I don’t mind if you smoke. Really, I don’t. Secondhand and smell, I can handle. I will never ask you to quit, nor will I chastise you for it. It is your choice, and I will not judge you.
But don’t expect me to kiss you. I don’t like making out with an ashtray.
Character first, plot second. People do not connect with events; they connect with real human beings. Make sure you know your story’s character first before putting him or her through the ropes. Where does he come from? What does she fear? Who does he idealize? Why does she dress a certain way? When does he prefer to go to bed? How does she tie her shoes?
Take some time and ask a lot questions. Pretend like you are dating him or her. Learn everything you want to know about the person. Know him or her so well that you’d accurately guess how he or she would react to random situations. Before long, your character will tell the story for you.
Craig Ormiston 