What’s a Sweatshirt Doing on a Writing Blog?

This is one of my favorite sweatshirts. And while it’s from the fabulous-to-visit San Francisco, it has nothing to do with the city. It’s here because of the design or, rather, its texture. 

If it weren’t for that, this would be a pure vanilla piece of clothing. Both meanings. That’s all well and good, but it’s not interesting. 

And now, segueing  into writing, vanilla characters hold nothing for me either. Give me personality, even if it’s subtle. And honestly, subtle is often truly interesting. Nuanced characters can hold surprises at every turn. Remember Flat Stanley? Despite his name and his lack of full dimension, Stanley has enough texture to warrant 21 books. 

I could go on about how I try to add texture to my own characters, but... Nah! Instead, let me challenge you to pick up any book you love and reread, at least the beginning, to see how the author has added dimension, complexion, complexity – texture – to their characters. Often, the more invisible, the more you’ve fallen in love with them. Like I did with my sweatshirt.

If you happen to be in the Springfield, MO, area, Jody Feldman will be at the Children's Literature Festival of the Ozarks on October 9. If you'd like her to speak to your school or group, she still has availability on 10/8. Contact info on her website.