Writing what you don't know

I hate trying to write what I don't know.

Alright, all you cool alternative lifestyle chicas out there.

I'm trying to write a sort-of new-agey on the outside, practical on the inside OFC.

I am thinking of her as sort of a non-proselytizing vegan with a peace to the world type agenda, zen philosophy, but I don't want to make her into some kind of caricature that would be insulting to a real person who might have some or all these views/lifestyles/philosophies whatever.

I feel like there are a few of you out there who read this journal.

How would I build this character? In her real life, what would she do for hobbies? Where would she hang out? What would she bring her boyfrind for breakfast? What would be distinctive about her, to the extent that her philosophy and lifestyle made her stand out or be different from just a meat-eating, Christian-on-Christmas, middle-class white American?

I guess what I want to know is how to realistically illustrate the things that are unique and different about this person without going completely over the top with it.

This is what I love about fanfic and hate about "real" writing. Fanfic hands you the characters you use on a platter. You play with them, maybe develop them a little, but in general, the structure is already there, and the good writer presents the known characters in a way that other fans understand, accept and believe. Gah. Trying to write an original character with any depth that isn't someone I actually know? So. Much. Work.

I FORGOT: All that said, I think I DO want this woman to have adopted a Buddhism inspired name, for the purposes of contrast and the illustration of otherness (and of course, the making of lame jokes). Suggestions?

*spellchecks* OMG! I can't believe I spelled proselytizing right all by myself! Too bad I couldn't spell caricature...