This isn't uncommon for my process. I usually have a single element floating around in my head for a while before I can attach anything else to it. A good example of this is when I originally created Diamond. I just had "long blonde hair" for a solid week, before I got anywhere else. Other characters have come to me as "drinks a lot" or "loves Louboutins".
I've come to accept this, and try to help the process along. Sometimes I stick other, similar ideas next to the concept or image I have in my head, just to see if it "fits". I keep at this until I have a fully formed, fleshed out, substantial idea. But it often takes time.
Right now, the character I am working on is not very sticky. I do know it's a "HE", so I'm thinking of him that way. The concepts that are sticking to him are "movement", "money" and "Latin".
Mexican cab driver? Puerto Rican Olympic runner? Brazilian banker on the run?
I don't know, but it sure is a fun process to try to add substance to him until he's done.
I know some similar-minded creators like this. I for one work with anchors. I take a concept or get an idea and it solidifies quickly, once solid enough I attach another idea and it solidifies just as quickly.
ReplyDeleteSooner or later, if it ends up going somewhere, I have a spiderweb of ideas all holding together with some sort of brain-goo. I like to think it tastes like strawberries and gin.