NanoWrimo is only a month away. Prepare by getting to know your characters before you start writing.
This week may take a bit more time. You can do as much or as little as you want, or mix and match the following character exercises which will help you prepare to write a novel fast. You can focus on just one character, or you can delve into the mind of as many characters as you feel will be driving forces in the story. Don't waste your time if the character is unimportant.
1. Freewrite from the point of view of your protagonist and antagonist.
2. Get an image of your main characters by drawing or finding pictures online that fit what you think the characters look like. Then write a paragraph or two using the picture to describe the character's physical features.
3. Create a fake profile for your character as if they were signing up for myspace, facebook, or any even a dating site if it's relevant. What would your character want to portray to the world? What would they list as their interests, who would they be friends with? Also keep in mind the things your characters wouldn't put online, and why.
4. Interview your main character. For now stick to questions about back story, likes, desires etc.
Examples:
How is your relationship with your parents?
What were you like as a child?
Have you changed much since then?
What was the best/worst moment of your life?
Who are your closest friends if you have any?
What do you really want out of life?
This will help you find out a lot of information that you don't realize you already have in your head about your character. Later on, if you get stuck on a scene, you can repeat this exercise, asking your character how they feel or what options they have in a situation then answering them as honestly as youc an from the point of view of the character. This can be a big help for writer's block.
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