It varies each time. Before I wrote Chocolicious, I was craving for a rich-filled, three-layered chocolate cupcake and what came to my thoughts was a rich woman in distress. She had recently lost her husband and was about to find out that she would lose everything she owned due to a foolish mistake he made. I was more focused on how this woman was going to cope and pick up the pieces, over the plot. Before I wrote Love Letters, the theme about second chances is what gave me the idea before the characters. I originally had Chloe’s story but I wanted it to be more exciting, so I included a sub-plot about the life of Chloe’s mother who faced the same situation as Chloe was experiencing. And so I knew that the premise had to be about risking ones heart to marry her true love. Whether the plot comes before the characters or vice versa, if the story continues to haunt you, then you know you should write it.
For me, it's always characters first. I only get bits and pieces of the story. And since I write on a chapter per chapter basis, I only know the story once the whole book has been written.
ReplyDeleteMy protagonists are always "me" in mind...but Tom Selleck in art! But the story comes first.
ReplyDeleteDan
@Kate, that means your very character-driven. @Dan, sounds like your more plot-driven. Love your comments. Thanks for sharing and stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteStop by mine if you have the time.
ReplyDeleteDan
It is always character for me. Just like you made up a story thinking about a woman in distress. Interesting that I posted this today - http://tinyurl.com/3s8kbkd. On similar lines as to who dictates when you write a story. Great post!
ReplyDelete@Dan, can you send me the link to your blog so I can read your articles. Thanks!
ReplyDelete@Shilpa, thanks for stopping by. I just read your blog. What a coincidence! Great minds think alike. :-)