Voices of Fiction - Character versus Plot - Wrap Up

Welcome to Voices of Fiction. We've spent the last few weeks learning what comes first, the character or the plot, from a variety of wonderful authors.

Based on the many different answers of nineteen writers, Plot came in first, with Character stepping on its heels. A few alternatives, such as both and depends, were included in the mix. I think it may be safe to say there's a fifty-fifty chance of a writer starting with the character or the plot.

As we wrap up this topic, for now, I'd like to share my answer to this question.

My stories normally start with a vague plot, with the character stepping in to give it their own spice of wonder. The plot is what gives the characters life, but the characters give blood to the story.  :) I'd still say the plot starts first in most cases though.

Seduced by Darkness, available at eTreasures Publishing, is a short novella at less than 11,000 words. It could easily be considered a short story by many.

The story began with a brainstorming session. The theme was predetermined as a paranormal romance to fill a slot at the publishing company. I knew I wanted a vampire, a human, and a happy ending. I came up with the logic of their two worlds needed to collide.

Geneva came to life easily for me, and by the end of her first scene, Lewis appeared. So basically, the plot lead to Geneva, and she lead the way through the story, bringing many delightful surprises. You can see how one 'the plot' actually bled into the other 'the character.'

Thank you all for joining us as we explored "Character versus Plot."

Next week, we'll begin exploring another topic on "Voices of Fiction." Feel free to join in.

Readers send questions to chergreen@chergreen.com, Subject: Voices of Fiction Question, and have them answered by the participating authors in later editions.

There’s also room for more authors to participate. Drop me an email, Subject: Voices of Fiction.

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four