03-08-2024 |10 Minute Writing – Fortress Fiction
In this 10 minute writing session, MJ writes A Grobug Tale Chapter 15 – Part XI.
#author #mjmunoz #writer #fantasy #storyovereverything #Grobug #GrobugTales
Wrangling Quirky Characters and Continuity in My Fantasy Adventure Novel
Rewritten from transcript by Claude (https://www.anthropic.com)
As a fiction writer, one of the joys (and challenges) of crafting a story is keeping track of all the moving parts. In this 10-minute writing session from March 8th, 2024, I dove back into Chapter 15 of my middle grade fantasy novel-in-progress, A Grow Bug Tale, where my insectoid protagonist Hopper meets the eclectic Critterbot Guardians.
In this excerpt, we get a taste of the guardians’ personalities through dialogue. CinderStripe, the no-nonsense tiger, warns Hopper about Timber Tale’s penchant for mischief. “She means well, but sometimes she doesn’t do well,” he cautions. It’s a small moment, but it speaks volumes about the dynamics within this group of fantastical protectors.
I also introduce WavRex, the lumbering tentacled dinosaur, who greets Hopper with a toothy grin. Perched atop his head is Timber Tale, an energetic monkey made of wood and leaves. Her elaborate bow sets the stage for more playful interactions to come.
However, as I wrote this scene, I realized I need to pay closer attention to my own continuity. Having WavRex’s name repeated in back-to-back sentences felt clunky and pulled me out of the flow. In revision, I’ll need to find a smoother way to tag his dialogue, perhaps by referring to him as “the tentacled dinosaur” or “the dinosaur Critterbot.”
I also found myself struggling a bit with Timber Tale’s descriptors. As a hybrid plant-animal (or “planimal,” as I’ve dubbed them), she defies easy categorization. Do I call her a “Critterbot monkey,” a “plant monkey,” or something else entirely? These are the kinds of details that can trip up a writer mid-scene if not solidified beforehand.
Which brings me to an important lesson reinforced by this writing session: the value of robust reference materials. In the heat of drafting, it’s easy to forget key details about your characters, settings, and magical systems. Having a “story bible” or set of notes to consult can save precious time and mental energy.
I realized that while I had taken the time to develop profiles for each Critterbot Guardian, detailing their abilities, appearances, and even genders, I wasn’t putting that information to use in the actual writing process. Whether it’s keeping those notes open in a separate window or finding another way to quickly access them, I need to streamline my workflow to minimize confusion and maximize creative output.
Despite these hiccups, I’m excited about the direction this scene is taking. Introducing a cast of quirky characters is always a balancing act, but it’s so rewarding when their personalities start to shine through on the page. As I continue drafting this chapter, my goal is to let the guardians’ unique voices and group dynamics propel the story forward.
I’d love to hear from my fellow writers out there – how do you keep track of character and story details when juggling a large cast or complex world? What tools or techniques have you found most helpful for maintaining continuity? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!
And if you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at my writing process, be sure to subscribe to the blog for more craft talk and novel updates. I’ll be documenting my journey from first draft to final edits, warts and all. Let’s celebrate the messy, marvelous business of storytelling together!
Until next time, happy writing and may your own cast of colorful characters lead you on grand adventures – tentacles, leaves, and laughter included.
MJ Muñoz 