​I've created a monster, or at least a way to understand that monster. My character sheets have become an invaluable resource for my story building. So without further huzzah, here are the questions that take me roughly one hour to complete:

Name (real/nickname/meaning):
A/S/L (age/gender/location):
Theme Song:
Describe in One Word:
Meyer’s Briggs Personality Type:
Body Type:
Eyes:
Hair:
Skin:
Face:
Voice Tone:
Posture:
What does s/he smell like?
Style of Clothes (goth/nerd/jock):
Prized Possession
circle the best fit for the character
Loner 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Popular
Introvert 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Extrovert
Unhealthy 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Healthy
Day 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Night
Optimist 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Pessimist
Simple 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Intelligent
Uncertain 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Confident
Controlled 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Emotional
Casual 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Formal
Cautious 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Reckless
Rude 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Polite
Alignment (LG/NG/CG/LN/N/CN/LE/NE/CE):
Learning Type (Auditory/Visual/Kinesthetic)
Humor (Dark/dry/witty/sarcastic/dirty/childish/intellectual/ironic)
Vice (Pride/Greed/Gluttony/Lust/Envy/Sloth/Wrath)
Virtue (Patient/Diligent/Chaste/Temperate/Charity/Kind/Humble)

Mannerisms/Gestures/Quirks:
Best/Worst Feature:
Birth Order:
Parent Background:
How Childhood affects them:
What is their current marital/romantic status:
Occupation/Role (why?):
Hobbies/Interests:
Extremely Skilled at:
Best Friend:
Nemesis:
Dreams/Desires/Passions:
Nightmares/Regrets/Fears:
Dirty Little Secret:
Spiritual Beliefs/Superstitions:
Best thing that has happened to them:
Worst thing that has happened to them:
Mood/Attitude:
Describe their “Sanctuary”:
First Impressions:
Stranger Impressions:
Friendly Impressions:
Enemy Impressions:
Familiar Impressions:
Self-Impressions:
2 Strengths:
2 Weaknesses:
Significance of Character:
Primary/Secondary Objective (Motivation):
How do they grow:
Catchphrase/Signature Quote:
Seinfield Description:
Comparison (S/he’s like…):

 
I often write more than just “brown” for eyes or hair. A short blurb you can copy into your story works best for those descriptions. This is your info dump. I try to give everyone a “Dirty Little Secret” that sometimes creeps into the story to add depth to a character arc.

“Impressions” are one of the most important areas to bring the characters to life. They are the ways other people see them and drive some of their motivations. What does their family think of them? Enemy? How do they feel about themselves?
Feel free to add or remove questions as you see fit. This is something you can pirate as much as you like, YAR!
 
I'm always on the lookout to improve these as well. Let me know your questions or methods for character creation in the comments below.

Jake Bonner is given a task he is not at all pleased to undertake. However, his more intelligent computer counterpart named Odin insists he use the odd jobs to help pay off his debts.
Their small scout ship is accompanied by the pop singing sensation, Evvie Martini, and the adventure takes a whole new spin. Jake must do his best to put up with the spoiled star as he tries to set up plans for his other task: leading a rebellion on Antioch Two.
With the star at his side and the AI overhead, Jake leads the planet to a rebellion that you would not expect. Be prepared to set aside time for this read as you will find it difficult to put down.
Robert Collins takes us down a trip into our imaginations to a fun time in our future. His use of pop references and science fiction nods are witty and quick. The dialogue is easy to follow and breathes life into the characters. I enjoyed the ride.

You can find more of his books and info about this great author here:  http://robertlcollins.blogspot.com/
He is also very active on Twitter (https://twitter.com/robertLcollins) and other social media.

After teaching 15+ preschoolers, sitting down to write becomes difficult; anything other than napping is difficult. How is one to pursue a writing career whilst remaining above the red for a daily income? Let me suggest 3 things to help us: time management, persistence, insanity.

 
1. The Villainy of Time

Time is the one resource we can never seem to control. It slips and squirms its way through our typing into the late hours. Yet, it is the one thing we need to handle in order to write well.
Do not let time be an excuse for not writing. In fact, writing should be your excuse. It’s okay to tell people* that you can’t do something at a given time because that is when you will be writing.
*If you tell someone you are busy writing, tell them about your work.
 

2. We Must Persist

​Whatever time frame you give yourself to write, be it a certain night to write or a little bit every day, do it. I could continue on through this point, but the opposition may be too fierce for the reader. Get your umption in function! (okay, I may be crossing out that phrase forever...)
 

3. We're All Mad Here

Time for some insanity -not the Beach Body workout- but the same thing over and over expecting a different result. The good news with the insanity of writing: this will eventually lead to a good result which will make you rich and famous, able to leave your day job, and pursue an exciting career in the glamorous life of an author whose name shall be remembered throughout history!!!

Well, maybe not that grandiose, but at least you will be a published author and not have to worry about making ends meet. If all goes well, you will also still enjoy writing and then start the insanity of a new story.

What are some of the ways you balance writing and the mundane?

​A PRESCHOOL TEACHER’S PRAYER
Of all the saddest phrases, this one is true
It’s at the moment I say “good-bye” to you
No more seeing your energetic smiles each day
No more teaching and coaching as you play
It’s like a college separation
Knowing you won’t see them on vacation
As I filled them with numbers and ABCs
I hope there’s still time for “thank you”s and “please”
Such moments when they finally understand
Hesitations and fears when they grab your hand
No reward in life could ever match
Even the simplest of activities like catch
For farewells of their last lesson’s theme
No more time to pretend and dream
Now leaving but echos of “why”s and roars
And so with all their art on refrigerator doors
They begin the year of kindergarten
I just hope their preschool teacher won’t be forgotten
–Matthew E Nordin
​
Don’t make those grumpy bird faces, get the pout-pouts away and be a happy llama!