It's not something I really think about consciously while writing. When I write, I just jot down the first things that come to mind, the things that [i]feel[/i] right. I often take breaks while writing to reread what I just wrote, maybe reword it a little and definitely fix any spelling mistakes I catch. To that end, when I'm writing a character, I just write down what I feel they would say. Almost as if they're my best friend I've known for years, so I know how they would act being put into a situation.

It's partially self-inserting, but less so in a 'fantasy fulfillment' way and more in a 'I am a different person now. What would I do with this personality?' way. I try to be someone else while writing.

I tend to notice, however, that I can play into stereotypes a bit too much because of that. Or, alternatively, make flat characters by focusing too hard on one aspect of their personality.