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Sheryl Crawford is the author of 10 books for children. Easy-to-Read Science Plays: The Human Body (grades 1-2, Scholastic) was released November 2009. Sheryl is published with Standard, Word, and Faithkidz, and has written for Highlights, and BabyBug. She's been a freelance/assignment writer for Clubhouse Jr. since 1993. Her Highlights story, "Kitten's Climb," is part of a reading assessment booklet used in schools throughout the U.S. "Kitten's Climb" can be read Amazon Author page and for more about Sheryl herself, check out her webpage. |
"How My Characters Help Me Self-Edit"
by Sheryl Crawford
"Hey! I would never say something like that! Don’t you know me by now? I’m the main character in your story.”
“Oops! I did it again. So sorry,” I say. “You’re absolutely right. That was out of character. Thanks for reminding me.”
As I write a magazine story, at times I can almost picture my characters standing with arms crossed, scowling and saying, “Did you lose my character description list? You're leaving all the good stuff OUT!”
Editing so that I stay true to the character I’ve created is a must, but sometimes I slip up. When I do, my character list is quick to remind me that I’ve gone astray. If I pay close attention as I self-edit, I’ll stay on target.
Here are a just a few of the things my list may include:
A physical description
Strengths and weaknesses
Likes and dislikes (foods, sports, books, etc.)
Favorite expressions
Special talents
Habits or quirks
Imperfections
Most treasured possession(s)
Serious or funny
Leader or follower
Daring or cautious
Believe it or not, all of those things can come into play in a short magazine story for children.
After reading through one of my manuscripts in progress, I was aghast to realize that my character who loves to crack jokes---DIDN’T! Duh.
If my character is one to take the leadership role in scary situations, but instead becomes a passive follower, then I've ignored my character list. Time for a rewrite. Without those changes my character will refuse to go on!
If my character keeps a messy room and is mighty proud of it, why would I have him hang his favorite hat carefully on a peg, or line his shoes up at the end of his bed like Mr. Monk, the obsessive compulsive detective? My character description list reminds me that he throws all of his hats (even the favored one) in a corner.
The characters we create for our stories are our friends. If we don’t know them, we’ll forget what they’re like. So, occasionally sit on the grass under a tree with your characters. Drink lemonade together. Talk and laugh, and ask them everything you can think of. Have a great time getting to know your friends (then hurry back inside the house and write it all down on your list!)
Mary was like a little lamb,
her character—meek and mild,
but when I didn’t check my list,
I wrote her loud and wild!
Copyright 2008 Sheryl Ann Crawford
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