What do your characters do to relax? How do they show stress? Do you have any “stiff upper lip” types? If so, how do they show stress? The traditional way would be a nervous tic but can you show a unique way for your unique character to reflect their state of mind? Bad habits? What do your characters have? How did they develop these? Do they drive a loved one mad? Who are their loved ones? How did those relationships develop? You may well find you don’t need to put all or any of this into your story but as long as you know the answers you will be able to write about and for your characters with confidence, which will show in your stories. Good habits? Quirks? Do they agree with their world’s politics? Have they any ways of showing their views? What are the consequences?
Events in Story
Is there enough happening in your story? Could you plot the major events and see rises and falls and rises again as the story progresses? Does your story end satisfactorily (not necessarily the same as happily)? Do your characters develop? There has to be change in your work. Change in the characters, they can’t remain unmoved by events; change in the story, something has to happen for there to be a tale; change in the plot, no plot stands still. Can you sum up your story in a sentence or two? Can you see where your story would be in the market? Are you proud of your tale? You should be!! And be proud of others’ stories that have inspired you, encouraged you and got you writing. Writing should be a positive circle. One writer encourages another, they in turn help someone else… Do you find if you can’t write you get withdrawal symptoms? If not, query why! Writing is such a wonderful creative thing and if you can’t write with enthusiasm that will show up in your work. Nobody is enthusiastic all the time but what you’re seeking is generally speaking you can’t wait to get to your desk and that keenness shines through.