MB Prompts#4

 Subject: [WRITERS] EXERCISE: some characters...

One of the problems that often makes diving into a new story difficult is
that of dreaming up some characters.  Since we're considering erotica right
now, an obvious possibility is to look at the personal pages, where he's and
she's are advertising to meet someone.  All you need to do is pick an
interesting he and a fascinating she, then consider various ways for them to
meet... to be frustrated and blocked... and then, oh yes, what happened then?

Since you may not have personal pages handy, here are some possibilities...

Pick a number from 1 to 6.  Roll a die, look at your watch and divide the
current second by 10, or whatever, but pick a number...

(No, you have to pick a number first.  Now be a good sport and pick a number!)

1.  A gypsy wind is blowing warm tonight, the sky is starlit, and the time
is right.  I've seen you smiling in the summer sun, I've seen your long hair
flying when you run.  SWM, 5'8", 175#, black/brown, nonsmoker, nondrinker,
hard-working, Harley riding, music loving, reflective, introspective
extrovert, easy to talk with and trusting.  You: a fit SWF, a self
confidence about yourself and your direction, enjoy the outdoors and want to
build a lasting relationship.

2.  My first love was Scarlett O'Hara.  SWM, traveled to Southern Civil War
scenes every scheduled vacation.  C.S.A. enthusiast.  Seeking another
relationship with southern belle same age or older.

3.  DWM, self-employed, healthy, Italian, brown hair/eyes, 5'11", 195#,
glasses.  I enjoy dining out or cooking a nice Italian meal, Florida in
February, romantic and sensitive.  Seeking woman with same interests,
attractive and caring with good sense of humour, not overweight, nonsmoker.

4.  Professionally employed, financially secure, physically fit, honest,
considered handsome, nonsmoking, nondrinking, DWM, 5'5", brown hair, hazel
eyes.  Seeking S/DWF with similar qualities for possible long-term
relationship.  If you still believe in true love and are emotionally
available, please call or write.

5.  Outdoor enthusiast, DWM, nonsmoker, 5'7", 170#.  Seek active,
attractive, slender, physically and sexually adventurous S/DF.  Camping,
canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing and more.  A lover, like holding
hands, kissing, cuddling, being very close.  Need companion to travel, enjoy
natural beauty, hopefully for life.  Long hair a plus.

6.  Dear Earth Girl from New Hampshire.  This is Sailor Boy.  You left me a
message in October.  It was your first time leaving a message.  You were cut
off and I did not get your name or phone number.  Call me back, I want to
talk to you.  Thanks.

So there we have the masculine interest.  Take a moment and think about your
character.  What does this personal ad tell you about them?  What other
characteristics do you see when you picture this character?  What is their
name?

Now pick another number from 1 to 6.

1.  Free spirited but grounded, youthful but wise, well mannered but sensual
DWF, very shy, pretty but not thin, seeks man with character and kindness
willing to open up to me and 2 teens.  I have a messy house, three cats,
interests and energy galore and I love life.

2.  Beauty/brains DWF, 5'11", genuinely attractive, auburn/blue, slender,
sexy, fit, intelligent, fiery, honest, kind, romantic, discerning.  Enjoys
animated intellectual discussion, travel, literature, music, theater,
cooking, wine, nature, animals, horticulture, boating.  Seeking tall, fit,
nonsmoking, college educated, confident, romantic, attentive, highly evolved
man of integrity.

3.  WWF, 5'7", blonde/blue, 2 hands full.  Come on baby, light my fire.  Do
we match?  Me: nonsmoker, passionate, clean, honest, sincere, outgoing.
Enjoy laughter, roaring fires, full moons, slow dancing, camping, ocean,
cards, etc. and being with you.  Looking for functional equipment.

4.  DWF, 5'3", brownish golden hair, hazel eyes, kind, considerate, sensible
mom, no drugs, light drinker.  Looking for male partner who is willing to go
the distance.  Must be sincere, honest, like kids, wanting joy, fulfillment
and happiness in life and not into head games.

5.  DWF, genuine Barbie doll, 5'2", eyes of blue, looking for you.
Requirements: perfect gentleman, extremely well mannered, romantic, caring,
"honest", physically fit, energetic, with many interests.  Mine: dancing,
golf, skiing, work out regularly, very energetic.  If you feel you can
compare, let's share interests and more if we score!

6.  Maid Marion looking for her Robin Hood.  DWF, 5'9", attractive, full
figured, auburn hair, hazel eyes, mom of 1.  Enjoy music, movies, dancing,
football and much more.  Seeking someone honest, caring, good sense of
humour and is interested in a long-term relationship.  Please call or write.

And there you have the other half, she who may get involved with he.  Again,
take a few minutes to dream about the mysterious woman.  Picture her in your
mind's eye.  Listen to her talking on the telephone, in anger, in
laughter... what is her name?

[From The Dating Page February/March 1999... it's a free hand out in local
supermarkets and drugstores.]

With two characters in hand, the next step is to work out how they will
meet, and what happens next.  One possibility is for one of them to not to
be really interested -- maybe he prefers someone else's looks or maybe she'd
really rather find someone who has hair?  This can quickly become a struggle
or chase.

Another possibility is for them both to be interested, but there are
obstacles -- the friend who doesn't seem to realize what is happening, the
parent who does understand what is happening and doesn't like it, the
five-year-old, the dog, even the weather... overcoming conflict is the
essence of story.

In any case, think about the story.  Two characters in a plot... what tries
to keep them apart and what do they do to overcome?

(and don't forget the climax!  :-)

"I'd call it love if love
didn't take so many years
but lust too is a jewel." Adrienne Rich