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Monday, 6 February 2012

Characters on the couch - I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest


My first post, in my first ever blogfest! This should be exciting. Having never done anything like this before, I don't really know what to expect, but I'm already finding it great fun!


Here was the brief for today:


Characters on the couch: Have one of your characters answer the following questions (to make this work to your benefit, choose a character who is the hardest for you to write :) Max 250 words (Not including the questions—only the answers).

The character I have picked is one of my original characters that I slipped into a fanfiction once. I fell in love with her, and I've already begun to map out her own story. I can't wait to get started!

Her name is Nasreen. She's a gypsy living in a fictional Persia during the middle ages. She can't quite remember how old she is, but even if she did, she wouldn't tell you. Here's what she had to say:

1. What is your biggest vulnerability? Do others know this or is it a secret? 

"I don't have one, and even if I did, I wouldn't tell you. Once people know your weakness, they own you."

2. What do people believe about you that is false?

 "Most people believe that I am a whore. They just assume, and wrongly so, that a woman living on the streets has to prostitute herself to survive. Let them think whatever they want. As long as they can’t feel my fingers as I cut the cords of their purse strings, I don’t care."

3. What would your best friend say is your fatal flaw? Why?
 
"Well, the word fatal implies that I would be dead, and seeing as I'm not, I mustn't have one. But, if there was something, it would probably be my arrogance. I'm so used to getting away with my ‘crimes’ that one day I might get complacent. It’s not likely though." 

4. What would the same friend say is your one redeeming quality? Why?

"I steal, I cheat, I lie, and I backstab. There’s nothing redeeming to be found in me. But I survive, and that’s all that matters.” 

5. What do you want most? What will you do to get it? 

"I spend most of my days wanting. Food, money, shoes that fit. What I want most though, is to not have to want. Ultimately, I want security, but that’s not something I can wrap my thieving fingers around. It’s just a concept, and one that is beyond even my grasp.

Thank you Nasreen for your time, I... hold on... where'd my handbag go...?

Sarah x

22 comments:

  1. I love Nasreen. She reminds me very much of one of my main characters that I wrote about for the blogfest.

    I'd love to see more of her.

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  2. Very interesting. The whole concept of your story sounds like something I would enjoy - excellent work!

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  3. Lol, sticky fingers! I love that she acknowledges her arrogance. I totally got that from this interview! Great job!

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  4. Hi, Sarah! I'm a new follower.
    Nasreen is a spitfire. I'd like her to have my back while on the streets.

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  5. I love the idea that you can't steal security. Nice.

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  6. Sarah--I love Nasreen! Misunderstood thieving gypsy--doesn't get better than that :) I love the voice in this post :) Great job!

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  7. So fun! I love the, I don't have a fatal flaw, but if I must have a flaw its that I'm arrogant bit. You almost don't even have to say she is arrogant it just seeps out of her!

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  8. What a great character! Feisty and fearless. You're going to have such fun writing her. I'm envious :)

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  9. Wow what an intriguing character. I wouldn't want to be alone with her in and alley.

    Great job!

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  10. Nasreen! That name ROCKS! She sounds amazing. I love her attitude and her arrogance. On the other hand it breaks my heart that she has to want so much. Yeah, I'm already connecting to your character and feeling for her. Great job. :) Glad I found your blog. I'm a new follower!

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  11. Sounds like life is rough for her and she'll do whatever it takes to make it through. That's one tough character, nice work! :)

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  12. aint no rest for the wicked! totally different perspective!
    great voice!

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  13. Here's a lady with a purpose, meager as it is. Good voice.

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  14. I love a gypsy. She has great voice and an attitude that is amazing. Great job - new follower :)

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  15. Ohh!! She's so clever! Of course, a gypsy has to be!

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  16. There is something charismatic about a gypsy. although she's a self confessed thief there is something endearingly attractive about Nasreen, despite her slightly arrogant attitude!

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  17. PS - forgot to say it's nice to meet a fellow Brit and contributor to this Festival!

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  18. Love the 1st and last lines. Great character voice! I want more!

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  19. Fun. I don't think I'd want this character over for dinner, but you've drawn her well.

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  20. She sounds very resourceful and independent. Also, I love the idea of a story set in Persia in that time period - even a fictional Persia.

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  21. I love a good strong female character, and yours certainly sounds like one :) I love that line, "once people know your weakness they own you" I think it says a lot.

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I love reading your comments!