In HIRAM’S GIFT, I wanted to create
a humble, caring, good-natured, hard-working character—easier said than done in
the short text of a picture book. So I structured the book over a period of several
years to showcase the Christmas gifts Hiram received as opposed to what he had
hoped to receive. His reactions SHOWed his emotions and humbled nature, which
works better than me TELLing them. He hoped for a fiddle but received a
harmonica. He by-passed disappointment and embraced the idea of learning to
play a harmonica with joy.My goal is to hang a suitable name on the protagonist that fits the story and the time. Page or Armor are more appropriate names for the pet of a knight than Fluffy. Also, use a name the audience can easily read. "Pfogmoregetti" might fit the character, but the difficulty of pronouncing it forces the reader to stop and focus on the name, rather than the action.
Characters give life to the story. Take time to know the character prior to writing. Focus on his/her uniqueness: hobbies, habits, fears, hopes, goal, temperament, vocal expressions, gestures, etc. A memorable character lives on in the minds of the readers after the book is finished.
Call
for Submissions for Young and Adult Writers:
Pearl S Buck Short Story Writing Contest!
§ Send your original and unpublished manuscript to The Pearl S. Buck Writing Center by April 15, 2017.
§ There are categories for children, teens and adults, and a winner in each will be awarded a $100 prize!
§ Grades 3-6 word count not to exceed 1000 words
§ Grade 7-12 word count not to exceed 1000 words
§ Adult word count not to exceed 2,500 words
§ This contest is open to everyone.
§ The winners will be announced at the 125th birthday celebration of Pearl S. Buck on June 26, 2017.
Submission guidelines at
https://psbwritingcenter.org/2017/01/18/2017-short-story-writing-contest/
Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook,
SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK. Check out her blog at www.nancykellyallen.com
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