How Writers And Authors Can Bring A Character To Life

Did I ever share with you the time
I unwittingly brought a character to life;
it was a few years ago, while I was still
writing my first novel Broken Oath.

I have told this story many times and the listeners and readers love it.  So if it's good to hear more than once, then it must be reiterated again and again; who knows whom it may inspire:-

As most authors know, even when you are writing one book, your mind is already creating a second one.

Well, I woke up one morning feeling excited after having a flash vision of a storyline and in particular, a character in my second book.  I immediately took pen to paper and began to write what I had seen in my dream; a tall man, elderly and scruffy-looking and he had a beard.  He wore a long, either dark grey or black coat and he carried an old black doctor's bag (like the one you see in horror movies).  He smelt old and dusty; as though he had been walking the Earth for a long, long time, throughout many lifetimes.  He walked with a slight hunch and he seemed to be in a hurry; like he had to be somewhere or see someone.  Wherever it was he was going, he was focused on getting to that destination. 

I knew he was a time traveller and he was able to go wherever he wanted; to any dimensions or worlds.  He was never held up for too long at customs or by boarder agency custodians because he had a smell about him that wasn't exactly pleasing and people tend to let him through quickly.  And if you asked him where he was going, he would always answer.  "I am here to see someone."  You would never get another word out of him.  And his name was Alba.

I wrote that piece with power and passion in my journal, and forgot about it.  After all I was still writing my first book.  A few days later, I was out taking my lunch break at work and I saw a character on the other side of the road.  I was surprised, it was a man and he looked just like then person I had written about for my next book.  I had never seen this man before.  He was obviously new in the area. I had to stop and stare at him; there he was, with his long dark coat, his doctor's bag and he looked like he was in a hurry; focused as though he had to get somewhere.  He looked 'out of time.'  Like he didn't belong on this plane.  There was something about him, I couldn't believe what I was seeing so I dismissed it and got on with my life.

Suddenly, I kept on seeing this character; it was always around the same place; he walked like he was on a mission.  Then one day, during my lunch break again; I had just come out of Sainsburys when I happened to look up and who do you think was on the other side of the shopping mall?  This stranger;  I was shocked, I stared at him, then he turned and glanced in my direction and we made eye contact.  I was scared, I put my head down and pretended that I did not see him but I could sense that he was coming over to me and when I looked up again, there he was, standing before me.

I was apprehensive as I looked at him, he was exactly like the description of the fiction character of my next book; a tall old man, scruffy and with a beard.  He wore a long dark coat and he carried an old black doctor’s bag.  And.... He smelt very musty.  We were locked in a gaze when suddenly he spoke.

     "Hello!  How are you?"
     "I am fine thank you."  I replied.  Then he spoke again.
     "What's your name?"  
     "Dora."

     "What's my name?"
     "I'm sorry?"  I said.

     "What's my name?"  He repeated,

     "Alba."  I responded, as that is the name I gave his character in my book.

     "No!"  He retorted.   And again he said.

"What's my name?"

     "I don't know."  I returned.  He looked at me intensely for a few seconds and said.

     "My name is..."  He paused for a moment.
"I am here to see someone."  And with that last remark, he walked off then turned back slowly to look at me, gave a wry smile and carried on walking into the crowd.  I was dumbstruck, I just stood there.   I could not believe it.  What just happened I thought?  I was so shocked. I could not concentrate for the rest of the day as I went over the incident again and again in my head.

As soon as I got home I rushed to look at my notes.  Exactly what I wrote, that was what happened, and he spoke the exact words.  I was so spooked; did I create him?  Was he someone who knew I was writing about him?  Was he a Time Traveller?  Was he really not of our world?   

I was so alarmed, I wrote no more about him and after a while, I never saw him again.  It was too much for me to handle; I was not ready for the supernatural and I am not sure if I will integrate his character into my next book, or should I?  

I had the flash vision of this character on 19th June 2009 and I met him eleven days later.  I still have my notes to this day.  And I will never forget the encounter.

I marvel at the power of thought; the power of the subconscious mind; absolutely amazing!

Best Regards

D. A. Martin

Bestseller Author of Broken Oath

Awarded An Honorary Mention

by the London Book Festival Award (2014)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Oath-D-A-Martin/dp/1291517537/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385064589&sr=8-1&keywords=Broken+oath

http://www.doramartin.tel

http://www.doratheauthor.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dora-The-Author-Books/657344564284562

http://youtu.be/5hN3aLIpFFA

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10613721/broken-oath

http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=D._A._Martin

What Else Inspires Me To Write ( blog 14th September 2013 re-edited)

Dear Friends and Avid Readers

As some of you may be aware, I am caught up in personal matters/issues at the present moment and so my creative mind has temporarily shut down - preventing me from producing new blogs. For the time being, I shall be regurgitating old articles to keep you amused. Also, if anyone missed any of my blogs the first time around, it gives everyone (and new readers) a chance to read it again:-

What Else Inspires Me To Write

Nature inspires me; I might see something that excites my spirit and I am compelled to write:-

I was walking through my local park one day and I noticed that throughout the gardens, there were patches where wild plants had grown. 

If fact, they had sprouted so ferociously, that they towered above the flowers and shrubs already bedded there. I had to stop and admire their boldness, their determination, their tenacity and perseverance in finding a patch of soil in which to grow. They dared to flourish tall amongst the hierarchy of refined flowers and plants. I admired how they confidently displayed their beauty. And indeed, they flowed and danced so gracefully with the wind, you could not tell weeds from potted foliage. They were all equally beautiful. I admired how they took any opportunity to be seen and be noticed. Well, it worked; I was compelled to get out my mobile phone and take some pictures. And the more I took pictures, the more of these wild flowers I saw. I just carried on clicking. I saw beauty everywhere. 

These wild plants had achieved their objectives. They seized the opportunity; they grew confidently tall and were noticed. They made it into my article and many people will be reading this story.

I aspire to take a lesson from them. We should all aspire to seize any opportunity to grow, to Be, to make a difference, and to achieve all our goals - because there is always a space out there for each and every one of us to make it happen.

And you know what, I bet if every time you wrote something down that moved you, by the end of the year, you would have written a beautiful book.

Did anything move you today?  Happy writing!

Best Regards

D. A. Martin
Bestseller Author of Broken Oath
Awarded An Honorary Mention
by the London Book Festival Award (2014)


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Oath-D-A-Martin/dp/1291517537/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385064589&sr=8-1&keywords=Broken+oath

http://www.doramartin.tel

http://www.doratheauthor.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dora-The-Author-Books/657344564284562

http://youtu.be/5hN3aLIpFFA

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10613721/broken-oath

http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=D._A._Martin

How To Bring A Character To Life

Did I ever share with you the time I unwittingly brought a character to life; it was a few years ago, while I was still writing my first novel Broken Oath. 

As most authors know, even when you are writing one book, your mind is already creating a second one.

Well, I woke up one morning feeling excited after having a flash vision of a storyline and in particular, a character in my second book.  I immediately took pen to paper and began to write what I had seen in my dream; a tall man, elderly and scruffy-looking and he had a beard.  He wore a long, either dark grey or black coat and he carried an old black doctor's bag (like the one you see in horror movies).  He smelt old and dusty; as though he had been walking the Earth for a long, long time, throughout many lifetimes.  He walked with a slight hunch and he seemed to be in a hurry; like he had to be somewhere or see someone.  Wherever it was he was going, he was focused on getting to that destination. 

I knew he was a time traveller and he was able to go wherever he wanted; to any dimensions or worlds.  He was never held up for too long at customs or by boarder agency custodians because he had a smell about him that wasn't exactly pleasing and people tend to let him through quickly.  And if you asked him where he was going, he would always answer.  "I am here to see someone."  You would never get another word out of him.  And his name was Alba.

I wrote that piece with power and passion in my journal, and forgot about it.  After all I was still writing my first book.  A few days later, I was out taking my lunch break at work and I saw a character on the other side of the road.  I was surprised, it was a man and he looked just like then person I had written about for my next book.  I had never seen this man before.  He was obviously new in the area. I had to stop and stare at him; there he was, with his long dark coat, his doctor's bag and he looked like he was in a hurry; focused as though he had to get somewhere.  He looked 'out of time.'  Like he didn't belong on this plane.  There was something about him, I couldn't believe what I was seeing so I dismissed it and got on with my life.

Suddenly, I kept on seeing this character; it was always around the same place; he walked like he was on a mission.  Then one day, during my lunch break again; I had just come out of Sainsburys when I happened to look up and who do you think was on the other side of the shopping mall?  This stranger;  I was shocked, I stared at him, then he turned and glanced in my direction and we made eye contact.  I was scared, I put my head down and pretended that I did not see him but I could sense that he was coming over to me and when I looked up again, there he was, standing before me.

I was apprehensive as I looked at him, he was exactly like the description of the fiction character of my next book; a tall old man, scruffy and with a beard.  He wore a long dark coat and he carried an old black doctor’s bag.  And.... He smelt very musty.  We were locked in a gaze when suddenly he spoke.

     "Hello!  How are you?"
     "I am fine thank you."  I replied.  Then he spoke again.
     "What's your name?"  
     "Dora."

     "What's my name?"
     "I'm sorry?"  I said.

     "What's my name?"  He repeated,

     "Alba."  I responded, as that is the name I gave his character in my book.

     "No!"  He retorted.   And again he said.

"What's my name?"

     "I don't know."  I returned.  He looked at me intensely for a few seconds and said.

     "My name is..."  He paused for a moment.
"I am here to see someone."  And with that last remark, he walked off then turned back slowly to look at me, gave a wry smile and carried on walking into the crowd.  I was dumbstruck, I just stood there.   I could not believe it.  What just happened I thought?  I was so shocked. I could not concentrate for the rest of the day as I went over the incident again and again in my head.

As soon as I got home I rushed to look at my notes.  Exactly what I wrote, that was what happened, and he spoke the exact words.  I was so spooked; did I create him?  Was he someone who knew I was writing about him?  Was he a Time Traveller?  Was he really not of our world?   

I was so alarmed, I wrote no more about him and after a while, I never saw him again.  It was too much for me to handle; I was not ready for the supernatural and I am not sure if I will integrate his character into my next book, or should I?  

I had the flash vision of this character on 19th June 2009 and I met him eleven days later.  I still have my notes to this day.  And I will never forget the encounter.

I marvel at the power of thought; the power of the subconscious mind; absolutely amazing!

Best Regards

D. A. Martin

Bestseller Author of Broken Oath

Awarded An Honorary Mention

by the London Book Festival Award (2014)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Oath-D-A-Martin/dp/1291517537/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385064589&sr=8-1&keywords=Broken+oath

http://www.doramartin.tel

http://www.doratheauthor.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dora-The-Author-Books/657344564284562

http://youtu.be/5hN3aLIpFFA

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10613721/broken-oath

http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=D._A._Martin

Honorary Mention at the London Book Festival Award (2014) for D. A. Martin, bestseller Author of Broken Oath

Thank you to all my readers, followers and those who supported me and held me to account when writing my book; Broken Oath.   

The Universe downloaded the story into my creative mind and the characters grew so large within me that after 10 years of carrying them around in my being, I was compelled to write it all down on paper.  

I would especially like to thank Stephanie J. Hale, my mentor and publisher who, without her input and expertise, my book would not have got this far. 

I am very happy to receive the Honorary Mention and the Certificate for my book

Best Regards
D. A. Martin
Bestseller Author of Broken Oath

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Oath-D-A-Martin/dp/1291517537/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385064589&sr=8-1&keywords=Broken+oath

http://www.doramartin.tel

http://www.doratheauthor.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dora-The-Author-Books/657344564284562

http://youtu.be/5hN3aLIpFFA

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10613721/broken-oath

http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=D._A._Martin

Rowling Wealth 'misleading'

I read with interest the article in the 9th July 2014 Evening Standard by Kiran Randhawa on JK ROWLING'S success and wealth; the false impression it has given on the life as an author.

I don't know any authors that are struggling to make ends meet but I do know authors like myself, we are ordinary people with ordinary jobs like everyone else. (Yes, we are still in our day jobs.) We juggle our household bills, credit cards, personal spending money etc just like the rest of society.

I agree with my learned friend, people do have a false impression of authors. Since publishing and launching my fantasy fiction Novel; Broken Oath, on Amazon.co.uk in November 2013, I have had all sorts of weird reactions from people who know me. It is particularly interesting to note the number of people who are suddenly obsessing over my bank balance. My grown daughter doesn't know how much I put into my account at any given day so why would I tell anyone else?

And some people are aggrieved to pay me money for my book because they feel they are 'putting money into my pocket.' Get over it, it's a product like anything else. You buy it because you like it; you wouldn't buy it otherwise.

Can you imagine if we all obsessed over whose spending our money everytime we bought something; we'd all be in a madhouse.

If you look around you, the person next to you is probably an author. We shop in Tesco and Morrisons and we buy the store brands. And, some of us even buy our clothes from Primark.

For myself and maybe even other authors, when I come home from my day job, while society is watching TV, I am working at marketing my book.  There may well be other authors who are writing their book after work and we probably spend more money than we get back.

My hat off to those authors who make it big and have a massive bank balance. Well done, you deserve it. When I make it big as an author, you will know because I will be living in a secure gated detached house; so no one can knock on my door and ask me for money.

Best Regards
D. A. Martin
Bestseller Author of Broken Oath


http://www.doramartin.tel

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Oath-D-A-Martin/dp/1291517537/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385064589&sr=8-1&keywords=Broken+oath

http://www.doratheauthor.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dora-The-Author-Books/657344564284562

http://youtu.be/5hN3aLIpFFA

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10613721/broken-oath

http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=D._A._Martin

Broken Oath

Hello Readers
Thanks to all you who have read and are still reading my book. I am grateful for your reviews, emails and comments.  My book is only as good as your feedback.   I spoke to a reader today who had her copy of the book with her.  "I can't book the book down" she says.  She's even going to read the book again in case she missed anything.  Well, remember what I said in my blog on 22nd October 2013, you may well be compelled to read it again (and again), depending on the level of your thought.  Is that spooky or what?

I've made a Author Profile video on my website (www.doramartin.tel), check it out. Although I think it does feature better on the smartphone (small screen) rather than PC.

I still show the book launch video to people and they all think it great.  I know the campaign date is gone but the trailer is still awesome; I'm going to share it again.

http://youtu.be/5hN3aLIpFFA



Best regards
Dora

Bestseller Author of Broken Oath
www.doramartin.tel

My Birthday Treats

Hi Folks
Had a fabulous birthday weekend.  I spent Saturday in the pleasant company of my very good friend and bestseller Author; Charlotte Jones.  She spoiled me to bits.

And on Sunday I hungout with my darling daughter Lisa.  We spent the day at Westfield in Shepherd's Bush, London W12 and also went to the movies to watch The Hobbit; It was awesome.  Well worth going to see.

Thank you all my friends and associates who sent me birthday greetings.

Love and best wishes
 Dora

Life of an Author

Would you believe it, a few weeks ago I said to my publisher something along the lines of
      'I have looked at the proof copy of my book and further amendments needs to be done, here's the list from the proofreader.   Send me a invoice for the works.'
    'Ok, it will cost X  amount.'
     Last week I emailed and said.
     'So it's been a while, has the amendments been done? Is the book ready?'
     'Amendments, what amendments?'
     'You know, the amendments, I sent you an email and you gave me a price for the work to be done!
     'Oh, I thought you were just making an enquiry!
     '**!!&& der!!! Aargh!!**'  I thought.  Take a deep breath....breathe.

I had to send the email again.  Work is taking place this week.  Is this book really coming or what!

YES IT IS, you know why; because I have already taken monies upfront for the book and they know where I live.

Watch this space people!  Broken Oath is coming soon!


 
   
   

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Maybe I'll see you there!

What Else Inspires Me To Write

(Sorry folks, due to editorial/IT problems, had to recall and rewrite this blog)

Nature; I might see something that excites my spirit and I am compelled to write:-

I was walking through my local park one day and I noticed that throughout the gardens, there were patches where wild plants had grown.  If fact, they had sprouted so ferociously, that they towered above the flowers and shrubs already bedded there.   I had to stop and admire their boldness, their determination, their tenacity and perseverance in finding a patch of soil in which to grow.   They dared to flourish tall amongst the hierarchy of refined flowers and plants.  I admired how they confidently displayed their beauty.  And indeed, they flowed and danced so gracefully with the wind, you could not tell weeds from potted foliage.  They were all equally beautiful.  I admired how they took any opportunity to be seen and be noticed.  Well, it worked; I was compelled to get out my mobile phone and take some pictures.  And the more I took pictures, the more of these wild flowers I saw.  I just carried on clicking.  I saw beauty everywhere. 

These wild plants had achieved their objectives.  They seized the opportunity; they grew confidently tall and were noticed.  They made it into my article and many people will be reading this story.

I aspire to take a lesson from them.  We should all aspire to seize any opportunity to grow, to Be, to make a difference, and to achieve all our goals.   Because there is always a space out there for each and every one of us to make it happen.

And you know what, I bet if every time you wrote something down that moved you, by the end of the year, you would have written a beautiful book.

Did anything move you today?  Don't be shy, why not make a comment on my blog.  Happy writing!

What inspires me to write

Well, I have seen a lot in my lifetime.  Many things I cannot explain. Stuff that happened whereby I was powerless to anything about it.  No one to talk to who would listen.  Writing for me is a 'release.'  A way of explaining all that happened, all the what ifs, all the suppose this or suppose that.  A way of bringing all this and more to life.  Giving 'stuff' a place, a name, a personality, a way to express itself.  Going deep into ones subconscious mind; letting all the colours, sounds, visions and imaginings come to life until  I am compelled to write, compelled to write an article or a for my Coaching Newsletter or write a book.  I get a feeling of AAhh!! Everytime I complete that which I am inspired to write.

Some things I can't control but I a write a 'what if'.  No one wants to listen, Ok, fine. I won't speak, I'll write. I can't explain what happened, well, I'll just write something magical and unimaginable instead.  And BROKEN OATH my first book is coming soon.