Niliwen
I think I've mentioned on one occasion or another (cough) how much I appreciate a writer who can make their characters real for me. I have no requirements for the formula a writer must use-- I consider that a personal choice on their part. Some weave a vivid tapestry of physical description; others give me a titillating peek at their characters' most private thoughts. Still, others create dialogue with such flair that I know the tone of voice, and I can imagine the array of facial expressions they wear. No, I don't really believe that there is a specific formula for making characters vibrantly dimensional because I've encountered far too many styles that manage to pull off the feat.
I had the pleasure of reading today's featured writer early on in my FLAME life, and I still like to wander over to her journal occasionally to have a visit. You'll notice right away that she has her very own, unique style for developing characters. Then you'll notice that she manages to build her stories around historical/political scenarios that are close to her heart and relevant to her daily life and future goals. Her characters are admirable folks, with noble causes and sharp minds, but they don't forget their sense of humor. They are real in such an honest, tangible way, you probably have known a few people like them in your own RL.
Tonight, my darlings, I give you my March choice of our Flaming Oldie but Goodie! Say a happy hello to Niliwen!
Bio:
Hello everyone! To most of my offline world, I'm known as Kat, aspiring pre-medical student, youth leader, and incorrigible writer. I proudly hail from the Philippines, a beautiful archipelago with an even more amazing people.
I started off composing poems when I was a child, then after a stint as a campus journalist, I progressed to prose. My writing at present is roughly divided into three categories: the necessary stuff I do for school (especially my thesis), my political commentaries, and my fiction.
Most of my fiction is in two story arcs, though I do have the occasional independent piece here and there. There is my fantasy arc featuring my characters Isidore and Almira, two very different teens struggling through a merciless steampunk universe with an urban battle royale in the making. Then I also have my arc featuring my more everyday characters Mark Lorenz, Ida Almario, and their adventures firmly grounded in 21st century Manila. Both of these arcs are inspired off actual events then put through a filter or lens constructed from my many influences. My top influences include Victor Hugo, JRR Tolkien, Jose Rizal, Patrick O'Brian, and most recently Diana Wynne Jones.
I came across the Flame while browsing about on LJ, and I decided that this community would be a great place for me to learn more about doing the thing I do best, which is writing. I'm really happy to have learned a lot from you all, and I also am grateful for your constructive criticism and moral support.
The Chosen Piece:
"Lightning Strike" is an alternative universe to my Mark-Ida stories. There is no need to read any of the previous or subsequent snippets to understand this one. The political situation depicted in this story resembles the Philippines in 70's as opposed to today. In this story, Ida putters about the campus radio station and contemplates the antecedents for taking action about the dire political situation she and her friends are reporting on.
The Link:
http://niliwen.livejournal.com/415843.html
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