HiI am often asked for advice about writing and one of the things that can work well is to interview your character and let them answer in their own voice.
From this, you - the writer - can get many ideas about what to put in your story.
I did this last year with Audrey of the Outback. We sat down for a long chat. So long, in fact, that it will take several Blog entries to tell you it all.
Here are the first questions and answers.
Audrey, what about you is heroic?
I see the good side in people and things. I care about other people’s feelings. I won’t give up. My joy in life. Endless curiosity.
The surprising, strange things they do and say. I like it when visitors come to our place.
How do you dress most of the time?
In my brother Price’s old trousers, with rolled cuffs and braces And I have two dresses, one blue, and the other is yellow.
What is your best feature?
My family.
Your family isn’t a feature.
It’s my feature. It’s my question so I can answer it however I want. I choose family.
What is your most prized possession?
I haven't won any prizes. We don’t do prizes in the bush. Is that a city thing? I’d like to see a prize one day. But I do have an emu egg and a book that are special.
Describe yourself in one word.
One word is not enough. I need lots of words for describing. But my mum says I’m imaginative.
What is your first memory?
Dust hissing in a storm.
My mum’s voice. It makes me feel warm, like I’ve always heard it.
What is your favourite game?
Pretend. Cubby houses. Sometimes I’m a lady, sometimes a swaggie. Depends which cubby house I’m in and if I’m wearing a dress or trousers.
What is your favourite toy?
A sardine tin. I used it for a train until I realised that trains have wheels. Then the tin didn’t work. Sometimes things go away when you realise them.
Check out Audrey's Interview Part 2.
The drawing of Audrey is by Ann James.
p.s. If you have any questions you would like to ask Audrey, leave a comment on this Blog and I will ask her to tell you.
Hello it's Emilie Daniel from Warracknabeal. What I want to know is how old Audrey is in the books?
ReplyDeleteIn the books it only says the Dougie is 3 and Price is 12.
I think she is maybe 6 or 7.
Clever you to work out that Audrey must be aged somewhere between her brothers. I try never to state the exact age of my main characters, Audrey included. I give some idea of the age, but not the exact year. This is because readers usually imagine the character to be their own age - and this can differ - or they guess the age they would like the character to be. It is more personal.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to ask the question.