The Critical Role of Character Development in Writing

Writing a book is a complex and multifaceted process that involves numerous aspects, from developing relatable characters to crafting an engaging plot. In my experience, the focus often lies more on character development than on the plot itself. My journey into storytelling begins and ends with the creation of well-rounded, multifaceted characters.

From Basic Layouts to Rich Characters

Even before starting to write, I have a skeletal framework of where I want the story to go. However, spending extended periods of time on this aspect is less common for me. Instead, the majority of my time is dedicated to developing my characters thoroughly. I aim to create individuals who are so fleshed out that if someone else were to interview them or place them in hypothetical scenarios, I would know exactly how they would react or respond.

This deep character development was an exercise I picked up from a writing seminar focused on character development. But even before that, I knew that the most crucial aspect of writing is to develop characters into relatable, believable individuals. It is the characters themselves who drive the plot forward through their actions and decisions.

The Plot: A Scaffolding for Character Arcs

While character development takes up a significant portion of my writing time, the actual "plot" itself is more like a framework. The bare facts of the matter—such as 'the Colonel killed the Butler in the Parlor with a detailed scale replica of the USS Shenandoah'—are relatively straightforward. The true challenge lies in how these core plot points are presented to the reader in a way that feels satisfying and meaningful.

Every scene is a complex web of interconnected elements, akin to intricate macramé or a clockwork mechanism. When writing, my goal is to ensure that each interaction, dialogue, and revelation advances the characters and the story in a way that resonates with the reader. This process is akin to running calculations on a quantum computer using fuzzy logic, then outputting the results in a poetic form, such as a haiku.

The Poetry of Writing

In the grand scheme of things, the act of typing words takes a relatively small portion of my time, perhaps just 10% of the overall process. This is because my approach to writing is deeply rooted in the art of poetry. My books are composed of poems, where storytelling elements serve as a secondary component to the primary focus of language, imagery, and emotional resonance.

While poetry may not be the dominant form of writing for all, it is essential to recognize that the variety of forms and domains within writing is vast. Fiction writers are just one subset of the broader writing community. There are numerous other genres including poetry, biography, science, history, humor, cookbooks, and even cookbooks!

If you are an aspiring writer, it is imperative not to limit yourself to one form or genre. Explore the vast ocean of possibilities available to you. You don’t need to stay in your comfort zone; instead, venture out and discover new forms and genres that might suit your creative vision.