Getting To Know My Characters

I've been working on a novel on and off (mostly off) for a while now, but was getting no where. I'm the kind of person who jumps right into things with no planning or preparation. (Can you see where this is going)? I've come to realize that I don't really know my characters. And how can I tell their story if I don't know them?

So I've put the story aside for now and am working on character sketches and really taking time with each one. I'm actually enjoying the process of slowing down and letting the characters tell ME who they are.

And once I know them, really know them, THEN I will tell their story.

This leads me to a question - how do you get to know your characters?

This dream of mine

As long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a writer & make my living writing books, short stories, poetry, & anything else people may want to read. The confidence in my abilities hasn't been there, but I've been working on that. I know now that I can do it. With enough determination I can see my name on the cover of a book (or two or ten) someday.

Right now, I know very little about the publishing process. Right now, I have only bits & pieces of stories completed. Right now, my mind is a jumble of thoughts & my calendar is very full. But I know I can get past any obstacle & work around any detour. I can do this.