Characters and planning and soundtracks, oh my!

In addition to my current WIP (work in progress), I've decided to write a short novella aimed at Nocturne Bites. A couple of my first steps when I tackle a new story are, well, finding characters for the story, duh! But I have them. They need backstories--histories. Then I work on their GMCs (Goals, Motivations and Conflicts). What they want out of life ties in with what has happened to them in their past.

While all this is running around in my head, I'm also playing with the story idea. The story has to be about something, right? Sometimes that part comes first, sometimes the characters come first. In this case, I have characters, now I have to decide what their story is.

Before I can write the story I have to write a blurb. Sort of what you'd see on the back cover of the book. That part kills me. It's hard to nail down the heart of your story in just a couple of paragraphs. But if I can do that, then I know that I have a really good grasp on the heart of my story. I also like to make a "soundtrack" for my story. Having a mix of songs to put on when you're writing can be a signal to your brain that it's time to stop being mom or maid or chauffeur and begin being a writer. So I'm spending some time digging through my iPod, paying close attention to the feelings a song evokes looking for that something that makes me think, "yeah, this fits my story!" I'll be sharing some songs with you this week. They may go on my soundtrack or they may not. Just sit back and listen and enjoy. Here's your first one, unusual video and all. :-)