03-01-2024 |10 Minute Writing – Fortress Fiction
In this 10 minute writing session, MJ writes A Grobug Tale Chapter 15 – Part V.
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Fleshing Out My Wise Owl Character’s Role in a Fantasy Adventure Story
Rewritten from transcript by Claude (https://www.anthropic.com)
As a fantasy author, I often share snippets of my writing process to give readers a behind-the-scenes look at how I craft stories and develop characters. In this 10-minute writing session from March 1st, 2024, I focus on expanding the role of Gail Hoot, a wise owl-like creature, in a chapter from my work-in-progress book for kids.
The scene features Gail Hoot meeting the story’s mysterious protagonist, an amnesiac being I’ve nicknamed Hopper for now. With her wide eyes and head-bobbing reactions, Gail Hoot comes across as an astute observer and listener, even if she’s not the most talkative of the guardians. That reserved, regal nature got me thinking about how to best utilize her character going forward.
I realized Gail Hoot could serve as the perfect confidant for other characters who need to vent or share their thoughts without interruption. Whether it’s the hero pouring their heart out or a villain delivering an epic monologue, Gail Hoot’s patient presence would allow me to naturally expose inner emotions and motivations through dialogue.
This could work especially well if I end up writing a spinoff story set in the same world focused solely on the guardian creatures. Depending on if I have Gail Hoot pair with one child or a group, her listening skills could help reveal the kids’ personalities and struggles as the plot unfolds. She’d be the calm port in any storm.
I’m not sure yet if Gail Hoot’s hypothetical human partner would be more of a gregarious soul desperate to fill the silence or a fellow introvert content to quietly contemplate together. But either dynamic could lead to some poignant bonding moments and character growth.
Of course, all of this is still percolating as I continue to draft the core story. Fleshing out the supporting cast usually happens in layers for me as I put these characters into new situations and see how they react. The writing process is all about exploration and iteration. But I’m excited for the potential of this wise owl to enrich the emotional journey!
Let me know in the comments if you enjoy these inside looks at my creative process as a fantasy writer. I’m always eager to connect with readers and hear your thoughts on my works-in-progress. Just remember, the story is always evolving until that final draft is finished!
MJ Muñoz 