Brainstorming and freewriting about your character have proven to provide better writing if done before outlining. This exercise has been modified from the Gotham Writers’ Workshop.

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Write from the POV of this character (either first, second, or third person), which means the character’s consciousness will inform the description.

Falling in love

A. 5 m

YOUR TURN: Think about a character who is going about the mundane job of cleaning his or her home. List different places they touch, how they will clean.

B. 5 m Let it linger

The character has just recently fallen in love, and you should let this emotion color the description without being directly stated.

YOUR TURN: Take a break and make yourself a cup of coffee, tea, or just do a little cleaning, letting your character linger in your mind while you do something mundane. Imagine how your character feels about the things they touch, and how that colors the description.

C. 20 m Freewrite

Keep in mind that there is no editing aloud in freewriting. It’s like doodling for the writer. No rereading, no spellcheck.

YOUR TURN: Freewrite a scene about this character going about this mundane task. Remember that there is no editing. Freewriting is like doodling for the writer. Don’t use your eraser, don’t worry if you’re writing the right thing… just write.

*Write from the POV of this character (either first, second, or third person), which means the character’s consciousness will inform the description.

Breakup

A. 5 m Brainstorm: List

YOUR TURN: Think about a character who is going about the mundane job of cleaning his or her home. List different places they touch, how they will clean.

B. 5 m Let it linger

The character has just recently gone through a breakup, and you should let this emotion color the description without being directly stated.

YOUR TURN: Take a break and make yourself a cup of coffee, tea, or just do a little cleaning, letting your character linger in your mind while you do something mundane. Imagine how your character feels about the things they touch, and how that colors the description now that they are no longer in love.

C. 20 m Freewrite

Keep in mind that there is no editing aloud in freewriting. It’s like doodling for the writer. No rereading, no spellcheck.

YOUR TURN: Rewrite the passage, knowing this character, the same character, has gone through a breakup. You’ll see how different the world looks depending on how people feel.

1. If you’re having trouble picking a name.2. If you’re really stuck… try these questions….