She's a Character

Ever said this about someone? He's a character, or She's a character. What do we mean when we say that? Maybe we mean that they are unique, or a little bit quirky. Maybe they are special, different, fresh. I want my characters in my books to be fresh and unique. Quirky is fun, too. In a picture book, that's a bit of challenge. We have to count our words religiously, and we can't waste a single one. How do we paint an interesting character using words sparingly. This question weighs on me today, as I work on my Christmas piece, The Innkeepers Daughter. This is a fresh approach to the Christmas Story. I like the way it is turning out, except for one thing. My character is a little flat. I need to flesh her out. I can't add many words, so I have to make my words meaningful. I've received several critiques on this piece, with interesting thoughts, but none of them really focused on my character development. I want my readers to identify with Leah. I want them to see through her eyes. I want them to love her. What can I do to make her more real? The best stories are often character-driven. Creating a meaningful character isn't easy. I'm gearing up for my favorite writer's conference, Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers,(WIFYR). One of the take-aways I'm hoping for this year is some great ideas on character development. In the meantime, what works for you, in your reading or your writing. What makes a character stand out? What makes you want to meet them? What pulls you into their story? I'd like to know? I need to know. I need to get back to Leah. She's a character, or she will be...before I'm through. Linda Garner