by Zachariah OHora
Writing is hard work. Coming up with good characters can be even harder. The market for picture books (at least this moment) is all about character-driven stories.
When I’m trying to come up with a fresh book idea and there isn’t one to steal from my kids, I start with a character.
I’ve developed a method that is very simple. Even if you don’t draw you can fake it.
It’s called “Pimp Your Character” ™.
In a nutshell it works like this…
(Tara’s note: click each image to see it in its full-sized glory!)
Good! You are on your way. If you are feeling confident about this simple version, move on to the advanced version.
Say you are having trouble picking an animal. Maybe you hate animals? If so, try writing dystopian YA.
If you love animals but just can’t decide go to CuteOverload.com or even better FYeahCuteAnimalss.tumblr.com.
Pick an animal and refer to the charts above to “Pimp Your Character” ™.
If done right your character will write or reveal it’s own story. All you have to do is be open to hearing it. Don’t be afraid to use peoples own prejudices and expectations.
You might be surprised. Here’s an example.
Sometimes I get lucky. Real life provides me with a story and character idea and they almost write themselves. NO FITS NILSON! was one of those.
Good luck Pimping Your Character!
Zachariah OHora is the author and illustrator of Stop Snoring Bernard! (Henry Holt 2011) which won the Society of Illustrators Founders Award for 2011 and was chosen as the PA One Book for 2012.
His latest book No Fits Nilson! was awarded a Kirkus Star and featured in The New York Times Book Review. He is currently working on My Cousin Momo (Dial Books, Winter 2015) and Wolfie the Bunny written by Ame Dyckman (Little Brown, Spring 2015).
He is repped by Sean McCarthy of the Sean McCarthy Literary Agency. His website is Zohora.com. Check out his blog and follow him on Twitter @ZachariahOHora.
194 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 14, 2013 at 6:05 am
nicole snitselaar
What a fascinating method !
Thank You !
November 14, 2013 at 6:11 am
Tina Cho
Thanks for the great idea! I’ll have to try this.
November 14, 2013 at 6:38 am
Anne Bielby
Hmmmm….thought provoking!
November 14, 2013 at 7:15 am
Sue Poduska
Thanks for a creative post. I’ll work on my pimping.
November 14, 2013 at 7:19 am
RaChelle Lisiecki
Great ideas! I can even use some in my classroom…just maybe not the bunny who engages in unsafe sexual practices.
November 14, 2013 at 7:22 am
Alicia van Thiel
Accessorize your character…great fun! Thanks for sharing!
November 14, 2013 at 7:23 am
saputnam
I like it! What a unique way to find your characters!
November 14, 2013 at 7:33 am
kamikinard
Love it!
November 14, 2013 at 7:42 am
MSackman
Thanks for sharing. I love gathering ideas for finding and developing characters, although I never thought I would relate pimping to children’s lit!
November 14, 2013 at 7:42 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Love these! Wish I could draw, but I’ll just be pimping ugly animals instead of cute ones!
November 14, 2013 at 7:54 am
marciecolleen
Such a fan of your work. Thanks for letting us into a bit of your twisted process. 🙂
November 14, 2013 at 8:06 am
Rebecca Trembula
I’ll try that tonight! Looks like fun! 🙂
November 14, 2013 at 8:12 am
Patricia Holloway
Wow, this should get me out of the box! Thank you for this creative outlet.
November 14, 2013 at 8:07 am
Courtenay Schurman
Fascinating … and inspiring! Thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 8:08 am
Leslee Anne Hewson
A fun way to explore and invent characters. Thanks, I’ll give it a go.
November 14, 2013 at 8:12 am
One Happy Writer
This is too much fun! Thank you Zachariah for landing me 2 new PB ideas (Day #13 & #14) 😀 Keep on pimping those characters, I’m joining the fun.
November 14, 2013 at 8:18 am
writeknit
Fun, fun, fun!! Exactly what a picture book is about. Thanks for the tips.
November 14, 2013 at 8:20 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
Great method. It’s so fun to see how you gave ordinary animals such personality. And cuteoverload is a great source for inspiration. Thanks for telling us about it.
November 14, 2013 at 8:21 am
Beverly Snedecor
This is wonderful, thank you! I love bunnies (but they are not rodents, believe it or not).
November 14, 2013 at 8:27 am
Joanne Sher
So VERY creative! Loving this idea :). Thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 8:27 am
Debra Shumaker
Too funny. Love the creative approach!
November 14, 2013 at 8:27 am
Wendy Greenley
Lovin’ that I can stare at cute animals and call it WORK!
November 14, 2013 at 8:28 am
Stacy Gray
I cannot express how much this entertained me this morning! I’m going off to pimp my character right now!
November 14, 2013 at 8:34 am
Juliet Clare Bell
Fab. I love it! I’m going to have a go today and am just about to check out your suggested websites. Really appreciate the link and the method. Thanks, Clare.
November 14, 2013 at 8:35 am
Lucy
now I want to draw bunnies. Fat bunnies, skinny bunnies, bunnies climb on rocks…
November 14, 2013 at 8:44 am
Juliana Lee
tough bunnies, sissy bunnies, even bunnies with chicken pox… 🙂
November 14, 2013 at 8:42 am
Jenn DesAutels
“Maybe you hate animals? If so, try writing dystopian YA.”
Love it… love your style… love flying squirrels. Thank you for the tips, Zachariah! =D
November 14, 2013 at 8:45 am
Juliana Lee
I was so entertained going from one site to another! Thanks for starting my morning off with a bang!
November 14, 2013 at 8:53 am
gpatmiller
So THAT’s the secret! Maybe my North Pole elf needs a switchblade? Or a Brazilian accent? NOW I hear this little guy speaking to me! Thanks, Zachariah!
November 14, 2013 at 8:54 am
Pat Haapaniemi
Love it! Your characters are too funny! This is definitely worth a try – thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 8:54 am
Karen Mae Zoccoli
What a fun exercise and way to discover a character with a story! Love it, thanks Zachariah!
November 14, 2013 at 9:00 am
Nancy Tandon
Thank you for today’s laugh! Too funny.
November 14, 2013 at 9:04 am
Julie Falatko
Ok, now, not only is this brilliant and makes me dig your brain even more than I already did, but now I am going to demand you design a wardrobe (persona?) for me.
November 14, 2013 at 9:04 am
Sue Heavenrich
fun! like paper dolls only better! Gonna go pimp out those darn feeder-raiding squirrels now.
November 14, 2013 at 9:06 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
What a fun idea! Thanks for the inspiration.
November 14, 2013 at 9:16 am
MichelleLynn
Thank you for such a fun way to explore character. I have bookmarked the websites you suggested and already got my idea for the day!
November 14, 2013 at 9:20 am
Melanie Ellsworth
My daughter has learned to fake snore with the help of STOP SNORING BERNARD! She has been reading your book on the drive to preschool for the past week. I can’t wait to try pimping a character – I think your bunny example is my favorite.
November 14, 2013 at 9:23 am
Pam Jones
Very clever!
November 14, 2013 at 9:25 am
Suzanne kaufman
Great stuff love the idea of accessorize for story. Thanks a bunch for the inspiration.
Cheers
Suzanne
November 14, 2013 at 9:26 am
rnewman504
Awesome post, Zachariah!
November 14, 2013 at 9:28 am
Denise Bowman
This is such a cool way to let the imagination take over! Love it! Thanks for the post!
November 14, 2013 at 9:35 am
Robyn Campbell
*snort* This was bodacious. I’m gonna pimp a character today. Love it! I tucked this post into a folder inside my email. I’ll pull it out for a ZOOM of inspiration. *waving*
November 14, 2013 at 9:41 am
Nancy Armo
Visuals always work for me! Loved the post.
November 14, 2013 at 9:44 am
Jacqueline Adams
You had me laughing out loud! Thanks for the terrific idea!
November 14, 2013 at 9:48 am
cherylsec
What a fun way to create unique characters! I can’t wait to give it a try. Thank you for taking the time to share with us today.
November 14, 2013 at 9:49 am
fashionistaphilly.tumblr.org
love the concept ‘pimp your character’ LOL! Also thanks for sharing the back story for Nelson 🙂
November 14, 2013 at 9:54 am
Diana Delosh
Great fun!
November 14, 2013 at 9:58 am
Jewel Sample
Your method reminds me of pimp your truck show. Fun way to develop a character. Thank you for sharing.
November 14, 2013 at 10:02 am
Michelle @ Fitztopia
Hahaha… still laughing & remembering those tantrum filled days!
November 14, 2013 at 10:03 am
viviankirkfield
I can see why you have trademarked ‘Pimping Your Character’…awesomely simple concept that opens up a whole new can of wonderfully creative writing worms.:) Thank you so much, Zachariah!
And I love that you shared the path to ‘Nelson’…we’ve just moved to live closer to our 5-year old grandson…and the bedtime pile of books and the doughnut with sprinkles are right on!
November 14, 2013 at 10:06 am
danielledufayet
Great links to fabulous animals. I already have have some ideas from looking at the pictures and videos. Love your books too! Thank you.
November 14, 2013 at 10:09 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks for taking the time to “pimp” your post, your tips are a perfect with a manuscript I’m working on right now.
November 14, 2013 at 10:16 am
Jill Siegel
LOL. Great idea! Thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 10:17 am
Susan Cabael
Even with all the focus on character driven books, I’ve had a hard time honing in on the right exercises to spark my character development. But after reading your post, I’ve rattled off a whole little list of pimped characters!
November 14, 2013 at 10:23 am
Daniela Weil (@Daniela_Weil)
omg this is the first time i was lol-ing w a piboidmo entry!! thanks so much, looking forward to pimping my characters!!
November 14, 2013 at 10:29 am
julie rowan zoch
Haha! This is so much fun! I usually try to squeeze the traits out by action – prefer a bit of ‘nakedness’ in my animals – but this looks like a groovy exercise – thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 10:30 am
Mary Jo
I can see why you’ve been awarded awards – fantastic post and drawings! Love the pimping idea. I think I’m going to take that idea to the whole story. Yup, pimp my story. I think it might work. 🙂
November 14, 2013 at 10:32 am
LovableLobo
Delightful silliness! Thank you!
November 14, 2013 at 10:33 am
Jackie Wellington
This was great. It was funny, but interesting that a few extra detail can transform a character. Thanks for sharing.
November 14, 2013 at 10:39 am
Lori Dubbin
Thank you for your excellent pimping tutorial. Your characters are fabulous. I have been trying to think this way more and be bolder with my characters. New mantra: Don’t be a wimp, just pimp, pimp, pimp! 🙂
November 14, 2013 at 10:40 am
Tracy Molitors
What a great strategy Zachariah– I’m off to pimp something cute!
November 14, 2013 at 10:46 am
creationsbymit
I could use a smile today. Great post!
November 14, 2013 at 10:56 am
Cindy
This is wonderful! I often forget to stop and think about my characters and their “persona”
November 14, 2013 at 10:57 am
Dawn Young
Pimping = plethora of prospects + possibilities! Thanks for sharing!
November 14, 2013 at 11:00 am
Stephanie Shaw
Great process for character development. And now I have an excuse to pimp a few stuffed animals who have gathered in my writing space. Thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 11:11 am
Susan Halko
Totally enjoyed this. Thank you! And I love NO FITS, NILSON!
November 14, 2013 at 11:24 am
suedfrye
Love learning new ways to create!
November 14, 2013 at 11:32 am
Jenn Bower
LOL! HAHA!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAH! As one who LOVES to write about quirky characters, I LOVE this approach. It is burned on my retinas, FOREVER and I am so grateful.
November 14, 2013 at 11:37 am
Mary Jane Muir
Thanks for the humor, the light touch and the fun. This is definitely inspiration for development of future characters. Love it. No more boring bunnies. LOL.
November 14, 2013 at 11:43 am
Sandy Perlic
Too fun! I love the way this opens the floodgates for creative thought and character-building. I’m not much of an artist, but I think this will be hilarious to try.
November 14, 2013 at 11:44 am
Dawnyelle
Love the idea of starting small and building! Great push today!
November 14, 2013 at 11:47 am
Deirdre Sheridan Englehart
I am going to check out the websites!! I love your ideas!
November 14, 2013 at 11:51 am
Linda E.H.
Wo! You just pimped up PiBoIdMo! Nice post. I am not an artist and my drawings wouldn’t be worth anything but I think this technique can still be used with writing. Thanks for the creative approach.
November 14, 2013 at 11:55 am
tpierce
I’m thinking this could take Elizabeth Rose Stanton’s doodling exercise to another level. Love these new suggestions for brainstorming characters!
November 14, 2013 at 11:56 am
heather sisson
I love your gorilla fits! Pimping your character is such a fun way to approach character designs :}
November 14, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Sandie Sing
Amazing! Doodle first, and then, pimp it up! I love the way you think! Thanks for sharing your approach.
November 14, 2013 at 12:03 pm
emazza1217
A pimping I will go!
Great contribution, thx.
November 14, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Eileen
This is great! Thanks for sharing.
November 14, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Ann Birnie
I’m pumped up for pimping. Thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 12:19 pm
Elizabeth Stevens Omlor
Ack! This is the funnest post! That flying squirrel and I must be friends. But not the bunny. I’m too smart for that guy’s tricks. No siree. Nope. =) Love your work!
November 14, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Sherry Walz
This is an interesting approach to finding a unique character. Thanks for sharing your method of inspiration.
November 14, 2013 at 12:31 pm
Maria Gianferrari
Ha! Who knew that pimping characters would be appropriate for a picture book audience! Thanks for sharing!
November 14, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Ellen Mott
Interesting idea. I suppose if you don’t draw, you could even pimp stick figures in some way just to keep your busy brain engaged so your creative brain is open to inspiration.
Thank you for sharing.
November 14, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Corinna Luyken
What a terrific post. No wonder he makes such great books!
November 14, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Jennifer Kaap
HA! This is both hilarious and awesome!!!
November 14, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Patrick Waldron
Thanks.
November 14, 2013 at 12:58 pm
Heather Greene
Thanks for the inspiration today!
November 14, 2013 at 1:00 pm
amievc
Thanks for the laughs! And for the hipster view into your process.
November 14, 2013 at 1:10 pm
katmaz2012
Great ideas! Thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 1:13 pm
Lori Alexander
You are hilarious! Love NO FITS, NILSON! Looking forward to seeing more of your pimped out work 🙂
November 14, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Tatiana Escallon
love it!
November 14, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Catherine Johnson
Fabulous tips! I can’t wait to try this. Thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Shannon Anderson
Clever and fun way to get ideas flowing!
November 14, 2013 at 1:55 pm
Laurie Young
Oh my gosh! That was such an awesome blog. Very funny!
November 14, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Alicia Schwab
Hilarious, thanks for the post!
November 14, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Susan Nicholas
A fun way to create a character. Thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth (@kpfenni)
Ha! No wonder No Fits Nilson is so much fun! Thanks for sharing.
November 14, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Jennifer Voigt Kaplan
Hilarious…. oh I’m going to have some fun now. Thank you.
November 14, 2013 at 2:37 pm
Theanna
Thank you for the post! Great ideas to help us develop our characters! Thanks for sharing!
November 14, 2013 at 2:44 pm
Pam Brunskill (@PamBrunskill)
Great post. I love your idea for pimping the characters and the links. Very funny–I like your sense of humor. 🙂
November 14, 2013 at 3:20 pm
Sharon K Mayhew
Fantastic post! I keep telling myself to do some drawings to go with my piboIdMo ideas. You have inspired me. I vow to draw something in my writing session this afternoon. 🙂
November 14, 2013 at 3:34 pm
teresamis
Oh, I want to meet Oskar the charmer. Actually, I mean I want to read about Nilson. Thanks Zachariah.
November 14, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Stella Jane Stauffer
I am thrilled to see the success you have with your style.
Congratulations…I think you are great!
November 14, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
So it’s cute overload plus quirk overload! Got it! Super fun post!
November 14, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Laurie L. Young
Brilliant advice! I’m going after my characters now . . .
November 14, 2013 at 3:49 pm
danacarey1
Well, that was a blast. Thanks, Zachariah. Definitely doing this!
November 14, 2013 at 3:56 pm
Donna L Martin
What a great post, Zachariah! I will definitely try this out.
Donna L Martin
November 14, 2013 at 3:57 pm
Jennifer Ali
When you’re a squirrel, you’re a squirrel all the way!
November 14, 2013 at 4:01 pm
Donna L. Sadd
Thanks for the fun idea. Going to pimp up my pig character right now! :0)
November 14, 2013 at 4:14 pm
Marcy P.
That was great… and a great tie-in to the previous post on doodles. SO we should doodle… then pimp up our doodles. Love it!
November 14, 2013 at 4:22 pm
S.H. Sherlock
Jazz Trance is my favorite part of this post
November 14, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Ashley Bankhead
So funny. Thanks for the great post.
November 14, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Debra
Clever!
November 14, 2013 at 5:17 pm
writersideup
When I read NO FITS, NILSON! at Barnes last week, I couldn’t help but think how perfectly NILSON depicted a VERY willful, stubborn little boy 😀
November 14, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Sally Spratt
Can’t wait to start pimpin’ – my characters that is.
November 14, 2013 at 5:36 pm
Christine M. Irvin
Hmmmm…I’m gonna hafta try this one….!
November 14, 2013 at 5:52 pm
LeslieG
Love it! Thanks for posting.
November 14, 2013 at 5:55 pm
msmo1958
Love it!
November 14, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Janie Reinart
Thanks for the post and new websites to check out. Great ideas. You made me laugh!
November 14, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Kathy Moncrief
TOTALLY Awesome. Loved this. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!
November 14, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Cecilia Clark
that was fun 🙂 Yes Oskar is cute.
November 14, 2013 at 6:38 pm
jheitman22
What fun–and I believe it works! Thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 7:08 pm
Gaye Kick
Good idea!
November 14, 2013 at 7:10 pm
yetteejo
Once I stop laughing I’m going to give it try.
November 14, 2013 at 7:44 pm
belindambrock
great visuals—your ideas are fun and they make sense!
November 14, 2013 at 7:54 pm
dee win
it looks like this method works. thanks, i can’t wait to try it!
November 14, 2013 at 8:00 pm
vijikc
Great idea! Thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 8:17 pm
Marty McCormick
Great approach. Giving it a try. Many thanks!
November 14, 2013 at 8:27 pm
kpbock
Love it! I can’t wait to get started!
November 14, 2013 at 8:44 pm
Therese Nagi
Thank you for sharing such endearing characters, I loved the squirrel who looked a hoodlum with a switchblade. What a edgy and fun character. Kids can inspire many children’s picture books.
November 14, 2013 at 8:59 pm
Connie B. Dowell
This is just fantastic. The switchblade in the squirrel’s hand made my day.
November 14, 2013 at 9:51 pm
Jane R Cooper
Great and novel ideas! Thanks for sharing your inspirations! Appreciate the links!
November 14, 2013 at 10:17 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Such a unique, creative way to create characters. Thank you for the inspiration. ~Suzy Leopold
November 14, 2013 at 10:32 pm
Kirsten Carlson (@kirstencarlson)
great info, and lovin’ your Voice!
November 14, 2013 at 10:42 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
What’s interesting to me is how you use your drawing to come up with a story … because I used to sketch but haven’t for a long time. It hadn’t occurred to me to try it combined with writing. Seems a logical step but not a connection I made. Thanks for the idea!
November 14, 2013 at 11:08 pm
Naana
Great idea. Gets you thinking as you create characters
November 14, 2013 at 11:23 pm
Sarah M. Isaacson
BWAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAH! I had to outdo a comment already posted that had Bwahahah already in it. Some of these great comments are soooo calm. Howso? That post totally got me riled up. You had me at “West Side Story” reference b/c the switchblade made me think of finger-snapping squirrels and which color gang they are…Anyway, thanks oodles and bunches. And as a mother of a 20-month old, there is NO humor in bedtime yet for me. I don’t trust anyone who says there is. Haha, just kidding! Kinda. 😉
November 14, 2013 at 11:36 pm
Lynn Ann Carol
This is very cool, Zachariah. Very cool indeed.
Thanks for the visuals.
Lynn
November 14, 2013 at 11:51 pm
underthemapleleaves
I’m not an artist, but my PiBoIdMo idea for today did include an animal and a cute kid…. I see some character pimping in their future.
November 15, 2013 at 12:13 am
Teresa Daffern
Thank you Zachariah! I will give pimping my character a go — at least in my imagination as I am rubbish at drawing. By the way, we all love reading No Fits Nilson at my house and I am a big fan of your art work.
November 15, 2013 at 1:34 am
klmcmorranmaus
Great idea! Thank you for sharing.
November 15, 2013 at 2:12 am
Samantha Grenier
FANTASTIC! Gave me oodles of ideas! Thank you 🙂
November 15, 2013 at 7:16 am
Janet Smart
Thanks, Zachariah, you’ve given me some ideas to build on.
November 15, 2013 at 7:39 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Wahoo! The ideas are zipping and zooming in my brain, “Pick me! Pick me!” Thanks, Zach for a fun post that doubles as another awesome avenue for story inspiration 😀
November 15, 2013 at 7:58 am
spurkalurk
really fun post. still giggling. thanks.
November 15, 2013 at 8:50 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Fabulous post! I’m inspired!! Love the animal links too. So addicting!
November 15, 2013 at 8:53 am
Barbara Messinger
Your characters have better accessories than I do:) Love this!
November 15, 2013 at 9:39 am
Susie Sawyer
Inspirational! I tend to think way to narrow-minded(ly?) and your post stretched my brain to uncomfortable new lengths. Thank you! 🙂
November 15, 2013 at 9:40 am
Jessica
Thanks for the wonderful suggestions! I will definitely try them out!
November 15, 2013 at 9:41 am
storyfairy
Wow, this is great! I tried what you suggested based on drawings I did before, and ended up coming up with my thirtieth idea! Thank you!
November 15, 2013 at 9:56 am
RadSheri
I loved the cute overload website. And I have a new idea today. Great.
November 15, 2013 at 10:59 am
Tracey M. Cox
Gotta give your characters BLING! HA! I love this post. You had me smiling and thinking. I hate to say it, but the squirrel with the switchblade cracked me up. I know what he is doing… heehee.
Thanks for your post.
November 15, 2013 at 11:48 am
Evie Hjartarson
Interesting. I will have to do some doodling. Thanks for the great ideas.
November 15, 2013 at 12:03 pm
Janet Halfmann
Such fun ways to create characters. Thanks for sharing.
November 15, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Robb Michael G
Love this line: “Say you are having trouble picking an animal. Maybe you hate animals? If so, try writing dystopian YA.” However, I’m wondering if this idea might work for bugs, unicorns, and even people.
November 15, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Kathryn Ault Noble
Fun ways to kick start a character. . . kind of like paper dolls for the 21st century. Thanks, Zachariah!
November 15, 2013 at 8:34 pm
Rick Starkey
Thanks for the post. Great ideas for really dressing up our characters.
November 16, 2013 at 8:07 am
dzipeto
Zachariah,
I loved Stop Snoring, Bernard! And your Obama lawn sign! And I am happy to find your post here 🙂 Your advice is very much appreciated and timely. After two weeks of digging through scenarios, a character approach to ideas sounds great.
Best,
Diana Zipeto
November 16, 2013 at 8:52 am
Cindy Cornwall
Great idea…love the artistic approach. Irreverent animals. And I love your son/gorilla character!
November 16, 2013 at 9:25 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
Funny! I like the bunny. 🙂
November 16, 2013 at 11:59 am
MummyTheFunny (@EmiHowe)
I love your work; come to the UK!
November 16, 2013 at 4:03 pm
cindyjohnson
What a great idea! Thanks!
November 16, 2013 at 4:24 pm
cat jones
What a great idea. I’m definitely going to give it a try and see who emerges!
November 16, 2013 at 10:09 pm
Debbie Austin
I never would have thought of this, but am definitely going to give it a try. Thanks!
November 16, 2013 at 11:04 pm
Dana Atnip
Ha! LOVE those pimped characters! I’ll remember your advice when I’m sketching out my next doodles!
November 17, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
This is just way too much fun! I’ve got to try this. Thanks!
November 17, 2013 at 3:08 pm
bucherwurm65
Love it! I will certainly do this. I am not an illustrator, but since only I will see my creations…this is going to be FUN!
November 17, 2013 at 7:37 pm
erin
I’m going to have to try this! Thanks!
November 17, 2013 at 11:26 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Oh, man. You had me at pimp. 🙂
November 18, 2013 at 1:23 am
wendymyersart
Interesting method. Thank you for the post.
November 18, 2013 at 10:37 pm
helenajuhasz
THIS IS BRILLIANT!! Thank you!
November 19, 2013 at 2:17 am
Dani Duck
This is the BEST IDEA OF ANYTHING EVER! Love it so much.
November 19, 2013 at 3:06 am
Malena Fuentes
Very graphic!
November 19, 2013 at 2:08 pm
writeforapples
Great idea! And so much fun. 🙂 Thanks!
November 20, 2013 at 12:19 am
City Sights for Kids
Looking forward to checking out your titles. Thanks for the fun post!
November 20, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Kristin Gray
This is so incredibly hilarious I just can’t even. Love your work! Thanks for sharing a bit of your process.
November 20, 2013 at 9:06 pm
Priya Gopal
fun
November 20, 2013 at 9:49 pm
Lauri Meyers
Cute+pimp=great character! So simple I should have figured that out years ago.
November 21, 2013 at 10:07 pm
SevenAcreSky
Zachariah, a new character showed up in my notes last week on a writing retreat…my thoughts were, ‘oh, you’re so plain.’
You’ve just freed him from his mundane-jail.
Thanks!
November 22, 2013 at 9:26 am
littledbl
Thanks for the awesome visuals!
November 23, 2013 at 9:52 am
aliciaminor
It reminds me of that song-If a picture paints a thousand word, there is more to write using visuals, it helps. Great method. Thanks for sharing.
November 24, 2013 at 7:08 am
The Ink Pond
This made me laugh out loud because the fit diagram describes the current process I use with my youngest daughter.
I can’t wait to read No Fits, Nilson.
Thank you for the great post on developing a unique character! Inspiring!
~Tia Svardahl
November 24, 2013 at 6:15 pm
Debbie Faith Mickelson
I love the creativity for character/story details. I’ll try this.
November 25, 2013 at 2:55 am
Helen Ross
A creative and inspiring post, thanks Zachariah.
November 26, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Meg Miller
Hilarious, loved it! 😀
November 27, 2013 at 1:46 am
blanchebaxter
This is great! Can’t wait to try! Ps. Your illustrations are too cool for school! Love ’em!
November 29, 2013 at 3:58 pm
Tracey Jackson
I’ve been ‘pimping’ my characters over the last two weeks since I read your post and they are so much more alive now! Thanks for a very helpful and HILARIOUS post!
November 30, 2013 at 1:43 am
angiekarcher
Really clever, humorous ways to be a better writer pimp!
November 30, 2013 at 12:36 pm
carolmunrojww
What a great idea! Imagine taking a character to a thrift store to see what it will buy. LOL Creative juices are flowing. Thanks.
November 30, 2013 at 7:15 pm
alwaysbedancing
Fun silly idea!
November 30, 2013 at 9:31 pm
Matthew C. Winner
Zachariah, you are THE BEST! And also, this site is outrageously cute… http://fuckyeahcuteanimalss.tumblr.com. Oh my.
December 3, 2013 at 12:02 am
Laurie J. Edwards
This is a great idea for stimulating creativity!
January 15, 2019 at 8:29 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
Love this!
January 16, 2019 at 1:47 am
Jilanne Hoffmann
Hmmm, something happened to my comment. Perhaps some character is standing in the way of posting. An overdressed one, of course.