Saturday, August 20, 2011

New book, new blog design


My new work-in-progress is dark. One of the primary themes is darkness vs. light, heaven vs. hell, and so on and so forth. Above is my mock cover, just playing around on picnik.com. If you're wondering what that blob is, it's a planet shaped into a human heart, bursting with light (which is actually more than just a theme in the story; it's a paranormal element). 

So I'm not much of a cover designer... BUT I did go ahead and redecorate my blog and I'm happy with the way it turned out (thank you, thecutestblogontheblock.com). More importantly, Lucy likes it.

I hope you don't hate me for ditching the orange swirls. I do still love them, but while that cheerful vibe matched my last MC, Lucy needed something a little more subdued. Here's what I've discovered about her so far:

Lucy Belle 
  • Dreads conflict and avoids it at all costs, mostly due to her empath abilities.
  • Usually succeeds in blending in, which also helps in avoiding conflict.
  • Loves, loves, loves old books - if they're falling apart, even better.
  • Doesn't like eating in public, but enjoys going dancing with her best friends.
  • Is bold and funny around her closest friends.
  • Secretly wants to be an actress like her late mother, but is terrified to try.
  • Didn't do anything to stand out in high school and regrets it.
  • Can be very irresponsible when tempted.
  • More prone to guilt and sympathy than normal people.
  • Could eat Smooth and Melty Mints all day.
  • Believes in fate and soulmates, and has trouble seeing beyond that box.
  • Sings like an angel, but never performs.
  • Is completely powerless when it comes to the magic touch of a certain charming devil.
Also, she likes old movies, especially of the vampire variety. I've had a lot of fun getting to know Lucy and the people she surrounds herself with. I hope someday to introduce her to you more formally. 

Until then, keep on writing and I'll do the same! Done any characterization exercises lately?

Happy Weekend, Blog Buddies!!


8 comments:

  1. Yay Lucy! I'm excited to read the book and meet her properly. :D

    Oooh, I love characterization exercises. I have a couple questionnaires I like to fill out at the beginning of every MS, and they really help me put the character's personality and voice into words.

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  2. I really like the new look! When I won a blog redesign, I told the person of all of the genres I write - fantasies set in a medieval-like world, horror, YA, romances, so basically I wanted something that could show all that. Basically, I said something gothic and romantic (since nearly all of my stories have at least a romantic element in them). I really love how it turned out, and yours too! It definitely fits the theme of your WIP.

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  3. I like the mock cover :) I can see a lot of elements to the story here, plus it's pretty!

    And the new design definitely fits LOVE ME more than the old one.

    I've yet to find a characterization exercise that I really like. If anyone has suggestions, feel free to share!

    Good luck in everything, Katrina!

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  4. Love the new look :) Let me know if you need an alpha or beta reader for your book.

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  5. Love the new design!

    I love doing characterization exercises. I have a big document for all my characters, and I revisit it occasionally to fine-tune them. Lately, I've been doing a lot of backstory creation to fill in the blanks of my characters' pasts. I love doing that!

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  6. I love the new blog design and the book cover! you did that on picnik????

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  7. I don't know why I don't ever do character exercises. I guess I feel like they're already too alive in my head.

    I love your new layout, especially the background.

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  8. Thank you for your comments, guys! I love reading about other writers' characterization exercises/methods. I always learn new things from you.

    Angie, I would LOVE to have your take on/help with Lucy's story. I'll email you when it's a little more ready and see if you're still interested.

    You guys seriously rock. I couldn't ask for better blog buds.

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