The Swimming Factor

Back to character quirks. Sorry about the diversion last week, but I figured you'd be more interested in conference tidbits.

Today we're talking about the swimming factor. When I'm not sure how my character would react, or when she's reacting more like me, the author, than her, the character, I like to go off on a tangent and think of her as if she were a close friend of mine. And that's when I wonder about her swimming preferences.



Does she like to swim? Love to swim? Or is she afraid of the water?

Does she jump in the deep end, fingers pinching her nose, and whooping for joy? Does she dive in gracefully off the diving board? Or does she sit at the side, sloshing her calves in the water, but never venturing into the pool itself?

This leads me to more questions. What kind of bathing suit would she wear? Or is she comfortable wearing one? Maybe she just sits by the pool in shorts and a t-shirt? Or does she flaunt her stuff in a string bikini? Hide her thighs with the skirt suit?

What about her sunglasses? Movie star big or dollar store practical? Her beach towel? Monogrammed or faded Scooby-Doo?

None of this stuff will probably show up in a book, but it can help me get closer to my character. Someone who cannonballs into a pool, wearing a string bikini, will be very different from the monogrammed-towel-toting non-swimmer. And when I get bogged down writing the same old actions (hint: smile, grin, shrug...), it can help me see other actions she does. It also reminds me who she really is: an individual.

For all of you non-romance writers out there, transplant your character to a mental swimming pool and think about how he or she would react. If it's a historical character, would she be appalled at the immodesty of today? Or would she be excited? If it's a vampire slayer, would he long to join the happy families, but has no idea how? No matter what genre, what time period, you can learn something by sticking your character next to a pool.

What tricks do you use to get closer to your characters?

Side note: I forgot to tell all of you inspirational romance writers out there that Steeple Hill Love Inspired is actively looking for new authors. Don't be afraid to send your books! This might be just the right time for you to get published. eHarlequin.com lists the writing guidelines and submission information.
Happy Writing!

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