I’m in a place in my writing career where I’m spending a lot of time trying to understand exactly who I am as a writer. What genre do I write? Who is my audience? Am I writing to send a message or for entertainment? Maybe you’ve asked yourself these questions from time to time. I think we all have. But a couple of weeks ago, I came across a question I hadn’t even thought to ask.
When setting my goals at the beginning of this year, I decided to not only set productivity goals (write this, edit that), but to also set a goal to improve my writing craft. I’ve been writing for a while and though I’ve grown vastly simply by continuing to write, I also wanted to focus my attention on something I’d needed to improve for a long time: my character building.
To get the year started off right, I ordered the book Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card and had it in my mailbox before the first week of the year was over. I held it in my hands like it was paper gold and began to consume it with voraciousness. It was everything I needed to know about characterization but had never been able to find all in one place before. The way he writes, too, makes it all so easy to grasp.
And this is how I came across a concept Mr. Card introduced to the writing world: The MICE Quotient.
MICE stands for this–
M = Milieu (where the story takes place and the culture it includes)
I = Idea (the problem or question of the story)
C = Character (the person trying to change his/her role in life)
E = Event (restoring a world that is out of order or starting a new order)
He explains that every story has a balance of all four of these elements but that most novels are heavier on one while the other three factors supplement. He gives Lord of the Rings as an example of a Milieu-heavy story and murder mysteries as Idea-heavy.
Somehow this simple explanation reframed every major problem I’ve had since I started writing novels.
Because while I understood Card’s points in regard to story, they hit me on a deeper level. I also understood them in regard to who I was as a writer.
My new question? Which of the four elements of this quotient did my stories most often lean toward?
Since I began writing seriously in 2008, I’ve started 4 novels. Two of them I completed, two of them I didn’t. After reading about the MICE Quotient and giving it some serious thought, I now knew that two of them were Character-heavy and two of them were more about the Idea. Can you guess which two were the ones I finished and which two were the ones I didn’t?
Yes, it was an aha! moment. I always knew I had a knack for writing character-driven stories more than plot driven-stories but before reading this book, I didn’t fully understand why my other two novels fizzled out. The Character stories were the ones that motivated me to finish while the Idea stories left me wondering if I knew what I was doing at all.
The answer? Idea stories just aren’t my forte. And far from being upset by this (I really did love those ideas), I feel so relieved.
Now I can finally stop trying to force those stories into something they aren’t. And now I can hopefully prevent future fizzle novels by recognizing this quotient in my outlines—before I spend months on a first draft I’ll probably never finish.
So here’s the question I have for you: Do you tend to write stories that are heavier on one side of the quotient? Are others harder for you? Are there unfinished stories in your desk drawer that you could rework to better suit your forte? Or are there stories, like me, you might decide to set aside once and for all?
If you’d like to find out more about the MICE Quotient so you can apply it to your stories or your career, I highly recommend Characters & Viewpoint. Orson Scott Card does a beautiful job of explaining how much of each of the four factors to include in your novel based on which type of story you’re writing. And maybe somewhere within those pages, you’ll find your own aha! moment.
Courtney Koschel has been writing since she could hold a crayon. She has worked as a journalist, editor, technical writer, and technical editor. Young adult fiction is near and dear to her heart, which is why she writes YA and all of its glorious sub-genres.
Tonia Marie Houston is a mother, writer, poet, bookworm, and blogger. When sheís not chasing her three spider monkeys, she spends her time revising a young adult novel about life after death and second chances. Though she began to pursue her career later in life, she hopes to inspire and motivate other writers to put their best book forward.
This native Texan now lives with her Scottish hubby in North Ayrshire, Scotland, where she wanders the moors in search of William Wallace. She has been a guest blogger on Writer Unboxed and is currently working on the sequel to her YA supernatural novel, Touched by Darkness.
Jamie Raintree writes what she likes to call everyday fairytale love stories, featuring the little moments in life that are truly magical. She lives in Arizona with her husband and daughter and is currently editing her second novel.
Jani Grey is a South African ambivert, writer, reader, optimist, and bacon enthusiast. When her boss isnít looking she writes, revises, or edits YA Urban Fantasies in between work. Sheís sneaky like that. Sheís a NaNoWriMo addict and is currently working on two NaNo novels.
Rebecca Fields is a modern gypsy, roaming from place to place in search of ñ well, sheíll let you know when she finds it. Writing has become a way for her to share her adventures, both real and imagined. Along with her on her journey are her son and an assortment of rescued animals.
Nicole
February 27, 2012 at 5:54 am
This is a very helpful and well written post Jamie. I am definitely asking myself the initial questions that you presented and since I kind of write everything at the moment- who is my audience? The MICE quotient is also a great and very easy way to break down a story. I will definitely look for that book! Thanks for sharing.
Jamie Raintree
February 27, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Yes, “who is my audience” is a great question. I think everything stems from there.
You’re going to love that book! Thanks so much for commenting.
Vaughn Roycroft
February 27, 2012 at 9:42 am
Character driven writer here. I would guess after character my work leans toward Milieu. I like atmospheric novels, and LOTR was the book that launched me, so I love world-building. Both my Idea and my Event are less specific than, say, a murder mystery, where someone is killed usually leads to the killer being caught. These two are more like the looming elements/stimuli that allow me to delve into my world and explore the characters’ arcs.
I agree with Nicole, this is insightful stuff, and will look into Card’s book. Thanks Jamie!
Jamie Raintree
February 27, 2012 at 5:06 pm
I think Card is a big LOTR fan too because he refers to it quite a bit. World-building is something I wish I was good at. I really admire people like Rowling who can do it well. Because you’re good at both character and world-building, I think you’ll especially benefit from this book!
nancyelizabethlauzon
February 27, 2012 at 9:52 am
Great post. I have that book by Orson Scott Card, it’s very good. I also found ‘Heroes & Heroines: 16 Master Archetypes’ by Cowden, LaFever and Viders very helpful.
One thing I learned that I always keep in mind: All plots (i.e. action) should be driven by your characters. That kind of made things a lot clearer for me when faced with the plot vs character question
Jamie Raintree
February 27, 2012 at 5:07 pm
I’ll check that book out. Thank you! I can never get enough books on character-building.
Tonia Marie Houston
February 27, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Brilliant information, Jamie. I’m knee deep in craft books, but I think I need to add to the pile. I’ve read his Enders Games books, and love learning from the best. One book I love is The Writer’s Journey. I’m learning so much here. Cheers!
Jamie Raintree
February 27, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Lol! Will we ever dig ourselves out of the craft books? I think every time I read one, I add three to the pile!
Courtney Koschel
February 27, 2012 at 7:55 pm
The Writer’s Journey is my absolute favorite (well maybe the Fire in Fiction is a close tie). It’s so informative.
Courtney Koschel
February 27, 2012 at 7:54 pm
I love the Orson Scott Card book. It’s definitely one that I keep near. I’m a sucker for craft books, myself
Great post. Thanks for sharing!
Jamie Raintree
February 27, 2012 at 9:27 pm
It’s definitely my favorite now. I feel like I didn’t know anything about characters until now. Lol!
Tania Dakka
February 28, 2012 at 4:03 am
Beautifully written post…When I DO write fiction, character development is difficult. Since the year started, I’ve barely touched my fiction. But I’m looking forward to picking it up again before the year is out. That being said, my first novel sits on my Flash drive and I guess that’s where it’ll stay. LOL Maybe when I start again, I’ll start anew. Thanks for the book recommendation…definitely checking it out!
Jamie Raintree
February 29, 2012 at 5:40 pm
My first novel is a sitting duck too. I think it’s good for every writer to get the first one out of the way. It’s truly the best learning experience. But time to hop back up on that horse, Ms Tania! You’re a writer!
Rebecca
February 28, 2012 at 6:32 am
Definitely character driven here too. I don’t have that book, I’ll have to look for it. Right now, I’m reading one on keeping suspense and conflict in your story from page one. It’s wonderful. Craft books are addictions in such a good way! Great post, Jamie
Jamie Raintree
February 29, 2012 at 5:49 pm
Speaking of addiction…can I get the name of that book?
Rebecca
March 1, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Of course! It’s Conflict and Suspense by James Scott Bell, part of the Elements of Fiction Writing series. I love the way he explains things. I have the whole series and it’s been wonderful.
Jamie Raintree
March 2, 2012 at 12:40 am
I should have known! James Scott Bell is my favorite for craft books. Added to my list! Thank you!
Joan Leacott
February 28, 2012 at 7:38 am
Great reference and thoughtful post, Jamie. I’m definitely a character-driven writer with a follow-up of milieu. Though I’ve got a cozy mystery on the back burner.
Jamie Raintree
February 29, 2012 at 5:50 pm
That sounds like a great combination for the type of books that are big hits today.
Jani
February 28, 2012 at 9:16 am
Great post, Jamie. This is the first time I’ve read about MICE and I like it. All my novels are character driven and I like it that way. I’ll have to keep a look out for Orson Scott Card’s book, it sounds great.
Jamie Raintree
February 29, 2012 at 5:53 pm
Thanks, Jani! I like reading character driven as much as writing it.
Heather Reid
February 28, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Great post! Thanks, Jamie. I have to say Character/Milieu. I love Orson Scott Card.
Jamie Raintree
February 29, 2012 at 5:54 pm
I had never heard of him before I got this book but I have to say, I love him too.
Debra S.
February 28, 2012 at 2:43 pm
Great post. I tend to be a character driven writer. I’m going to check out the book, it sounds very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Jamie Raintree
February 29, 2012 at 5:54 pm
You’re welcome, Debra!