by DiAnn Mills @diannmills

Characters, like people, need a place to escape tension, stress, and conflict when life’s challenges threaten to steal their optimism.

A writer uses a character’s happy spot to add a slice of real life to a three-dimensional character. The character knows where this place is and returning physically or mentally instills peace, happiness, and a sense of safety. This is where headaches fade and muscles soften, allowing the character to be renewed so he/she can continue pursuing a goal.

When a character isn’t able to relax, he/she is headed for exhaustion and unable to work to full potential. While denying a character a happy spot could be a part of a plot, establishing what that special place is reveals more about the character.

Take a look at the following 11 ideas to help find the happy spot for your hero, heroine, or even antagonist.

1. A creative person longs for means of artful expression.

When something of beauty is attained, imagination swirls and emotions are gratified. A variety of art forms can fill the need: a walk through a museum; adding color to a blank canvas; playing a musical instrument; listening to a concert; cooking a five-course dinner, and the list goes on.

2. Connecting with nature and experiencing the quiet world often clears the mind.

3. The company of other people can eliminate stress.

Especially family and friends who love unconditionally, no matter what the character has or hasn’t done.

4. Simple blessings of life often provide sweet moments of joy:

• the first cup of coffee of the morning
• watching the sunrise or a fiery sunset
• volunteer work
• relishing in a child’s smile

5. A character may find his/her happy spot by completing a personal goal.

Satisfaction of a job well done may be what your character needs.

6. Curling up with a good book or enjoying a movie could be your character’s form of relaxation.

Some characters may enjoy watching television or coloring in an adult coloring book.

7. Happiness can mean a beautiful location, as in a favorite vacation spot.

Your character may crave the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore or the sight of an eagle flying over a mountain peak.

8. Exercise stimulates the brain and allows clarity.

Some personalities look forward to exercise as a highlight of their day.

9. Hobbies are a great way to tune out the world and relax.

Men may enjoy fishing, woodworking, or playing golf while women may enjoy cooking, knitting, or shopping. Remember that women may also enjoy fishing and men may enjoy cooking, as well.

10. Pets are soothing for many people.

Your character may bask in the devotion of his/her pet and the time spent with this special animal or bird.

11. Worship has the ability to draw people away from themselves and into pure adoration and spiritual happiness.

Whatever your character’s personality, establishing a happy spot allows the reader to see a well-rounded personality. Use this technique to deepen characterization and add twists and turns to your plot.

What would your character enjoy that would take him/her to their happy spot? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.