Hello, dreamers. This is it: novel writing season. Though I haven’t actually dipped back into my new work-in-progress, which I’ve dubbed #OctoWIP, I have in fact begun work. But not in a way I could have anticipated.

From the beginning I’ve been intoxicated by this story concept, so little has changed in that regard. However, the story has expanded in scope, adding an element of Cold War-style tension. I’m thrilled with this new aspect, and eager to explore it. But as I like to say, every good story begins with the characters. And that’s where I began this week.

Aquarius 1

In modern literature, characterization is crucial. It’s the key to good interiority, which in today’s market is basically the difference between a good book and, well, a dud. I learned that the hard way earlier this year when I infused Seven Days on Samarkand with greater interiority. Normally I pride myself on having detailed notes heading into a project, but I was surprised at how sparse I was on personal details regarding even the main characters. I was forced to make things up on the fly, necessitating multiple continuity sweeps to make sure I kept it all straight.

Luckily, I’d already learned my interiority lessons before I began Aquarius 1; I found my notes on the characters far more detailed. But I still felt I needed to know more. So, I applied what I’ve learned in short fiction, and set out to write sketches on every major character.

It’s a daunting task, in part because I’m starting with non-POV characters. But even with them, I need to know more about their backgrounds: their homes, their families, where they came from. Over the course of this week and at least part of the next, I plan to write a slice of each character’s life: a moment I feel will help to better define their character. Tipping points that will bring them to the point in time where the story actually begins.

If this goes the way I plan, I will have the most detailed characters I’ve ever written. From the first line, I’ll know them not just as collections of traits but as people. And that will really make this story pop. Hopefully, I’ll be ready to start work on Aquarius 1 in earnest by late next week. Until then, dare to dream. – MK