I’m working on a series of short stories with varying topics, characters and styles. It’s quite liberating being able to write widely for the one overall piece of work.

When beginning to write, especially when getting into the characters, for me it’s a little like being on a second date.

I know who I’m meeting, where they live, most of the facts about their life, their likes and dislikes. But I’m not yet familiar with their voice, their sound, their attitude, how they express themselves or even how they think and feel.

I begin with my overall story plan in mind, with the focus on the structure, tension and plot points. Usually, one character pulls into the driving lane and starts to speak. I get to know him/her a little and develop the relationship from there. However, sometimes as I’m writing and getting into the main character, another one pops up her head and commands my attention. It is actually her story! She needs to tell this and from her perspective. 

This is exactly what happened with my current short story. I was writing from a male character’s perspective: he was to be my protagonist. This was not to be! The secondary character came hurtling to forefront demanding to be heard and completely flipped the dialogue.

I love this dance on the page, the learning and discovery!

If you have ever done ballroom dancing, writing can be like a progressive dance. You start with your partner, move to the next, eventually meeting all the different dancers on the floor and return to the beginning. Then do it all over again!

Writing down into the character, finding the things that need to drop away from the story, the little nuances that navigate themselves into the moment in a fluid, natural way is exciting! A true journey of discovery. 

That’s part of the joy of writing for me. Even though they are my words, my ideas and theme, these characters are real, alive and reveal themselves as friends, or foes, to enrich and deepen the story.

So, whilst structure and outline are essential as a writer, I think, more importantly, is allowing creativity, free flow, and intuition in welcoming your characters to the page. 

That’s where the magic happens!

It’s early in the relationship for my character and I, but I like her already. 

I wonder where she will lead me?

Samantha xx