Directory Writing Workshops

Workshop: Developing Characters With Character

Dancing Word Writers Workshop

with Eva Marie Everson

March 10, 2002

Hosted by: Anne McDonald

Dancing Word Publisher/Editor

*This chat has been edited for clarity

Anne McDonald:  I'll open in prayer, go over protocol, then introduce our guest.

Anne McDonald: Lord, thank You again for Your faithfulness, grace and mercy. Thank You also for Your calling on our lives. Help us to learn our craft and put it to the best use possible. Please bless each participant tonight, and give a special blessing to our guest, Eva. Guide and direct our conversation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ok, protocol reminder....type ! for comments, ? for questions, and ga when you are finished....please wait to be called on in turn.

Tonight, I'd like to introduce Eva Marie Everson. She's been busy this past year or so putting out four books...(Am I right, Eva?)

Eva: That's about right. Somewhere in there.

Anne McDonald: Tonight, she's going to share her techniques for developing characters with character. Please give her a warm welcome.

KiwiElle: welcome

terri-p: clap,clap,clap

nbandrews: welcome

Eva: thank you Annie etal

Eva: Let me begin by asking how many of you played with dolls when you were little? and you can answer me or just nod at the screen. ga

KiwiElle: both of us LOL

terri-p: Nope.

Mimosajo: :::::::::waving::::::::::::

nbandrews: some

Vickie: nope - tomboy here

Eva: Well, I did. I played with Barbie and Midge and Ken and Alan I had the ENTIRE clan of Mattel dolls. I played with them every day, too. Each one had a name, each one had a story.

Anne McDonald: (lucky duck. I had paper dolls)

Eva: (I had those too) and the stories I made up for each of them continued day to day; personalities grew.

I'm glad you mentioned paper dolls, Annie. What is the difference between paper dolls and Barbie dolls?

Anne McDonald: Y ou have to use more imagination

KiwiElle: (I loved paper dolls! I made my own!! And Nessie played with marbles that each had their own personality!!)

Anne McDonald: (lol, Kiwi)

Mimosajo: Dimension and touch

Eva: Exactly. Dimension especially three dimensional vs. one. Have you ever read a book where the characters seemed flat?

Anne McDonald: yep (Dick and Jane)

Eva: It's not a lot of fun. Now think of a book you've read where the characters are ALIVE and even when you put the book down, you feel as though the characters are still with you. That's a good read! Characters push a story along...