Last week, Sensible Shoes discussed hanging guns on the wall. I'd like to talk tonight about characters and the traits that get them into trouble. Character flaws drive plots, engaging the reader's interest, because, really who wants to read about someone perfect? Boring. Superman had Kryptonite, Achilles had that bum heel, Wonder Woman sometimes loses her invisible plane. That has to have happened at least once, right?
Anyhoo, at present, procrastination is the dominant character flaw running amok in my life (the main reason this diary is so short, eek!), so it's easy for me to imagine a character procrastinating his or her way into a situation that backfires spectacularly. So follow me below the fold, and we'll let our characters get into trouble!
Tonight's writing prompt:
Using your usual cast of characters (Togwogmagogian or not),
Hang a character flaw on the wall (50 words or less) then set up/explode a Situation Designed to Explode using that flaw (or one you've previously revealed).
If you're stuck for ideas, try one of these:
Belinda's procrastinated returning a party invitation but has just learned that both Lord Posthlewaite-Praxley (prounounced Puppy) and her arch-rival Adelaide will be attending.
Stout Companion has a fear of cockroaches, but must enter the Hall of the Beetle King to retrieve the Callow Youth.
James Bunns' unfortunately named girlfriend forgets something, fortuitously.
***Author's note: I unexpectedly have the kiddo tonight, and I will try to pop in right around 7pm EST for the east coasters, but I will definitely be around by 9pm EST to respond to comments.
The Write On! timeslot has changed to Thurs 7 pm ET (4 pm Pacific) for the winter.
Before signing a contract with any agent or publisher, please be sure to check them out on a href="Preditors and Editors[/a], Absolute Write and/or Writer Beware.