Discussion topic: Finding the voice.
This is one of the biggest problems I tend to have as a writer of fanfic. Finding the voice of a character. Some characters come easy but others I just cannot get so I thought I'd bring the question to other writers and see how they deal with it.
I am interested in how other writers get inside characters heads and settle on a voice. And more specifically how they do that with characters they do not normally write.
Normally, for me, examining the character and how her/she has reacted in similar circumstances give me an idea of mood and tone. Sometimes even the pacing and dialog can be deduced from that. But many time there is no similar situation. What then?
As an example I have a really tough time writing Cuddy. I like her and all but I just don't feel I write her well. I feel more like I'm projecting what I want her to be than actually writing who she is. But a character like Cameron, I just have no clue where to start. I don't care for her, never really have. Her character has been all over the board with nothing I find to be a real center so trying to figure out how she'd act or what she'd say in any given situation is very difficult for me.
And even House himself is sometimes tough to figure out because he is so eclectic in his interests. Even though there is a wide range of retorts you could choose, what mood triggers what responses?
And what about when you are writing complete fluff? Most I've read are still "in character" but with the characters in very unreal situations and circumstances.
I realize that having a good understanding of who the character is and what they are about is the core but, as with me and Cuddy, sometimes I feel it's not enough or that maybe I haven't fully grasped the character.
So hints, suggestions, discussion on difficulties you've experience and either overcome or are still looking for answers. All is welcome.
I am interested in how other writers get inside characters heads and settle on a voice. And more specifically how they do that with characters they do not normally write.
Normally, for me, examining the character and how her/she has reacted in similar circumstances give me an idea of mood and tone. Sometimes even the pacing and dialog can be deduced from that. But many time there is no similar situation. What then?
As an example I have a really tough time writing Cuddy. I like her and all but I just don't feel I write her well. I feel more like I'm projecting what I want her to be than actually writing who she is. But a character like Cameron, I just have no clue where to start. I don't care for her, never really have. Her character has been all over the board with nothing I find to be a real center so trying to figure out how she'd act or what she'd say in any given situation is very difficult for me.
And even House himself is sometimes tough to figure out because he is so eclectic in his interests. Even though there is a wide range of retorts you could choose, what mood triggers what responses?
And what about when you are writing complete fluff? Most I've read are still "in character" but with the characters in very unreal situations and circumstances.
I realize that having a good understanding of who the character is and what they are about is the core but, as with me and Cuddy, sometimes I feel it's not enough or that maybe I haven't fully grasped the character.
So hints, suggestions, discussion on difficulties you've experience and either overcome or are still looking for answers. All is welcome.