Tag: the process of writing

The behaviors of the characters

When creating characters, whether for a novel or a play, two notions are important: observation and empathy. It is possible to imagine the physique and character traits beforehand, however, observing reality allows you to create very realistic fictional characters. Where are they heading? what pushes them to act?

Likewise, asking yourself what the characters feel, making them act according to their values to maintain a certain logic, all of this is part of what we can call empathy for the characters we create. Personally, I have always really liked the characters in my stories and when I had to create “bad guys” it was never easy and I often write them a past that helps enlighten readers.

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A few words from professor Will

Carmine Will is one of the characters of fiction created for Fantastic L.A.

Astronomer and lecturer, he works in parallel at the Los Angeles Observatory and collects art objects.

As you know, for several days will be visible the comet Tsuchinshan – Atlas with exceptional particularities. It was born in the Oort cloud an assembly of planets and celestial bodies, a journey counted in millions of years.

Professor Will invites all readers and you, patient Internet users to observe the sky from time to time, even if the events are not always the easiest. A little cosmic poetry.

Learn more about: Fantastic L.A.

Hollywood classics and literature

The classics of Hollywood cinema influenced the writing of my fiction Duel à Albi.

In the story, I refer to several films such as:

– Morocco

– The Devil’s Garden

– Friendly persuasion

The script of some films is inspired by literature.

– For Whom the Bell Tolls based on Ernest Hemingway’s novel

– Peter Ibbetson based on the novel by George Dumaurier

I chose evocative titles in line with the sassy tone of the dialogue. They thus participate in creating the fantastic dimension in which I wanted to immerse my short story and the public.

For the documentation part, I made an appointment at a film library to read some extracts from books which gave me some information.

biographies about film actors and actresses

Thank you to the film libray Jean Vigo.

 

Inspirations and places

When I’ve written a story, go to the places that inspired meaning. And very often, my visit reveals supposed elements that I had not thought of. As part of “duel in Albi”, after a walk in the park and in the city, I discovered several historical monuments as well as two museums, one dedicated to Toulouse Lautrec and one dedicated to fashion. It immediately made me think of fairy tales and theater stage costumes.

Albi fashion museum picture
Costume in a private museum in Albi.
© 2025 Céline Valette – Tous droits de reproduction, d’adaptation et de traduction réservés pour tous pays sans le consentement de l’Auteur (titre, modèle, illustrations, photos...etc).