Behind the Story by Sloan Parker

Character Interviews

Character Sketch: Luke Moore

Originally posted on Sloan's blog on August 15, 2010

Here are some of my first notes for the main character Luke Moore from More. These are directly from the original character sketch sheet, including the photo I used for inspiration. (The final result of what a character looks like may be nothing like the photo, but an image gives me something to visualize, making him/her a bit more real. Some of the traits change as I write the story. Some become irrelevant.)

Photo for Inspiration

Character Inspiration: Luke © InkkStudios / www.istockphoto.com

Sampling of Character Sketch & Personality Traits

Full name: Lukas Moore
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Best Friend: Walter Simon
Parents: are well-off. They have live-in staff.
Sleeps in his underwear
A programmer
Likes things that are logical with one solid solution
His apartment is in a low-rent area. It’s small and shabby, but he doesn’t need much. He spends his money on the security system he’s put in place.
He doesn’t have much in the way of possessions. He moves a lot. He likes to keep his life simple. Uncomplicated. Physical stuff just bogs a person down. Ties them to a time and place. He doesn’t want to be tied to anything.
Doesn’t own a car
Independent, self-reliant, private
Detached
Successful at work
Logical
Determined
Strong willed
Thinks only of himself (unless he’s in bed with someone).
Focused on self-preservation (and winning against his father) to the point of keeping everyone at a distance, even his best friend, Walter, at times.
Fears most: Being like his father
Zodiac Sign: Taurus (Source)
- “Underneath their cool, calm and collected exterior, Taureans differ greatly from all the other signs of the zodiac. Taureans manage to discreetly stay apart from the crowd, even though they have a well-earned reputation for being socialisers.”
- “And, there is no such thing as an open-book Taurean.”
- “Their feelings, fears and desires often run far deeper than anyone around them would guess.”
- “Most Taureans like their creature comforts and hate change because it takes them out of their automatic pilot condition of separating themselves from the world around them.”

Character Sketch: Richard Marshall

Originally posted on Sloan's blog on September 10, 2010

Here are some more behind the story details about More, specifically some of my first notes for the character of Richard Marshall. These are directly from the original character sketch sheet, including the photo I used for inspiration. (Side note: The final result of what a character looks like may be nothing like the photo, but an image gives me something to visualize, making him/her a bit more real. Also, some of the character traits change as I write the story. Some become irrelevant.)

Photo for Inspiration: This is not exactly what he ended up looking like in my mind (especially the hair), but here’s the first photo of Richard.

Character Inspiration: Richard

And here’s his bod.

Character Inspiration: Richard

Sampling of Character Sketch & Personality Traits

Full name: Richard Marshall
Graduated from NYU with an MBA
Doesn’t hide who he is for any reason.
Sleeps naked.
Neat, orderly, tidy.
Clears his throat when he has something to say he doesn’t want to mention.
Does not apologize for who he is. Or what he does.
Strengths
- Confident
- Successful in business
- Caring
- Loyal
- Conscientious
- Smart
Wants to make the world better for those he cares about. Does it by changing their immediate world, affecting change in their daily lives.
Fears most: Losing people he loves. Not being what they need and watching them walk out. Not being successful, losing business.
Zodiac Sign: Leo (Source)
- “Life Pursuit: To lead the way”
- “Love triumphs over all for this sign, which is ruled by the heart and operates from this dimension too. Leo’s are born fortunate.”
- “Charismatic and positive-thinking they attract…an abundance of friends and opportunities.”
- “Once a Lion is committed to a relationship, they are totally devoted and faithful. Should their heart or trust be broken they never forgive or forget.”
- “For a Leo, when a relationship is over, really over, it is over for good.”
- “The second soul-evolution of the Leos is the Lion, King of the Jungle, ruled by ego but always protective and sustaining of those they love.”

Character Sketch: Matthew Stewart

Originally posted on Sloan's blog on November 5, 2010

Here are some of my first notes for the character Matthew Stewart from More. These are directly from the original character sketch sheet, including the photos I used for inspiration. (The final result of what a character looks like may be nothing like the photo, but an image gives me something to visualize, making him/her a bit more real. Some of the traits change as I write the story. Some become irrelevant.)

Photo for Inspiration

Character Inspiration: Matthew

Sampling of Character Sketch & Personality Traits

Full name: Matthew Stewart
Nickname: his mom calls him Matty.
Works at a music/book store in the mall.
Lives with his mom whom he adores.
His parents are divorced. Hasn’t seen his father since the man left, when Matthew was in high school.
Came out in high school.
Doesn’t like Chinese food. Loves Italian.
Doesn’t have much in the way of a savings account.
Strengths
- Lively, energetic, funny (despite his shyness
- Always has a smile
- Laughs a lot
- Empathetic
- Inquisitive. Curious. Asks questions.
Weaknesses
- Shy, nervous, self-conscious
  o Trusts too easily, even when others have failed him
  o Doesn’t speak up when he should
  o Speaks with uncertainty
  o Has issues with people who drink alcohol around him.
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio (Source)
- Life Pursuit: To survive against all opposition
- Scorpios lead fate filled lives and have intense and dramatic personal relationships.
- Old and wise beyond the average, Scorpios often know all the answers, except sometimes; they too often have difficulty finding what they need to develop their own happiness.
- Coming to grips with their extraordinary emotional depths and sensitivity isn't easy for those around them.
- They are different from all other zodiac signs and this difference has them walking, working and loving to a different beat.
- Their eyes often blaze with feelings that words never express, and beware on the days or nights they hide their feelings behind dark glasses, there is likely to be a storm of some kind brewing.
- They often wear a mask. Too often they say "no" when they really mean "yes."
- Once they find true love they can be the most faithful dedicated of all partners.
- When they are negative about something or someone, or critical of themselves, they can tend to get in their own way.

Deleted Scenes: MORE (BOOK 1)

When Luke comes home from meeting with his dad at the diner

Graphical Preview: MORE (BOOK 1)

A word cloud view of an excerpt from MORE

click image for larger view

Song for MORE (BOOK 1)

Luke's Song: Numb by Linkin Park

Photo of Original Outline: MORE THAN MOST (Book 2)

This is the stack of note cards for the original outline of More Than Most (More #2), the sequel to MORE.It’s 17,000 words long, over 5 inches high.

Playlist: MORE THAN MOST (BOOK 2)

Here are a few of the songs that remind me of Richard, Matthew, and Luke and their journey in MORE THAN MOST. I tried to link to the official video when available.

(Everything I Do) I Do It For You, Bryan Adams
This one is a great fit for Richard and his need to protect the people he loves.

Who You Love, John Mayer, Katy Perry
This one’s all Luke. And this video includes real-life couples, which I love.

All of Me, John Legend

Everything, Michael Bublé

A Few Honest Words, Ben Sollee
This song was written as an open letter to political leaders in the US, but it reminds me of what Richard expects from people.

How We Operate, Gomez
This one reminds me of a few moments in the book between Luke and Richard.

At Last, Etta James
This is the song Matthew is listening to when Richard comes home from his meeting and finds Matthew reading the box of letters.

What Makes You Beautiful, One Direction
Richard to Matthew.

Bound by Love, Gran Bel Fisher
The video is quite sad, but there's just something about the lyrics that remind me of Richard's journey in this book.

I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing, Aerosmith

Don't Forget Where You Belong, One Direction

Playlist: MORE THAN EVER (BOOK 3)

Here are a few of the songs that remind me of Matthew, Luke, and Richard and their continued story in MORE THAN EVER. Not every line in each song is 100% accurate for the boys, but most of the lyrics work pretty well. I tried to link to the official video when available.

Believer, Imagine Dragons

You Say, Lauren Daigle

One Last Breath,Creed

The Rest of Our Life, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw

Marry Me, Train

Home, Phillip Phillips

Because Of You, Kelly Clarkson

A Moment Like This, Kelly Clarkson

I'm Yours, Jason Mraz

Don't Forget Where You Belong, One Direction

I Choose You, Sara Bareilles

Let's Make Love, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw

Story Pinterest Board: MORE THAN EVER (BOOK 3)

I’ve created a Pinterest board of images that either inspired me or reminded me of the story. None of the photos are exactly right, but it’ll give you some idea of how I picture the characters and the settings.

Hope you enjoy checking out this Story Preview in Pictures on Pinterest.

Note Boards / Planning Doc: MORE THAN EVER (BOOK 3)

Here is the scene-by-scene note board I used to keep track of my progress when writing and then editing the story. As I read through each scene, I covered it with a new sticky note and then marked them off as I read through each again. And again. And again.

The following is a sample of the simple reminders I put on each sticky note so I'd know what scene that note was referencing. The part that reads "Mention something Luke wants" was cut from this book.

** SPOILER ALERT ** The following is my planning document where I scribble answers to some basic questions that help me think through the overall story arc. (I covered up the largest spoiler at the end, but there are many other spoilers for MORE Book 3, so be careful reading the notes if you don't want to know.)