Someone asked the question "How do you write from the perspective of mythical and/or historical characters?" My answer made a new blog post, which includes a sneak-peek into MERLIN'S PRIVATE DIARY at the beginning of book.

Here is the link, fwiw:

http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblo ... characters

-Robert

*rubs hands together eagerly * As soon as I read I got to see into your book, Treskillard, I clicked the link. Thanks for the post, and for indulging us with a section of your story!

I think I need to clarify because I said "Merlin's private diary at the beginning of the book," which is a very confusing way to word that.

By that I meant that it was his secret diary prior to the book's beginning, such that the excerpt is *not* in the book, but rather part of my pre-writing to know Merlin better before I began writing officially.

Also, my book is in 3rd person, but that diary entry is in 1st person. And technically it's not a diary entry because Merlin can't even write ... it's more his personal thoughts.

Anyway, my goal is to give you an example of "getting into the character" so that you know your characters better and can write them more realistically.

And you can do this from any character's perspective ... even the villain, who will see *themselves* as the hero of the book.

-Robert

What? You mean you didn't let me have a look into your book? Well you just ruined my day.

I see what you are saying. *nods * That's an interesting way to try and get into your character's head. Have you found that using this method has helped you a lot in developing Merlin's character?

Yes, I think so. He became more real to me ... and not just a list of characteristics on paper. Whether or not he "lives" for readers is the question, though.

*nods * I may try this then. I've been trying to break through to my villain character, and have found him somewhat uncooperative. Maybe this could help me understand him better.

If you write something like that for Dunndar, I want to read it.

That was who I had in mind.

I know. But I hoped you also had in mind letting me read it.

Sure, Jonathan.

Good.

Moving it sounds good. I'm still learning my way around here!

Wow. I've been trying to really get into one of my characters, and was having trouble figuring him out. This really works. Now I have him the way he needs to be, and I have to rework my story... It's totally worth it. Thanks for posting that, Robert!

You're welcome, Shawn!

Love it! Really cool!