Every writer takes notes, even if they're not detailed, well-thought-out notes. SOmetimes their notes aren't even typed or on paper. But every writer takes notes. It doesn't matter if the medium is their brain, their handy notepad, or like me, Microsoft OneNote.
Taking notes always helps me keep things in order. I like drawn-out, extensive notes too, ones that make me question my characters. I found the best questions for my notes on The Book Lover, so that's what format I use for all my books. Actually, that's my favorite website for all things book-related.
So below are all the notes I took while writing Girl of Puzzles. I will also attach a PDF file at the bottom for you. I'll also post a link to The Book Lover's post about this note format if you're interested. Enjoy.
Girl of Puzzles - Official Notes
Story Development
STORY IDEA -
Henry moved to town and runs into a girl, or rather, she runs into him. But not just any girl. He runs into Bonnie Mayweather, the ultimate girl of puzzles. Bonnie is the blind girl at school and Henry finds that Bonnie is special, she's a puzzle. And her puzzle will only be solved depending on Henry's love. But with a tragic past and sure to be challenges ahead, can Henry ever love such a complicated girl.
WHAT STORY DO YOU WANT TO TELL -
I want to prove that love is not about one’s physical beauty or lack of it. Moreover, two, I wanted to step into one’s shoes to see what it is like to not see.
WHAT HAPPENS TO TRIGGER THE STORY -
Henry asks Bonnie to the dance, and Bonnie kisses him.
WHO IS THE MAIN CHARACTER AND WHAT ARE THEY LIKE -
The main character is sixteen-year-old Bonnie Mayweather, who is blind and somewhat deaf. She is timid and shy, calm, and lives a simple life by herself.
WHAT INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONFLICTS DOES THE MAIN CHARACTER FACE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY -
She likes Henry and wants to be his friend, but faces a dilemma--trust issues.
WHERE DOES THE STORY TAKE PLACE, EX. TIME PERIOD, CITY, ANOTHER DIMENSION -
The story takes place in a small town in Nebraska in 2017.
Characters
• Bonnie Mayweather
• Henry Lewis
Bonnie Mayweather
PHYSICAL TRAITS -
- 5'2''
- 110 lb.
- Blind
- Light, pale skin
- Skinny, frail looking
- Blue eyes
- Blonde wavy hair
- Freckles
- Rosy cheeks
PERSONALITY -
- Shy
- Timid
- Childish
- Simple
BACKSTORY -
When she was nine her mother and she crashed with a drunk driver that killed her mother. This also took Bonnie's sight and some of her hearing.
MANNERISMS/HABITS -
- Touches her face
- Picks at her lips
- Likes to hold hands
- Smell sensitive
TRIGGERS -
- Her mother.
Henry Lewis
PHYSICAL TRAITS -
- 6'1''
- 176 lb.
- Tan skin
- Tall and medium built
- Brown eyes
- Blonde curly hair
- Long nose
PERSONALITY -
- Shy
- Funny
- Sensitive
- Self-consious
BACKSTORY -
When he was thirteen his father died, leaving him scarred.
MANNERISMS/HABITS -
- Very aware of his surroundings
- Gulps a lot
- Seeks unnesisary approval
TRIGGERS -
- His father.
Setting
PLACE -
A small town in Nebraska.
TIME PERIOD -
2017-ish
DESCRIPTION -
Cold, no sun, lots of snow
POPULATION -
Small
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON SOUNDS HEARD HERE -
Trees and wind.
WHAT DOES IT SMELL LIKE -
Pine trees
Chapters
- Author’s Note
- PART ONE: BROKEN LIKE ME
- Ch. 1: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
- Ch. 2: Do Tell
- Ch. 3: Simple
- Ch. 4: Scared
- Ch. 5: Broken and Lonely
- PART TWO: SOMEONE TO BE LONELY WITH
- Ch. 1: Feelings
- Ch. 2: A Night of Firsts
- Ch. 3: Every Single Puzzle Piece
- More About the Author
Formatting Details
FONTS -
- Headings, Lato
- Story, Marriweather
COLORS -
- All black
PDF -