CHARACTER COUNTS

One of my favorite writing organizations is Southern Breeze, my region's branch of SCBWI (Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). A year and a half ago at a conference I heard editor and author Jaira Placide (now at Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Hyperion) advise authors to concentrate on two elements: character and premise. She said to spend less time worrying about plot and put your energy into creating unforgettable characters in unforgettable situations. Today, pull your characters out and look at them in a new light. Who are they? What makes them unique? What about them will make the reader want to be that character?