I'll give you a few hints. This is the American Girl Doll of 2012 from the American Girl Catalog. Each doll comes with a story, and they represent a character. This doll represents a girl from Seattle.
It's really cute, and I'm sure that American Girl has done some research for their two books about this character.
However, there is an interesting detail that is slightly wrong . . . do you know what it is?
If you are from Seattle you don't usually ______________.
If you can fill in the blank or have a guess, put it in the comment section below.
The Story is in the Details, Part 1
Usually I would say the story is in the character, based on his/her motivations, challenges, and deepest heart's desire.
However, stories are often shaped by details, and knowing the details can help us know the story.
A story is shaped by the rules of the world that the character lives in, and the rules that they impose on themself. Those are details that need to be filled in to make the story come alive.
A writing friend of mine told me about a female character that had tears come to her eyes every time she heard someone jingle their car keys in a certain way. When that female's romantic interest jingled his keys, she broke up with him even though she deeply loved him. Why? Well, the story was in the details of that character's background, and the rules she had imposed on herself.
In my current WIP, my character Clara is given a crystal sword, but it isn't just any crystal sword but the one pure crystal sword. She has trained hard for years to be accepted into Septily's Sword Master Circle, but when she receive this sword she struggles to wield it.
Why? The story is in the details of her character, but the story is also shaped by the details of the "rules" of the fantasy world where she lives.
What details matter to your story?
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31
8 comments:
You don't carry an umbrella, because most of the time, when it rains in the amazing Northwest, it's more like a heavy mist. They don't wear rain boots either.
I think she should be dressed in green for the emerald city, but that's just me.
I was thinking it was probably the umbrella, although I've never been to Seattle. But when I've seen photos or videos from it I usually just see people with raincoats with the hoods up. She is a cute doll, though.
Great example to lead into the details discussion, I always worry about getting details right with my character.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Tasha - Green for the Emerald City - I hadn't thought of that - good point! And yes, it's the umbrella and rainboots.
Julie - You're right! I know what you mean about getting details right with my main character. Have a great weekend!
Great scripture! One of my favorite. I agree about details. They are so important! Thanks.
Since I have curly hair that I straighten to tame the frizz... I am guessing dont wear your hair loose?In that weather I would look like little orphan annie every single day! LOL! I know my answer is wrong...I am dying to find out the answer though.
Blessings, Joanne
Angie - Thanks!!!
Joanne - good guess, and often true . . . but I usually am just frizzie. Blessings!
I was going to guess the umbrella, and I see I was partly right. :) You make a good point - the details are so important. So many things intertwine to make a story great!
Karen - Yep, the umbrella was the main one and yes, there are so many things that intertwine to make a story great.
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