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on Friday, February 22nd, 2008 at 12:01 am
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What a gorgeous cover, Mechele! I agree with you, it’s the simple gestures that humanize our characters making them become more believable.
by Tempest Knight February 22nd, 2008 at 7:28 amIt’s kind of funny but I have read the small stuff and it does stick with you even if you don’t really realize it. I completely agree it does give you insight into the characters.
by Larena Wirum February 22nd, 2008 at 10:17 amLoved your blog, Mechele. Those little snippets in a story are what changes a character from ho-hum to intriguing.
Another Alien series fan waving here!
by Cathy M February 22nd, 2008 at 2:00 pmThis is a great post, Mechele. I agree about the small details enriching scenes and it’s a reminder to me to think about things even more and add in the small details.
I like your new cover. It goes very nicely with my website.
by Shelley Munro February 22nd, 2008 at 2:17 pmGreat post, Mechele.
by Estella February 22nd, 2008 at 2:39 pmLove the book cover!
I do remember that scene in “Honor’s Splendor.” I’m going to check out the Bloodlines series.
by Jane February 22nd, 2008 at 2:53 pmComing up with the small stuff can be harder than it sounds. Sometimes, when a character is very clear to me, it flows off the proverbial pen. Other times I can’t come up with anything special.
by Alice Audrey February 22nd, 2008 at 5:25 pmI remember most a short snippet in “Blade Runner” where an origami unicorn reveals that Dekker too is a revenant.
It always amazes me how few people understand it significance, yet it explained the whole film.
by Amy Gallow February 22nd, 2008 at 5:35 pmI loved your explanation about making characters stand out.
I’ve talked to my friends about authors whose secondary characters aren’t just cardboard cutouts. They matter even though they aren’t the focus of the book.
Great blog topic.
by Ann M. February 22nd, 2008 at 6:27 pmgreat post. yummy cover
by Pamk February 22nd, 2008 at 7:30 pmLove the cover and the blog! I agree its the small things that can say so much more than narration or dialogue. Stay out of their heads… show what they are thinking, what they are like.
by Marissa Alwin February 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 pmGood topic!
Mari
Thanks Tempest. And it’s amazing how a small detail can do that.
Larena, isn’t it funny how it does stay with you? The more I thought about the topic, the more I realized how much could be revealed.
Cathy M *waves back* I love the different flavor of all the movies. Thanks for commenting.
Shelley, I did notice how well the cover coordinates to your website LOL. Makes it a beautiful blog *G*.
Thanks Estella!
Jane, it’s amazing how that scene has stuck with me. Hope you like what you see on Blood Lines *G*.
Alice, it can be difficult. Some characters just aren’t as revealing as others. Hope you find your character’s quirks.
Amy G, I was talking to my husband and as soon as I mentioned your comment on Blade Runner, he was like “Oh yeah. It’s critical.” It is neat how such a small thing is vital.
Ann M., I do think it makes a difference, especially with secondary characters. I wouldn’t have cared about the marines in Aliens half as much if they all hadn’t had their quirks and small parts.
Thanks Pam K!
Marissa, thanks for the comment. It’s amazing how much a small detail can reveal.
by Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen February 23rd, 2008 at 7:00 amGreat post Mechelle! I love your book’s cover and can’t wait to try it.
by caitlin hoy February 23rd, 2008 at 8:23 amCaitlin
After reading your post I had to go back and watch Aliens last night. It was funny but I was talking to DH about it and all the things you had mentioned he remembered and yeah don’t your remember this or that.
So last night we watched the movie again and I was looking for the things you mentioned.
by Larena Wirum February 23rd, 2008 at 9:33 amThe contest winner’s name is coming soon. Promise!
by Shelley Munro February 23rd, 2008 at 7:14 pmThanks Caitlin! I’m excited about the cover.
LOL Larena, you know? I ‘ve been wanting to watch that movie, too, since talking about it. How neat.
Shelly, it’s coming….now.
The Winner is: Jane. Email me at mechele@mechelearmstrong.com with your choice from my backlist.
Thanks so much for having, Shelley! I had a blast.
by Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen February 24th, 2008 at 4:36 pmThank you, Mechele! Come on down, Jane!Congratulations.
by Shelley Munro February 24th, 2008 at 6:52 pm