When I start writing something new, I usually focus on the hero first. For some reason, that just seems to be the easiest place to start.

I’m one of those writers that prefer Alpha males. At least on paper. He has to be strong and capable, willing to go to the ends of the earth for the woman he loves, yet he also has to be quick-witted, sarcastic, and just downright a pain in the ass to the woman in his life (aka the heroine).

Now, it doesn’t always work out that way with my heroes. Once I start writing the story, the character dictates to me who he really is. And then I know exactly who is he and what his goals and motivation are. I never do character sketches before starting to write because I’ve discovered they just waste my time. However, there is a little something I do that makes it easier to keep track of my characters when I start writing a new story, especially if there’s a large cast.

I have this little form I call “Cast of Characters”:

Name of Character

Age:
Hair:
Height:
Eyes:
Build:
Occupation:
Demeanor:
Habits:

So, for instance, here is what I filled out for my heroine in my WIP, Nice Girls Do:

Cara Davis

Age: 29
Hair: short / red
Height: 5’6
Eyes: blue
Build: slender with curves
Occupation: barista
Demeanor: Sweet, Nice, Girl Next Door
Habits:

I also included a picture of an actress that resembles my character. Once I start rolling on a story, this is the only way I can keep track of all my folks. It helps and I can refer back to it when I need to. Another thing I do is include actual description I’ve written into the story of the character. This is from my historical, One Knight Only:

Grace de Mauly of Hawthorne

Age: 20
Hair: golden blonde
Height: 5’4
Eyes: Green
Build: Petite and graceful; elegant
Occupation: Lady
Demeanor:  Calm and cool to strangers; feisty and adventurous on the inside; loves her home (Hawthorne) and will do anything to save it from confiscation from the king
Habits: bites thumbnail
Grace seemed so petite and frail. Yet at the same time, Drake sensed a strong fiery soul beneath her cool exterior. She was quite possibly the loveliest creature he had ever set eyes on. She had golden wisps of hair framing her heart-shaped face, high cheekbones whisking up to her cool green eyes, an adorable pert nose, luscious kissable lips, and a pointy chin. Her skin was like porcelain, soft and smooth and milky white. He could only imagine what was below that elegant throat he dreamed of planting his kisses on.

This is a sure-fire to keep me from messing up the color of their eyes or changing their height halfway through the story.