Yesterday I got Borderline author T.A. Smith invited to speak and sign books at a national Christian skateboarding convention this September in Fort Lauderdale. His book series The Boardunders Club is action/adventure revolving around four fifth-graders who love skateboarding. It's a great hook--so great it snagged the attention of Random House. But until they take over, I get the honor of working on this project.
Tweens can't get enough of this series, and one of the reasons why is for the quirky characters. For example, you know what kind of person Aunt Jane is by the dinner she makes--she microwaves pancake mix on a paper plate. I love it. (The characterization, not the dinner, so don't worry kids.) Then there's the mentally handicapped guy who lives with his parents and works as a pizza delivery man. As well as a scrawny kid who would do anything to keep the title of Ninja Man.
How do you bring your characters to life? I like to do a character profile sheet--taking the questions way beyond height and hair color. You could even "interview" them. What kind of New Year's resolutions do they make? What would they say if they smacked their thumb with a hammer? What are they a sucker for? And once you get that all done, maybe even try a personality test. Take it as if you are the character. Get inside their heads so that they read as if they're real.
Update: Just got an email from skateboard evangelist Tim Byrne's agent. He's interested in endorsing PUZZLE BONES--Book 1 of The Boardunders Club.
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