And Now for Something Entirely Different

Sometimes you're able to figure out your characters before November. Sometimes, you don't. It's totally fine if you don't really know much about your characters besides a few details when you start writing. In fact, sometimes that's the most fun!

One of my friends usually creates his characters like this. He starts with a general idea, and then the character reveals themself as he writes. I've done this before as well, and it's honestly really entertaining. In one of my stories, a character I play at renaissance faire (you remember the pirate, Vela?), put herself in my book. Out of nowhere. She apparently decided she Had to be part of the story. 

As the story's evolved, she's become integral to certain plot points. (*exasperated author sigh*) Up until this summer, I didn't know Why she was here, or How she knows everything. (She knows pretty much everything about one of my MC's, and seemingly everything that he's been up to, as well as the people he's met.) 

This summer, I went to a writer's retreat and was able to focus on letting Vela speak, so that I could get to know her better, and discover the story she wanted to tell. She still cracks me up and surprises me with things, but I'm much happier having learned more about her and why she plopped herself into the story.

So! If you don't really know what you're doing with building a character, that's ok. Start writing and let the characters speak.