I presuming we all joined this spot 'cos we pag-ibig to write, right? If so then you all know what I'm talking about when I say that we all pag-ibig our main characters and sometimes want to make them the best people in the world.
B-O-R-I-N-G
Yes, we want to make our main character gets the best out of the story, since it's their story. But if they're the best people in the world it doesn't really make them believable and then the reader just doesn't care about them (which is hard to understand cos we as the writer pag-ibig em, but unfortunantley it's true)
So here is my step-by-step guide to make sure that your character isn't a Mary Sue, because trust me, when I first started to write there were Sue's all over my story- it was the worst story in the world. Most readers want to be able to see the characters fall then come back up again- it's madami entertaining.
Step-by-step guide: Mary Sue's
Okay so most of you must be asking who Mary Sue is? She's the prettist, most intelligent, gets all the boys kinda girl who saves the day, has no flaws and every other character in your story loves her. You hate her already, don't you? Why? Because you can't relate to her (/him, it can be a boy too). You don't want her in your story-unless its a parody about a Mary Sue, but thats another story- she'll make the reader puke with all the rainbows and mga engkanto surrounding her. So here's how to make sure she doesn't creep in.
Think about your main character, and answer these questions.
1.What's her name? Did you spend a whole hour/day (please don't say week) picking it?
Did you choose it for the meaning?
2.Describe her.
3.Does she solve all the problems without any help at all? What does she get for solving these problems?
4.Does she have any enemies?
Okay.Done? Lets see what your sagot mean...
1. Her name? Why it's Princess. (sorry if this is someones name and they do have a genuine reason for picking it) But if you chose this name just because it means Princess, or you have another name that means Princess or loved one or anything that relates to what your character is like, then think about changing it-it's a bit vain/too much. If not and you answered no to the other two tanong then well done, that's one of the criteria out of the way.
Note: My first characters name was Sadie which means Princess- don't worry,we all fall into the same traps.
2. Does she look madami beautiful than a model, even without any make-up and even though she's just a normal human being? We all have flaws, even sparkely Bampira do-Rosalie anyone?
Like I sinabi above about Rosalie, if your character does look like a model and it's not a side effect of being a vampire/werewolf/witch/wizard/any other mythical being, then you can usually balance them out sa pamamagitan ng making them really mean, or stupid- but that only really works for minor characters most of them time. You want your main character to be relatable. Although that isn't always the case- take Blart: the boy who didn't want to save the world, he's ugly, stupid and mean, but nobody can relate to him that much. Saying that the book is a kinda parody about wizards being stupid and knights being far from noble. Anyway, I'm straying away from the point...
3. Everybody needs help, as nobody can be right all the time- it's part of being human, and if your character is relatable then she's going to have to make a mistake sometime or other.
And I hope they don't have everybody worshipping them for solving it- the villan at least is going to hate her.
4. Okay so a villan is an enemy. But I'm sure there are people in your life that don't like you (hate/enemy is a strong word). And if she is a Mary Sue, then in real life people are gonna dislike her for going out with a boy they like, or getting the highest marks in the test when she didn't revise at all. Everybody has people that pag-ibig 'em and hate 'em, same for your character.
I think that if you try and fix these points your character should be madami believable- they worked for me. Of course your character could already be perfectly fine.
I'm not an expert at writing, and everybody's stories are different, so these points won't work for every character. But I just thought I'd pass on what I've learnt from other young writers cos they really help. I mean, can you name a Mary Sue in your life?
If this didn't help you can always take a Mary Sue litmus test. I recommend link
B-O-R-I-N-G
Yes, we want to make our main character gets the best out of the story, since it's their story. But if they're the best people in the world it doesn't really make them believable and then the reader just doesn't care about them (which is hard to understand cos we as the writer pag-ibig em, but unfortunantley it's true)
So here is my step-by-step guide to make sure that your character isn't a Mary Sue, because trust me, when I first started to write there were Sue's all over my story- it was the worst story in the world. Most readers want to be able to see the characters fall then come back up again- it's madami entertaining.
Step-by-step guide: Mary Sue's
Okay so most of you must be asking who Mary Sue is? She's the prettist, most intelligent, gets all the boys kinda girl who saves the day, has no flaws and every other character in your story loves her. You hate her already, don't you? Why? Because you can't relate to her (/him, it can be a boy too). You don't want her in your story-unless its a parody about a Mary Sue, but thats another story- she'll make the reader puke with all the rainbows and mga engkanto surrounding her. So here's how to make sure she doesn't creep in.
Think about your main character, and answer these questions.
1.What's her name? Did you spend a whole hour/day (please don't say week) picking it?
Did you choose it for the meaning?
2.Describe her.
3.Does she solve all the problems without any help at all? What does she get for solving these problems?
4.Does she have any enemies?
Okay.Done? Lets see what your sagot mean...
1. Her name? Why it's Princess. (sorry if this is someones name and they do have a genuine reason for picking it) But if you chose this name just because it means Princess, or you have another name that means Princess or loved one or anything that relates to what your character is like, then think about changing it-it's a bit vain/too much. If not and you answered no to the other two tanong then well done, that's one of the criteria out of the way.
Note: My first characters name was Sadie which means Princess- don't worry,we all fall into the same traps.
2. Does she look madami beautiful than a model, even without any make-up and even though she's just a normal human being? We all have flaws, even sparkely Bampira do-Rosalie anyone?
Like I sinabi above about Rosalie, if your character does look like a model and it's not a side effect of being a vampire/werewolf/witch/wizard/any other mythical being, then you can usually balance them out sa pamamagitan ng making them really mean, or stupid- but that only really works for minor characters most of them time. You want your main character to be relatable. Although that isn't always the case- take Blart: the boy who didn't want to save the world, he's ugly, stupid and mean, but nobody can relate to him that much. Saying that the book is a kinda parody about wizards being stupid and knights being far from noble. Anyway, I'm straying away from the point...
3. Everybody needs help, as nobody can be right all the time- it's part of being human, and if your character is relatable then she's going to have to make a mistake sometime or other.
And I hope they don't have everybody worshipping them for solving it- the villan at least is going to hate her.
4. Okay so a villan is an enemy. But I'm sure there are people in your life that don't like you (hate/enemy is a strong word). And if she is a Mary Sue, then in real life people are gonna dislike her for going out with a boy they like, or getting the highest marks in the test when she didn't revise at all. Everybody has people that pag-ibig 'em and hate 'em, same for your character.
I think that if you try and fix these points your character should be madami believable- they worked for me. Of course your character could already be perfectly fine.
I'm not an expert at writing, and everybody's stories are different, so these points won't work for every character. But I just thought I'd pass on what I've learnt from other young writers cos they really help. I mean, can you name a Mary Sue in your life?
If this didn't help you can always take a Mary Sue litmus test. I recommend link
~ Chapter 1: Dreams
Love. Unconditional and pure pag-ibig was there, found in their hearts. Feelings, pure and strong lived from araw to day.
But the days were cold. Cold wind froze their dreams.
A child was born.
Dreams, spreading its roots, now slowly fade.
But still live and last in the hearts of the dreamers.
A child wasn't a part of a dream, though.
It wasn't. But pag-ibig was still there, although destroyed sa pamamagitan ng many issues, it started fading slowly like a smothered flame.
Mother's eyes was full of hope and puso full of love, so pure, so gentle.
She knew. Life won't be gatas and honey, though she must be strong.
Looking at her baby girl, happy and sad in the same time, so many thoughts were flying through her head.
So many questions, perhaps a small dose of regret.
She felt sadness inside.
pag-ibig was still there, that pure pag-ibig that kept them alive, though these dreams they both had were somehow far and unreal.
A flame of pag-ibig was still burning...
Love. Unconditional and pure pag-ibig was there, found in their hearts. Feelings, pure and strong lived from araw to day.
But the days were cold. Cold wind froze their dreams.
A child was born.
Dreams, spreading its roots, now slowly fade.
But still live and last in the hearts of the dreamers.
A child wasn't a part of a dream, though.
It wasn't. But pag-ibig was still there, although destroyed sa pamamagitan ng many issues, it started fading slowly like a smothered flame.
Mother's eyes was full of hope and puso full of love, so pure, so gentle.
She knew. Life won't be gatas and honey, though she must be strong.
Looking at her baby girl, happy and sad in the same time, so many thoughts were flying through her head.
So many questions, perhaps a small dose of regret.
She felt sadness inside.
pag-ibig was still there, that pure pag-ibig that kept them alive, though these dreams they both had were somehow far and unreal.
A flame of pag-ibig was still burning...
Texas Rancho Viejo 1942
Bonnie's POV
I walked quickly down the dusty dirt road, I kicked and scrapped pebbels, It was hot and dry today, another great thing when your isolated! *CRASH* I gasped, I slowed to a stop and carfully and slowwly turned around. Behind me stood a man. He had wild brown hair and blue piercing eyes, He held a gun and a charcol covered teddy bear. He smiled and inchined twords me. "Whoa pardner, who are you?" I asked in my thick texian accent. "I am a friend" He sinabi kindly. I suspiciously eyed him up and down. I reached into my back pocket and gripped my fingers around a gun I found. "Dont be afraid i'll make it all better" He moved closer to me, I panicked.Is this the phantom murder? I thought. I pulled out my gun and aimed it at him. "I dont think you will"
I sinabi sweetly, then I triggered it and shot him, he fell to the ground stunned. I smiled. When your isolated in texas you cant trust anyone. and i mean ANYONE.
Bonnie's POV
I walked quickly down the dusty dirt road, I kicked and scrapped pebbels, It was hot and dry today, another great thing when your isolated! *CRASH* I gasped, I slowed to a stop and carfully and slowwly turned around. Behind me stood a man. He had wild brown hair and blue piercing eyes, He held a gun and a charcol covered teddy bear. He smiled and inchined twords me. "Whoa pardner, who are you?" I asked in my thick texian accent. "I am a friend" He sinabi kindly. I suspiciously eyed him up and down. I reached into my back pocket and gripped my fingers around a gun I found. "Dont be afraid i'll make it all better" He moved closer to me, I panicked.Is this the phantom murder? I thought. I pulled out my gun and aimed it at him. "I dont think you will"
I sinabi sweetly, then I triggered it and shot him, he fell to the ground stunned. I smiled. When your isolated in texas you cant trust anyone. and i mean ANYONE.
Always running
All the time,
Chasing a dream
As I follow the signs.
Out of breath
I miss a turn,
I wander the paths
Ready to learn.
I start to get impatient
I'm working so hard,
So how come I'm not there yet
I've played all my cards.
Life is like a rollercoaster
Mine never stops,
It takes me round in circles
Back to the start.
There are so many highs and lows
Yet they''re all the same,
I need a change of track
Something different to my name.
Each step I take aches my body
And I'm waiting for the day,
That a different train will come along
And take me a different way.
All the time,
Chasing a dream
As I follow the signs.
Out of breath
I miss a turn,
I wander the paths
Ready to learn.
I start to get impatient
I'm working so hard,
So how come I'm not there yet
I've played all my cards.
Life is like a rollercoaster
Mine never stops,
It takes me round in circles
Back to the start.
There are so many highs and lows
Yet they''re all the same,
I need a change of track
Something different to my name.
Each step I take aches my body
And I'm waiting for the day,
That a different train will come along
And take me a different way.
Dusty Streets
A blazing sun,
pagkain and Water
There is none.
Living on hope
Crying out,
Helping others
Around and about.
Children Shouting
They wail and cry,
Willing for a change
A signal, a sign.
They're grateful for everytihng
Whatever comes their way,
They're constantly working
All night, all day.
The air is filthy
They cough and they weep,
They want to survive
They sniffle and sleep.
Begging off strangers
It's all they can do,
Someone to help them
It could be you.
-Emily Eaton (13)
A blazing sun,
pagkain and Water
There is none.
Living on hope
Crying out,
Helping others
Around and about.
Children Shouting
They wail and cry,
Willing for a change
A signal, a sign.
They're grateful for everytihng
Whatever comes their way,
They're constantly working
All night, all day.
The air is filthy
They cough and they weep,
They want to survive
They sniffle and sleep.
Begging off strangers
It's all they can do,
Someone to help them
It could be you.
-Emily Eaton (13)
I have a secret: I'm afraid. I'm terribly afraid that I AM GOING TO DIE. I didn't ask for leukemia. Nor did I expect it. Especially not chronic myelogenous leukemia. Especially when chronic myelogenous leukemia tends to affect the OLDER males, and I'm only what, 14?
But do you know why it has to be a secret? I have a family: my dad and Jae, my youngest sister. [Yeah, I have two more, but, they're out of my life at the moment.] They cried their hearts out once I was diagnosed. They were afraid that they'd lose another family member--after all, my mother passed away after a car accident. I promised to be strong. For Dad. For Jae. For Mom.
But if being strong means that I have to hold back all these tears, that I have to surpress all my fear in order to comfort my family, sometimes I wish I didn't make that promise.
But do you know why it has to be a secret? I have a family: my dad and Jae, my youngest sister. [Yeah, I have two more, but, they're out of my life at the moment.] They cried their hearts out once I was diagnosed. They were afraid that they'd lose another family member--after all, my mother passed away after a car accident. I promised to be strong. For Dad. For Jae. For Mom.
But if being strong means that I have to hold back all these tears, that I have to surpress all my fear in order to comfort my family, sometimes I wish I didn't make that promise.
I was in the class the other day, and Mrs.Crosswaer was handing out new assignments. And he stared at me! Oh his name is Sam, and he was staring at me dreamly!!!!!!!!!!!
It was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cooooooooooooooool!
I am SO SORRY! It had to be lonfer so yeah!
It was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cooooooooooooooool!
I am SO SORRY! It had to be lonfer so yeah!
*********************
One lonely sunday afternoon
I sit in my chamber and have nothing to do
My pag-ibig is far away
I wonder if (s)he's already forgotten me
So I sadly watch the sky
See the raindrops passing by
One looonely sunday afternooon...
One looonely sunday afternoon
One lonely sunday afternoon
I'm even as my bulaklak still out of bloom
I find some old photos, covered with dust
I cannot forget you although I know that I must
So I sadly let them fly
And this time I have to cry
One looonely sunday afternooon...
One looonely sunday afternoon
**********************
