Story Dwellers

 

Seems like some of my favorite bloggers, Quanie, Chrys, Gina and Kelly, are discussing goals and marketing these days, and well they should; folks like me can always use some great advice and a nudge! 

In this wondrous age of technology a vast array of marketing tools are right at our fingertips awaiting only our creative input.  In considering this it occurs to me that there are also marketing allies to be found in not simply the story substance, but in the characters which propel that substance to its most desirable form.

For instance, I recently had the most extraordinary chat with a few story dwellers; dawdling about the Imagination Chamber. I was well received; considering the holiday season had kept me from visiting as often as I like, and pleasantly surprised at how well they’d come to know each other in my absence.

Perri – Cotton’s Place – “Am I ever going to find out what happened to my grandpa all those years ago? I hope I don’t have to wait as long as Jay and Jenna for the story to be told.”

Me: And will you leave Cotton’s Place once you know what happened, Perri?

“Oh, no way!” Perri exclaimed, “I could never leave Blue.”

Jay & Jenna – Change at Sea – “Perri’s right, you know. Do we have to stumble on another mystery to get out of this chamber?”

Beanie & Frito – Beanie’s Backyard “Are we ever gonna get a sequel? We’re still having adventures, you know.” Beanie quipped

Jake – Canyon Crossings - “I want to know - more than anybody, who threw Seneca off that cliff, but Detective Rugar still believes it was me.”

Trey – Symmetron – “Shouldn’t we be figuring out how to stop the Wispers from whisking away all the children?”

Tara – Enchanted Hills - “Lonehawk says, ‘All things come about in time’.  And by the way, has anyone seen Benjy?”

“Are there Wispers in Sawdust?” Trey asked with a gasp.

Me: No, Trey. There are no Wispers in Sawdust. Benjy and Wilson are just preparing for the springtime debut of Sawdust. I’m sure they’re around here somewhere.

“Maybe they’ve lost their marbles!” Jake snickered

“Let’s not give away the farm, Jake!” Perri admonished

Quite a lively crew of story dwellers, wouldn’t you say? Looks like I’ve got plenty to do this year, what’s on your planner? Would you agree that characters keep the wheels from falling off a compelling story cart?

Happy Writing!

 A word is dead
When it is said,
Some say.
I say it just begins
to live that day.
- Emily Dickinson