What about that embarrassing tattoo?

Interview a character or characters from your NaNo novel or from a stalled piece with characters you liked.

It can be a group interview with questions each character answers. It can be an interview with a single character. I've done interviews with characters who are plucked from the current situation they're in. I've done interviews with characters after they've died who reflect back on the period the story takes place in. I've done interviews with characters immediately following the action of the story.

Ask them about their motivations. Ask them the questions you need the answers to. Your characters will tell you things that you didn't even know about them! You will hear where motivations are weak that need punched up.

Here are some ideas:

• How do you feel about [another character]?
  
• What are your thoughts on the events that led up to the crisis?
  
• Why did you feel you needed to [whatever event triggered a turning point in the book]?
  
• If there is one thing you could have changed, what would it be?
  
• Why do you hate your sister?
  
• Tell me about the time you ended up in jail. How did that come about?
  
• You recently received a death threat. How seriously are you taking this?
  
• Looking back on the situation, what would you have done differently?
  
• Are you pleased with the way the situation is being/was handled?
  
• If you could kill someone with impunity, who would it be?