I need help to create a character

[MadelynW]

I’m writing a story about a character who:
1. is an American
2. was a cheerleader and whose favourite memory of college (Florida State University) was a football game where the Seminoles beat the Gators in the last seven seconds
3. lives in Miami
4. has a husband who is a construction manager (someone has to build all those condos)
5. is a model
6. loves the Miami scene.

I’ve never been to the US (apart from when I was a kid and a recent business trip to Hawaii, but those don’t count) so I know nothing about any of the above apart from some stuff that I’ve managed to glean from travel guides, books, films and TV.

If anyone out there can has some comments on how to make this character believable (e.g. would she be spotted by a modelling agency while at a gallery opening in the Design District?) I’d love to hear from you.

Also, if anyone would like to volunteer to review bits of my story as they become available, that’d be terrific.

If you want to send an email, my email is madelyn.williams@hotmail.com.

 

[oggbashan]

Wrong premise

I think you are starting from the wrong premise.

Why does this character have to be based in the US? Why write about somewhere you don't know?

A basic piece of advice for almost all authors is "Write about what you know".

I see that your location is in Australia. They have marching girls, something like cheerleaders, but generally younger. You could have a senior marching girl, who has to be over 18 to fit Literotica's guidelines, and write a story about her, perhaps with an Australian Rules team.

Og

 

[bruce_steele]

I’m writing a story about a character who:
1. is an American
2. was a cheerleader and whose favourite memory of college (Florida State University) was a football game where the Seminoles beat the Gators in the last seven seconds
3. lives in Miami
4. has a husband who is a construction manager (someone has to build all those condos)
5. is a model
6. loves the Miami scene.

I’ve never been to the US (apart from when I was a kid and a recent business trip to Hawaii, but those don’t count) so I know nothing about any of the above apart from some stuff that I’ve managed to glean from travel guides, books, films and TV.

If anyone out there can has some comments on how to make this character believable (e.g. would she be spotted by a modelling agency while at a gallery opening in the Design District?) I’d love to hear from you.

Also, if anyone would like to volunteer to review bits of my story as they become available, that’d be terrific.

If you want to send an email, my email is madelyn.williams@hotmail.com.

I knew some cheerleaders when i was a student...they were very expressive and unreserved, mostly found in groups, always surrounded by more cheerleaders .

I dunno if thats true for all cheerleaders or not but one of them who i knew had to move, and she had a lot of problems adjusting to the new place, i guess its cuz cheerleaders become more involved with their group, so they have a hard time pulling themselves away from it.

Also contrary to popular belief, they are good at schoolwork .

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

You're writing a female Al Bundy, Right? Six touch downs in one game. Has no other memories, etc.

 

[JPMMURPHY]

I think you are starting from the wrong premise.

Why does this character have to be based in the US? Why write about somewhere you don't know?

A basic piece of advice for almost all authors is "Write about what you know".

I see that your location is in Australia. They have marching girls, something like cheerleaders, but generally younger. You could have a senior marching girl, who has to be over 18 to fit Literotica's guidelines, and write a story about her, perhaps with an Australian Rules team.

Og

Sound advice Ogg... but I also believe the discovery involved in writing about places we haven't been is a great exercise. Might be more work but it can be fun and help stretch our abilities.

 

[CharleyH]

I think you are starting from the wrong premise.

Why does this character have to be based in the US? Why write about somewhere you don't know?

A basic piece of advice for almost all authors is "Write about what you know".

Og

A basic piece of advice, yes, Og. Indeed it is advice we should all try on for size at some point. I personally adhere to the write what you love school (combined in part with what you know). I disagree that Madelyn is starting off on the wrong premise. There is only so much research a writer can do on a place before the good author interviews those who live there. She has made a good query.

As an aside, I've only been to Orlando and Daytona, so am of no help.

 

[CharleyH]

would she be spotted by a modelling agency while at a gallery opening in the Design District?) I’d love to hear from you.

I may not know about Miami, but I do know about modelling. In Miami the only models they look for are blonde, big tits and no edge. Miami wants beach models, and I got that from a friend of mine who moved there hoping to further her modelling career, as she said "mistakenly moved there". As for scouts? I can only say that they normally hang out in younger venues ... a gallery is probably not the the most likely place for a scout to find a potential (14 to 18 year old) model. Hope that helps.

 

[3113]

A basic piece of advice for almost all authors is "Write about what you know".

This advice certainly works for Stephen King who almost always writes story about small towns in Maine...but like King and other writers (Woody Allen comes to miind--almost all stories taking place in New York with NYC intellectuals as characters), it can become boring and repetitive.

I'm more appreciative of writers who decide to "KNOW" something other than what they already "Know" to write a story. I know of one British writer who was given a comic book to write that took place in a Louisiana Swamp. He'd never been there, and he never did go there, but he researched the fuck out of it. The book was and still is brilliant and by no means feels like it was written by a guy from London rather than Louisiana.

The moral of the story: A really good writer in London who really does care about the story and does his research can sometimes do better than a native at creating such a story. Sometimes, a view from the outside is better than a view from the inside. Sometimes.

I'm not saying this advice might be bad for this writer--but it's not a truism I think should be shoved down writer's throats. For myself, I'm tired of it. I don't want, like Stephen King, to always and only write about the town I live in, and the people I know. That would be phenomenally boring and uninspiring. I think the motto should be, "Write what inspires you to write"--even if it's something way outside your personal experience.

 

[oggbashan]

My advice was specific to someone writing a first story.

By all means, once you are confident about your writing, you can experiment, do research, and write about places you haven't been, people you haven't met, doing things you haven't experienced - but NOT for a first attempt.

Og

 

[3113]

I’m writing a story about a character who:
1. is an American
2. was a cheerleader and whose favourite memory of college (Florida State University) was a football game where the Seminoles beat the Gators in the last seven seconds
3. lives in Miami
4. has a husband who is a construction manager (someone has to build all those condos)
5. is a model
6. loves the Miami scene.

2nd half of my thoughts on this....

I think part of the reason Ogg thinks you're starting on the wrong premise, is because you have so MANY premises here. You've given your character too much baggage. But only by one.

Look at what you've got here. You have to research: (1) American football, (2) Cheerleading, (3) Maimi, (4) Construction work in Miami, (5) Modeling...

What is most important? If ex-Cheerleading/husband, then forget about the modeling. Just have her be a wife, happily living in Miami with Construction Manager husband--he makes enough money, believe me, to keep them both happy. She'd be too old to be a model at that point (unless you're suggesting she's 18-23?). But she could meet someone who remembers her as a Cheerleader and wants to take photos of her.

Keep in mind that Cheerleaders are age 16-18 (older if continuing onto college). This is their life during those years. Most girls who want modeling careers start at about the same age--and if they're serious about modeling, then modeling is their life. They have no time to be a cheerleader. And both these careers are over at about age 25 (if not sooner!).

There are cheerleaders who get to be models in swimsuit mags, but these pictures are taken during their cheerleading years...which, once again, puts you at "one" too many things. She can be a cheerleader and discovered by a scout for modeling--but it's doubtful she'd have a husband. More likely she's just have a boyfriend.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

3, I think she is forcing the character into her preconcieved mold rather than allowing the character to develop it's own personality. Ok, let her be an X-Cheerleader with blond hair and big tits. So what? But that was years ago...who is she now? How has she developed into an adult person. Ten or fifteen or twenty years ago isn't important. It's the NOW that counts. I think that's what this person is missing.

 

[Weird Harold]

There are cheerleaders who get to be models in swimsuit mags, but these pictures are taken during their cheerleading years...which, once again, puts you at "one" too many things.

Good points.

However, since the proposed setting is Miami, there are in fact a few cheerleaders in that town who started as "Models" -- the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders.

I don't know any specifics about the Miami Dophins cheerleaders, but they probably have a web-page. If they don't, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders certainly do where a typical age range for NFL Cheerleaders can be researched.

 

[CharleyH]

2nd half of my thoughts on this....

I think part of the reason Ogg thinks you're starting on the wrong premise, is because you have so MANY premises here. You've given your character too much baggage. But only by one.

Look at what you've got here. You have to research: (1) American football, (2) Cheerleading, (3) Maimi, (4) Construction work in Miami, (5) Modeling...

What is most important? If ex-Cheerleading/husband, then forget about the modeling. Just have her be a wife, happily living in Miami with Construction Manager husband--he makes enough money, believe me, to keep them both happy. She'd be too old to be a model at that point (unless you're suggesting she's 18-23?). But she could meet someone who remembers her as a Cheerleader and wants to take photos of her.

Keep in mind that Cheerleaders are age 16-18 (older if continuing onto college). This is their life during those years. Most girls who want modeling careers start at about the same age--and if they're serious about modeling, then modeling is their life. They have no time to be a cheerleader. And both these careers are over at about age 25 (if not sooner!).

There are cheerleaders who get to be models in swimsuit mags, but these pictures are taken during their cheerleading years...which, once again, puts you at "one" too many things. She can be a cheerleader and discovered by a scout for modeling--but it's doubtful she'd have a husband. More likely she's just have a boyfriend.

I never saw these as premises, 3113. They are tells, not premises.

 

[3113]

I never saw these as premises, 3113. They are tells, not premises.

Well, a premise in logic is "a proposition supporting or helping to support a conclusion." We don't know what her conclusion is about what happens to this woman, but I assumed these were the propostions that were going to lead to that conclusions. Being that she was a cheerleader, was married to a construction manager, lived in miami and was (or will be) a model...this conclusion (the rest of the story) will happen.

But mainly I used the term because Ogg did

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

I've been to South Florida many times. The modeling scene there isn't any different than Portland, Seattle, LA or anywhere else. Agents rarely spot someone and ask to represent them. You put together a portfolio and make the march between all the agencies in town with the hope that one will want you. Remember, for every modeling job, there are 50 models already represented trying to get that one job. The field is pretty well santurated and finding an agent is way difficult. Child models are most in demand. Fashion models far less so. Actress/models for TV commercials is pretty good, but it doesn't guarantee a reliable income, since the jobs are fewer, but, at the same time, less competition.

Another aspect is, the photographers tend to work with the same models over and over, because they know what to expect and fit their personal style. Just another hurdle to overcome in the business.

 

[CharleyH]

Well, a premise in logic is "a proposition supporting or helping to support a conclusion." We don't know what her conclusion is about what happens to this woman, but I assumed these were the propostions that were going to lead to that conclusions. Being that she was a cheerleader, was married to a construction manager, lived in miami and was (or will be) a model...this conclusion (the rest of the story) will happen.

But mainly I used the term because Ogg did

I know a premise when I see one, love, but I believe Mad made an ask.

 

[CharleyH]

I've been to South Florida many times. The modeling scene there isn't any different than Portland, Seattle, LA or anywhere else. Agents rarely spot someone and ask to represent them. You put together a portfolio and make the march between all the agencies in town with the hope that one will want you. Remember, for every modeling job, there are 50 models already represented trying to get that one job. The field is pretty well santurated and finding an agent is way difficult. Child models are most in demand. Fashion models far less so. Actress/models for TV commercials is pretty good, but it doesn't guarantee a reliable income, since the jobs are fewer, but, at the same time, less competition.

Another aspect is, the photographers tend to work with the same models over and over, because they know what to expect and fit their personal style. Just another hurdle to overcome in the business.

Sorry to disagree, love, but the modelling world is a lot different from what you believe.

Edit to add: I think we were asked more questions than this.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

Sorry to disagree, love, but the modelling world is a lot different from place to place. Agents do nothing for a model until under their wings, yet there are scouts ... the good and the bad. I suppose one must qualify between the wannabe model and the actual model and the ones who go to Armstrong or Ford and ones that get ripped off (plenty of those).

As for photographers? Wrong again ... fashion photogs love working with new girls because it gives inspiration (unless inspiration comes from one MUSE girl) (though it is few and far between).

Well... I can only talk about Portland, Seattle, LA, Miami and Los Vegas. That's where my daughter tried out.

And you are right about the scumbags that haunt the modeling world. For every honest agent there are 3-5 that are just out to screw you (not sexually, I mean).

 

[CharleyH]

Well... I can only talk about Portland, Seattle, LA, Miami and Los Vegas. That's where my daughter tried out.

And you are right about the scumbags that haunt the modeling world. For every honest agent there are 3-5 that are just out to screw you (not sexually, I mean).

You caught me - sorry - I edited. A LOT of scumbags in the biz - believe me ... and I only know a few models who make a living ... the rest continue to etch out a living in non-fun ways that I am sure you care not to know. If my only advice to you is encourage your children to be intellectual and cerebral? Take it. Beauty will be appreciated ... some day and by the right people.

 

[JamesSD]

I’m writing a story about a character who:
1. is an American
2. was a cheerleader and whose favourite memory of college (Florida State University) was a football game where the Seminoles beat the Gators in the last seven seconds
3. lives in Miami
4. has a husband who is a construction manager (someone has to build all those condos)
5. is a model
6. loves the Miami scene.

Lots of good comments in this thread. I'm guessing your character will be in her mid twenties, or older. Most models are a lot younger than that (Most swimwear models are teenagers, lingerie can be a little older, but many of the Victoria's Secret models started young, and are partially still around on account of being famous and recognizable). Consider making her a former model turned trophy wife/heavy club scene partier. Maybe she's dealing with the issue that despite by most people's definition she's still young and very beautiful, to the harsh modelling world she's old and washed up? Realistically, most models have body image issues, and a lot have eating disorders. While you don't necessarily have to write that in, giving her insecurities despite her outside beauty could give her some depth.

Depending on the kind of story you want to write, I think this could be a servicable start as an erotica piece.

 

[MadelynW]

Ta heaps

My goodness, what a lot to think about.

I wanted my character to come into modelling late, because she starts her adult life as a reasonably successful accountant - nearly becomes a CPA.

Somehow she needs to be in a situation where she discovers that knowing that people (men) will be turned on by her image is arousing for her. I thought being a model, she could end up in a sexy perfume ad or something, and then find that it turns her on.

Maybe her husband pulls a few strings...

 

[3113]

My goodness, what a lot to think about.

I wanted my character to come into modelling late, because she starts her adult life as a reasonably successful accountant - nearly becomes a CPA.

Somehow she needs to be in a situation where she discovers that knowing that people (men) will be turned on by her image is arousing for her. I thought being a model, she could end up in a sexy perfume ad or something, and then find that it turns her on.

Maybe her husband pulls a few strings...

Um...well, this is fine is you're going for total fantasy, which is what a lot of the erotica here is. But tossing in a little reality here....

But how in the world could a character who's been a cheerleader NOT know that men are turned on by her image? She'd have had her picture taken all the time in high school and college. She'd have had her picture on locker doors, school newspapers, magazines, etc. She might have had it in a school swimsuit issue or a calendar. Cheerleaders are not shy, retiring girls. You've got to have an ego and some narcissism to be a cheerleader. You've got to know that you're one of the beautiful people.

Honestly, it can't be a sudden revelation to her that her image turns guys on, not if she were sexy enough to be a cheerleader in high school/college. It's a no-brainer.

THIS story--about a CPA who finds out she takes sexy pictures, would have to involve a woman who was unattractive in school, became a CPA, and then after hubbie gets some sexy pictures of her taken for their personal enjoyment--she learns that she's attractive in photos. Maybe because the photographer sends one out on the internet and people go crazy for it.

You've got too many "ideas" here for this woman. Narrow it down. Exactly what kind of story do you want to tell? If it's about a woman only NOW, after high school and in a boring marriage, who learns she's got sexual prowess in images, then you need to scrap the cheerleader/model aspect. It doesn't work.

If it's about a scout discovering a girl for modeling, then you need to scrap the CPA/Husband angle--because modeling is, for the most part, something young women do; if they're "discovered" they're likely going to be young and not hiding what they've got.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

Now 3, you've ruined our fun. We had her writing a really bad novel, now you've reduced it to typical Lit fair

 

[Vermilion]

Now 3, you've ruined our fun. We had her writing a really bad novel, now you've reduced it to typical Lit fair

I dunno, I would have said the typical Lit fare was really bad novels in progress/in part. The readable and reasonable stories are more of an anomaly...
x
V

 

[JamesSD]

But how in the world could a character who's been a cheerleader NOT know that men are turned on by her image? She'd have had her picture taken all the time in high school and college. She'd have had her picture on locker doors, school newspapers, magazines, etc. She might have had it in a school swimsuit issue or a calendar. Cheerleaders are not shy, retiring girls. You've got to have an ego and some narcissism to be a cheerleader. You've got to know that you're one of the beautiful people.

I'm just going to play Devil's Advocate for the fun of it. At my high school, the most attractive girls were actually on the competitive dance team, and didn't have time for cheerleading. Now, a lot of the cheerleaders were "above average", and the vast majority were attractive in their own right, but it's not totally unrealistic to have a cheerleader who grossly underestimates her own attractiveness. Sadly, most teenage girls and young women (and many older) have self-esteem and body image issues, even quite attractive ones. There are tons of 18 and 19 year old women out there that every straight man in America would enjoy seeing naked, but who thinks her body is "average" or worse.

While I agree that most Cheerleaders are outgoing, "joiners", I disagree strongly on the narcissism. At least at my high school, it was more about "school spirit" and wanting to be part of something bigger than oneself.