’re writing fiction this is invaluable. We work hard to give our characters — that can range from local butchers to marine biologists — the right vocabulary. However, it we don't understand the vocabulary is used, when they start speaking on the page they can sound stilted, or worse, mentally challenged.

The web now allows us to see people using our new vocabulary words. For example:

 • I came across the word “meme” with respect to a website. As a techno-dork I didn’t know what one was, but was sure the website designer in my story would be familiar with the term. And even as techno-challenged as I am, I was confident he’d never utter sentences like “I’ve got a bunch of memes in my pocket,” or “Hey, you got some memes for sale.” So I hit to the web.

 • Wikipedia was my first stop, but the definition was too general.

• Next I Googled “What is meme”.

 This time I found out from Chrisg.com that “for bloggers Memes have become synonymous with internet quizzes, surveys, and novelties that people link to and pass around on their blogs, forums and via email, things like the “which superhero are you most like” test…”

 • Finally (and this is cool part) I started reading the comments. Now I could see people using the term in casual conversation. Jackpot!

Could my Webster’s have done that? No. But if I'm going to beat my husband at Scrabble I'm still going to have to keep it close. 

Spicing Up Your Research

Hi,

Does all your research take place in a library or in front of a computer? Try spicing things up. 

Jump in the Car

If you're writing a scene that needs a little local flavor, check out the local flavor firsthand. Even if you've been to the location before, I guarantee it'll be different visiting it as a researcher.

One I needed to write an action scene that took place at the State's Capital. I used to work there and thought I knew it pretty well. But once I arrived and looked at it through the eyes of my characters, it was a whole new experience. Objects I'd never paid much attention to, like fire extinguishers, ceiling-high banners and stone vases, all became props my characters ended up using  in an elaborate chase scene.

Be a Spectator

What if your character is experiencing something you're likely never to experience . . . screwing up a piano recital, painting a mural or arresting a bad guy? It's easier to write something when you've been an eye witness, and you can often use your writer status to get a front row seat. 

Personally, I enjoy ride-alongs. I've ridden with a police man, a pizza delivery guy and even a beekeeper taking bees across country. I enjoy it so much, I'll ride along with someone just IN CASE I need it for future research. 

Talk to a Live Person

To heck with chat rooms! If your dairy farm scene feels a little flat, go talk to a farmer. You'll now only find out about milking cows and row crops, you'll learn the latest dairy jargon and what makes a diary man tick. 

Research can be a blast! And adding life to your research can only add life to your writing.

Have fun!! 

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