by Diana Murray
Picture books are as varied as the potions in a witch’s cupboard. Some are spicy and bubbly, while others are mellow and sweet. So which kinds of stories are editors and agents clamoring for? Well, their tastes are just as varied. But one thing that seems to be on everyone’s wish list is this: character-driven stories. A few examples include FANCY NANCY by Jane O’Connor, LLAMA LLAMA RED PAJAMA by Anna Dewdney, PINKALICIOUS by Elizabeth Kann, RUSSELL THE SHEEP by Rob Scotton, SKIPPYJON JONES by Judy Schachner, PETE THE CAT by Eric Litwin, LADYBUG GIRL by David Soman and Jacky Davis, MAX AND RUBY by Rosemary Wells, and SCAREDY SQUIRREL by Mélanie Watt. As you can see, character-driven books have great series potential and overall marketing potential. When readers fall in love with a character, they want to read more about him/her, and it’s fun to visualize what other sorts of situations the character may get into.
This doesn’t mean that character-driven stories are the only kinds that sell or do well in the marketplace. Nor does it mean that writers should focus primarily on pleasing editors or following trends. The best writing comes from the heart! But with that in mind, if you want to explore the possibilities of a character-driven story, here is one quick and easy recipe for brewing up a strong concept. Two ingredients are all you need!
- Personality Trait
- Conflicting Goal
I recommend you start off with a list of your own personality traits. This will make it easy for you to feel an emotional connection with (and understanding of) the trait.
My list might look something like this:
- introverted
- joker
- nerdy
- perfectionist
- quiet
- creative
- analytical
- messy
- quirky
- worrier
Pick one trait (or several, if you’re feeling bold!). Next, choose a goal. Not just any goal, but specifically a goal that is in opposition to the trait you selected. When I wrote GRIMELDA, THE VERY MESSY WITCH, I chose the trait of being “messy” and made the goal “to find an item the character desperately wants/needs.” Or let’s say, for example, I choose “quiet”, then perhaps the goal would be to sing on stage, or speak out against something, or win an international yodeling contest. Sprinkle the goal in with your trait and–POOF! Instant conflict. And the conflict is intrinsically related to the essence of the main character. Adding conflict to a story is one way of encouraging readers to keep turning the pages. They’ll want to find out what happens next! Now, how will your character attempt to reach that goal or face that problem in his/her own unique way?
Feel that story bubbling to life? Now all you have to do is write (and revise, and revise) the rest. Of course, that’s the hard part. But a little inspiration magic can go a long way!
Diana Murray is the author of several forthcoming picture books including, CITY SHAPES (Little, Brown, Spring 2016), NED THE KNITTING PIRATE: A SALTY YARN (Roaring Brook Press, Winter 2016), and GRIMELDA, THE VERY MESSY WITCH, plus a sequel (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, Summer 2016, 2017). Diana is the recipient of two SCBWI Magazine Merit Awards (2013 and 2014) and an Honor (2013) for poetry. She also won the 2010 SCBWI Barbara Karlin Work-In-Progress Grant for a picture book text. Diana is represented by Brianne Johnson at Writers House. She was raised in New York City and currently lives in a nearby suburb with her husband, two very messy children, and a goldfish named Pickle. Diana’s character GRIMELDA was brewed up during the first official PiBoIdMo, back in 2009! You can read more about that experience here.
For more information and news, you can visit DianaMurray.com or follow Diana on twitter: @DianaMWrites.
Diana is giving away a picture book critique!
This prize will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for this prize if:
- You have registered for PiBoIdMo.
- You have commented ONCE ONLY on today’s post.
- You have completed the PiBoIdMo challenge. (You will have to sign the PiBoIdMo Pledge at the end of the event.)
Good luck, everyone!
Great way to look at character. I especially like the idea of adding another personality trait to my main character.
Thank you so much for this great tip for getting the character/story. I just had an “aha!” moment. So clever. Thank you.
Great post Diana! I agree you shouldn’t follow trends to write a Character-Driven story, but it would also be nice to try one since my stories tend to be more journey focused. This seems like a simple yet effective method.
Thanks, Diana! You put it into very simple, manageable terms- personality trait and conflicting goal. Got it.
Great post!
Dana Edwards
What a great recipe! Thanks so much.
Great post! Thanks, Diana! (And I’m looking forward to reading your picture books!) :)
What great inspiration! I’m off to make my list. =)
A weak character goal or a tepid internal/external problem makes for a blah story. The more conflict/obstacle, the better.
Lisa Connors
I find character development difficult in 500 words. Thanks for the reminder and ‘formula’ of how important it is to really know their personality.
Thanks, Diana. You make it sound so simple! Time to make some lists:)
‘Great advice . This is a keeper
Fantastic resource, thank you… so helpful and inspiring, using now.
What could be better than starting the day with a great AHA moment! Thank you so very much for the magical sprinkle of inspiration!
Thanks Diana, I needed that advice today. Reaching the doldrums point of PBIM. Now, I’m fueled up and ready to go!