This year I am giving thanks to the army of on-line security workers. These people, who think up such clever questions to answer when setting up a new account, have just given me another opportunity to create backstory for my characters.
Consider the questions:
- what is your favorite music?
- what was your first car?
- what was the mascot of your high school?
There is no law that says you have to be honest when you answer, just that you remember what you entered. Why not use this opportunity to develop your protagonist? What music would she listen to most? What car would stick in her mind, the one in which she learned to drive or the first one she bought? Was she the mascot and always hated the costume?
I plan to look for other opportunities to explore character, or at least try out some ideas. My local grocery is starting their annual food drive. Every time you donate, you can write your name on a card that is posted on the wall. I think I will start writing potential character names and see what feels right. Look for my handwriting on the wall.