Getting to Know You: Musical Talents

This weekend, my home – the French Quarter of New Orleans – was inundated with music lovers from far and wide. Residents and tourists alike had come for the 28th annual French Quarter Festival – one of the largest free music festivals in the American South. Featuring hundreds of musical performances – from solo guitarists to lively zydeco bands – the festival was, as usual, a huge success, filling the streets of my beloved neighborhood with song and merriment.

All that revelry made me wish that I were a little better at playing my own guitar – and also made me wonder about the musical talents of the authors and characters that visit CIC. Though I'm aware of some – like Abigail and her flute, Marcus and his voice (despite his relatives' constant ragging) – I'm curious about other musical abilities, obvious or otherwise.

So, authors and characters, I ask you:

Do you have any musical talents? If so, what are they? And if not, what instruments would you most like to learn?

Getting to Know You: Duty

Lately, you might have noticed that two of our authors – Betsy and Christine – have been participating in a series of experimental “story threads” on Come In Character. Such ongoing sagas have allowed them to merge their fictional worlds and simultaneously explore their (very different) characters – which may even give them fodder for their actual novels. Frankly, I've found such brainstorming sessions to be quite inspiring – if not a bit time-consuming to read!

Still, to make sure that no one feels left out, Christine and I will try to keep posting prompts that appeal to everyone. Also, if any other authors are interested in setting up “story threads” between their own characters, please let me know (by emailing me at laura@rubyhollow.com). I'd be more than happy to facilitate such creative endeavors.

In the meantime, I thought we could explore a concept that seems to crop up a lot on this site – most notably, in the recent story threads between Aidan and Marenya. That's, of course, the concept of duty – that is, the action, task, or chore that is required of you because of a military position, a professional occupation, a familial responsibility, a legal obligation, or another reason altogether.

So, authors and characters, I ask you:

What is your specific duty, and why do you strive to fulfill it? Of course, if you choose to ignore such duties, feel free to share that, too.

(As I've already said, I don't want anyone to feel left out – even authors and characters who shirk their duties.)

Getting to Know You: Religion

Since it came up during our last conversation at CIC, I thought it might be interesting to have a chat about religion.

Whether you're an author or a character, you probably believe in something bigger than yourself – perhaps many gods, just one god, a mystical gaggle of fairies, or simply the random nature of the universe. So, how did you come to believe such a thing? Parental influence, life experience, or something else entirely?

Well, what do you say? Care to share your beliefs with the rest of us?

Getting to Know You: Pets

For many humans, there's nothing quite like having a pet around.

Warm, furry felines that sleep across your legs at night. Soft-hearted hunting dogs that plead for extra treats with their big, doleful eyes. Little birds that trill a merry tune whenever you stroll into the room. Wriggling hamsters that look so comical inside their endlessly spinning wheels.

And for some, slithery pythons that would happily swallow such rodents for breakfast.

It's no wonder, then, that pet owners are often less stressed-out than people without such lovable animals in their lives.

So, authors and characters, I ask you:

If you could have a pet, what kind would it be, and why? Of course, if you already do have a pet, please tell us all about him or her!

What If... You Spotted Someone Drowning?

Last week, we tested out a new exercise at Come In Character – the “What If...?” prompt – a chance for authors to answer a question from their characters' unique perspectives. Considering how well it went, I thought we might try it again.

This time, the scenario is a little more serious. So, characters, I ask you:

What would you do if you spotted someone drowning?

Would you ignore his or her frightened cries, seek some professional help, jump in after the poor victim, or do something else altogether? And remember, my friends, honesty is paramount.

Getting to Know You: A Love To Die For

For many of us, today is Valentine's Day – a holiday that celebrates love, lust, passion, and, in some cases, flowers and chocolate. In honor of this popular holiday, I decided to take Betsy's advice and ask the following question of all authors and characters:

Who is the one person you would die for, and why?

Of course, I realize that not everyone would go that far for someone else, so if that's the case with you, feel free to say so. Just don't be offended if the rest of us mock your lack of ardor!

(P.S. Thanks for the suggestion, Betsy!)

Getting to Know You: Important Possession

Last May, we discussed our most precious things here at Come In Character. Curiously, our answers ranged from weapons to family heirlooms to spiritual totems – and we all had different reasons for treasuring such items.

Given that several months have passed since then, it seems appropriate to rekindle this discussion.

So, authors and characters, what is your most important possession, and why?

Do you keep it locked away or carry it with you at all times? How long have you had it, and what would you do if someone – or something – tried to take it from you?

What If... You Found a Diamond Ring?

I just want to take a minute to thank everyone who recently offered his or her feedback about Come In Character. As I've expressed before, I love the purpose of this site, and I very much want our creative efforts here to continue. So, despite my rather busy schedule, I intend to post here at least twice a week – on varying days, both to keep things fresh and to prevent me from going batty. In light of your suggestions, I'll try hard to focus on character interaction – and, save for the occasional post, leave writing prompts to other sites.

All I ask of my fellow authors is two things: to send me your ideas for future posts and to promote the site when and where you can. In the meantime, I'll consider your suggestions regarding a CIC logo, a Facebook fan page, and other forms of promotion. With a little effort, we might just be able to entice a few more authors (and, hopefully, a bunch more characters) into our midst.

Okay, back to the post at hand. During our recent discussion, several good ideas were put forth about future posts. One, in particular, inspired me to create a whole new category. So, thanks, Jil, for suggesting the “What If...?” prompt – a way for characters to express how they would handle certain scenarios. With any luck, such questions might even spark an entertaining argument or two!

To kick off this new category, I've decided to take Jil's advice and ask our characters one simple question:

What would you do if you found a diamond ring in the street?

Would you try to find its rightful owner, give it to your sweetheart, exchange it for an exotic animal, or something else altogether? And, remember, my friends, honesty is everything.

Getting to Know You: Regret

So tell us, characters...any regrets? Do you carry the burden of something left undone, or perhaps something done that shouldn't have been?

If you could do it all over again, how would it be different? Or would it be?

Tell us your regrets today. If you have none, tell us that, too!

Getting to Know You: Fame

Fame! When we're children, it seems so appealing to be famous. Wouldn't it be great if everyone knew who we were and catered to us? But now that we're all grown up (are we?) how do we feel about fame?

Are you famous? If so, what do you like or dislike about it?

If you're not famous, would you want to be? Why or why not?

Let's talk about fame!

Getting to Know You: Back to School!

If school didn't start last week where you live, it's about to start soon. So tell us, what's your favorite school memory? Did you look forward to the beginning of the school year, with its new school supplies, new clothes, and opportunities to make new friends and rekindle old acquaintances? Or was the start of the school year just an end to your summer freedom and a great big nuisance?

Tell us what you think about "back to school!"

Getting to Know You: Dog Days

Well, friends, we're headed into the last full week of August, with September and Autumn just around the corner.

If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, that means the dog days of summer are almost over, so tell us how you've coped with the heat and the inevitable doldrums? Did you take a vacation? Go swimming? Eat lots of ice cream and drink cold beverages?

Do the final weeks of summer put you in a funk, or are they more of a last hurrah?

Getting to Know You: Virtue

They say virtue is its own reward, but is it really? What does virtue mean to you? Are there any particular virtues you're most proud of? What admirable traits do you feel you lack or need to work on?

Would you bother being virtuous if no one were around to notice? What are your thoughts on virtue?

Getting to Know You: Animals

If you could be an animal, what would you be, and why?











Do you have a favorite animal - one that perhaps you wouldn't want to be, but that you think is interesting or admirable? What qualities do you like about it? Would you want that animal to live in your house, if such were possible, or is it something you only admire from afar?

Getting to Know You: Independence

Both Canada and the United States had their independence celebrations recently, so let's take a little time to think about what independence really means to us.

Do you crave independence as an individual, or do you fear it? Do you lean on others, or do others depend on you?

Do you live in a place where personal independence is valued? Have you always felt free, or have you had to fight? Is there any day in particular that you think of as a personal Independence Day?

Getting to Know You: Apocalypse

OMG, it's the end of the world! Doomsday, apocalypse!

Okay, not really. But if it were, what would you do? Throw a party? Run and hide? Who would you make your last good-byes to, and what would you say?

Let's discuss what we would do if everything was about to end.

Getting to Know You: Father

Since Sunday was Father's Day (in the United States), let's take a minute and share our thoughts about fathers.

What was your father like? Is he still around? If not, do you miss him or are you secretly relieved? What important lessons did you learn from him?

Let's share our stories about dear old Dad!

Getting to Know You: Vacation!

Hey, everyone, with it being Memorial Weekend and the start of summer tourist season in much of North America, let's talk about vacations!












What is your fondest vacation memory? Where would you go if time and money were no object? Do you prefer road trips, cruises, or to just hop on a plane and go?

Tell us all about how you like to get away from it all!

Getting to Know You: Desert Island

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you?












Unbelievable that we've never asked this question before, isn't it? So have at it, authors and characters!

Getting to Know You: Favorite Memory

Hey, everyone, let's get nostalgic!











What is your most cherished memory? Is it something you did or something someone did for you? Do you like to reminisce about a special day or a particularly special someone?

Tell us all about it, and then tell us what makes this particular remembrance from your past so special.