Wednesday Writing Workout: Characterization, from the Feet Up

As I promised on Monday, today's Wednesday Writing Workout is courtesy of the amazingly prolific Debbie Dadey. This exercise sounds deceptively simple. If you give it a try, do let us know how it works for you. And when you're done here, don't forget to enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Debbie's latest chapter book, Treasure in Trident City (Aladdin), from her Mermaid Tales series. 

Wednesday Writing Workout from Debbie Dadey:

Characterization, from the Feet Up

I was lucky enough to attend one of the Highlights’ Chautauqua experiences many years ago. I’ll never forget author Pam Conrad’s workshop about characterization. One exercise stuck with me. It’s easy and that’s probably why I remember it:

• Simply think of your main character and look at his/her feet. What do they look like? Barefoot? Shiny? Polished? Scuffed? 

courtesy of jdurham at morguefile

• Then go up to the legs. Socks? Dirty? Ruffled? Keep going up.
• Do the knees have scabs on them?
• Keep going up until you’ve completely visualized your entire character.

This exercise helped me realize that I was approaching my first novel, Cherokee Sister,

from the viewpoint of the wrong character. I hope it will help you.

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Thank you, Debbie!

Happy writing, everyone.

Posted by Carmela