One of the major
ways to pull a reader into a book is the details. Yes we all know this, but I
am not taking about the turquoise broach she wore on her cashmere sweater. I am
talking more about the details of someone’s life, the little things we tend to forget
about.
One of those
things is our pets.
Did you know, over 72% of the populace either has, or wants
to have, a pet in their family? Also, surprisingly 83% of people are more
sensitive to pet violence than people violence. I do not argue with either of
these statistics because they are correct.
Watch any movie
where there is a sidekick dog or a favorite cat, and while the world is
exploding the audience worries if the dog made it through the zombie invasion
or if the cat made it safely out of the burning house.
People, readers
can relate to the affection felt for an animal. It is the simplest and one of
the purest forms of unconditional love in the world, and something we all
crave.
As a writer, the
furry friend can open avenues of growth for your character. Whether it reveals
a fear, you character has a paralyzing fear of rabbits, or loneliness, the
woman’s only confidant is the cat she talks to for hours in the evening because
he can’t reveal the horrific secrets she tells.
Pets are also
wonderfully expressive characters in their own right. The bird who attacks
anyone with an accent, or the ferret who jumps in your romantic interest's pants before he can jump
in yours.
These supporting
characters are powerful driving forces as far as plot. She knew something wasn’t right. Where was Charlie, begging for his
daily belly rubbing and cookie?
Many authors
have utilized pets as the keys to the kingdom. Animals in any situation are a
secondary character, thus in the background. A writer can easily hide clues to the
identity of the villain or the hero in the actions of a pet.
Even the silent
goldfish can speak volumes if characterized correctly—
Alyssa
stirred on the couch, the rustling sound of rocks playing against her struggle
to sleep. Damn goldfish nesting again…The
most plausible reason is that he's setting up the place the best way he likes
it. Everyone needs to feel at home. Maybe that is what she needed to do,
rearrange the furniture, make the space more hers. If she is staying here for
lord knows how long she should at least feel at home. If a goldfish deserves it, so do I, besides, what harm could it do…
So now I
have given you a few off the cuff suggestions for you to mull in your super
writer brains! Have fun with it!
Every person who comments gets a name in a hat, share this post with your friend and you get two! I will choose one person every Sunday to receive a $5 gift card to Amazon! Stay Tuned, keep reading and keep commenting!!
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