One of the biggest arguments in writing fiction is whether plot or character drives the story. I personally think they are intertwined and each in their own way propels the story.

Writing for children and young adults is no different than writing for adults when it comes to character and plot development.

The reader wants to get lost in the story world you are creating. They also want and need to like the character that they will be sharing adventures with.

In order for that to happen, they need to identify with the characters you create.

Let’s take Harry Potter for example. The magic and adventure of discovering the unknown are the major plot draws to the series. However it is Harry’s glasses, tussled hair, and less than perfect home life that make him real to the reader. They are what make up his character.

What are your characters’ flaws, bad habits, and vices? Even as children and young adults we have little quirks that make up our personality: lying when nervous, biting on the end of a pencil when thinking, or chewing gum far too loudly. These are the things that will let your reader connect with your characters.

They will also help you create your story. For example, is your character an only child or one of seven? Is the family unit close knit or does the character tend to fend for herself? This helps to create back-story and again, character. It also helps you decide how your character would make choices. What affect does the character’s upbringing have on the way she picks her friends, handles stress or makes decisions? These questions and answers will help you when plotting your story.

Above all else, just enjoy the process of getting to know your characters, and learning their stories. You never know, they may like the way you tell their story so much, that they invite their friends to tell you theirs too. Then you'll have a series!

Below is a link to a child character sketch I worked up for my own use, feel free to use it and/or change it to fit your needs:

http://writefrommylips.20m.com/custom2.html

Bio: Jennifer VanSchoyck is looking forward to turning 30 this year. She is a single Mom to 2 year old Sabastian, and 3 year old twins, Hayleigh and Hannah. Besides keeping busy with them, Jennifer is a fiction editor for The Writer’s Room Magazine, and a freelance writer on the web. She is currently working on two fantasy young adult novels.

Her website is located at: http://writefrommylips.20m.com

Kid At Heart Archive 2004