Stay in touch with your characters ☎️(Updated)

Sometimes it's a good idea to take a moment to get in touch with your characters to get back up to speed. This could be for several reasons, including if you had to take a break from writing for some time or maybe you're feeling a little disconnected from your characters. Let's face it, life can interrupt the little fantasy world you've created, and it's sometimes difficult to get back on track.

So what do you do?

I write notes about each character and consider what's going on with them during different points in the story. What are they feeling? Do they have an issue that's been on their mind? How are they getting along with other characters? What are their fears or worries? What have they done recently or plan to do in the future? 

Catching up with your characters is similar to catching up with old friends. You want to get a sense of where their headspace is or what's going on in their lives. However, just like everyday people, some characters are more forthcoming than others. You may hit a few walls at times, and if that's the case, you have no choice but to accept it. 

Remember that your characters are the blood in the veins of a story. Regardless of how great the concept unless the characters are relatable, likable, and compelling, the reader might lose interest. For that reason, staying in touch with your characters is an important element in the writing experience. 

Why Counterculture should be a genre 🔪(Updated)

Most people associate the word 'counterculture' with the hippie movement of the 60s and the change in previous attitudes about government, music, social norms, and of course, overall appearance. However, it's a more general term to describe people that go against the 'social norm', and if you've ever read one of my books, you're probably well aware that this accurately describes most of my characters.

I will point out that I'm hardly the first or only writer whose work could fall under this potential category. Many books, television shows, and even movies follow a counterculture of people, often criminals or other social misfits that live a completely different lifestyle from what is considered 'the norm' to the rest of us. Often they are swept under another category, such as crime, or end up with descriptions like 'quirky', which is a little easier to digest than something as broad as the counterculture. I think people associate the word with different things, so perhaps it might cause some confusion.

The reason why many counterculture characters are also criminals is that they go against social norms. This often includes the law. You might even see it to a lesser degree when characters go off the grid, pull their kids out of schools, and live with no fixed address in the middle of the woods. Although they aren't hardcore criminals shooting people, they are probably breaking laws not because they are rebels, so much as they don't acknowledge society's rules.

Although some people mightn't agree with me, I believe counterculture themes will see growth in the upcoming years. With so many crazy things going on in the world right now, I think people will become intrigued with an alternate lifestyle fantasy as a way to escape our stark reality.

Bookmark giveaway! 🤩

While supplies last, I'm giving away bookmarks! 

Making and giving out bookmarks is something I started a few years ago because, quite frankly, I thought it was fun. It seemed only fitting to give out something that demonstrated my hard work, like a business card that carries a punch. Whether or not it created book sales wasn't something I thought about, nor did I want people to feel obligated to purchase my books. Although I must admit when people get something free, they tend to be suspicious. 🤭

If you would like some of these bookmarks, I will send you a few in the mail (while quantities last!). I will need your mailing address (if you're not comfortable giving out your home address, you can always give me your work address) and your name, of course. There are a few ways to contact me:

My website email or private message me on either Twitter or Facebook. Please don't post your personal information on my wall or in the comment section of this blog for your protection. Please put 'Bookmark giveaway' in the subject line.

As I said, quantities are limited, and depending on where you are in the world, it may take some time for the bookmarks to get to you. For more information on my books, check out my website mimaonfire.com and thanks for your support!