Posted by
As a reader you get drawn into a storyline by what its characters do or say. As a writer, the same process applies. When you are writing a story you have a vague idea where it may go. But as the story develops, it changes direction at a sometimes frightening speed.
You write a sentence or a paragraph off the top of your head, look at it, and substitute one word for another until you are satisfied. Later on in another paragraph, you realise that your original thought is no longer applicable. So you go back and rewrite it to make it lead up to the thought you had in the following paragraph, or you abandon your later notion for the former.
If your characters are strong in the sense of being well defined, you already know how they will react to any given situation. To keep your reader wanting to know more, the trick is not to make them predictable in their actions. Just think about how you would react in a given situation and use it in your storyline. We humans are largely predictable. As a writer you do not have that luxury.
If your characters find themselves in some kind of tricky situation, would they simply wade in not caring about the outcome, or would they either formulate a plan to solve the problem, or run away and ignore it? The amount of detail you impart to your potential readers, both personal to the character and the situation, is determined by the basic premise of the storyline.
But if you don’t wish your story to appear predictable, it has to remain open ended until it reaches its conclusion. Of course, not all stories have a logical conclusion. If your story leaves your readers asking questions, wanting to know more, that is to the good.
I’m currently dealing with a story involving a kidnapping. How would I feel if I were related to the victim? How would I react? Would I simply wait until I was contacted by the kidnappers, or would I take the law into my own hands, or call in the assistance of friends?
The one thing your story must be besides being readable, is fluid.
  |   |   |
|---|
I find that very true in my own writing. Good article Jack.
Thank you Elizabeth. All any of us who love writing need is a common sense approach to the story we are currently writing, regarding our characters. The simplest trick is to put yourself in the shoes of the character(s).
Great article Jack. I find writing as a ghost writer, interviewing the couple and their moving story, I have a great path as writing since I continue to talk with them one on one. They are a local couple and interviewing skills has given me some level of seeing the story as we continue from year to year during their life which was filled with anger, griet, unexoectations, pain, love, and the unusual. But, even as I move forward I tell them this book is not going to be straight forward, keeping the reader in suspense is so important. I agree with everything you say. Always a wonderful word of advice Jack, with your keen outlook on writing. Sincerely, nancy
Thank you Nancy, but all I really did was to point out the obvious.
So true Jack. I find that I only write well when I know my characters intimately. Almost living with them for the entire writing process. But sometimes, a character just won't gel clearly in you mind and this is when a story can go flat.