Uncommon Writing Exercises

I am in search of character. Plus, I am super-glue stuck in story and am not able to break free until I know more about this kid. Who the heck is my protagonist anyway? What does he want? What is his quest? Why? What to do? Where to turn? Perhaps the book my son once gave me as a gift, Brian Kiteley's The 3 A.M. Epiphany: Uncommon Writing Exercises that Transform Your Fiction? Maybe so.

I am working through Kiteley's section on Character and Ways of Seeing (47-65) and am getting creeped out with the insights that have been unfolding within me. Kiteley is taking me on a wild ride of discovery. Where are we headed? I am not so sure. One thing is for certain, though. There are surprises lurking at every turn.

Last week I completed two lessons that seemed harmless enough. One was to form as many words that I could using the letters in the full name of someone I love. Then write a short story using those newly created words. My story was light and heart-warming...a nice way to start the day. Shallow? Safe? Yes, thank you very much.

The next day I was to do the same thing only using the letters found in the names of five people that I hate. Oh boy, the protagonist in this little piece was morbid and violent. Why is that? Where did this come from? Me? Or the energy behind the letters that formed words which formed a complex character? Very interesting...

Kiteley encourages writers with these words, "Extend yourself, inhabit other people---friends, enemies, people who puzzle you" (52). It seems that by inhabiting the letters and names of my friends, enemies, and puzzling people I extended myself into a brand new dimension of character and craft. Wow.