Is your head full of a cast of characters you’re longing to set forth on an epic adventure story? Writing a story that includes many characters can add a layer of richness and detail to your story that many readers will respond well to. It also allows your creative mind to explore a range of …
When you think of a novel, you might imagine only one main character leading the way. While this may be the typical way to tell a story, it doesn’t mean it’s the only way to do it. Maybe you have a brilliant idea for a multiple-major-character story you’re just dying to tell, but you’re not …
Every character has thoughts, opinions and a past that has shaped them into who they are. Character development is the process of creating this persona, then changing and adapting it in correlation to the events of a story. As readers we get to know and understand characters, watching them deal with a multitude of situations. …
What Are Some Good Examples Of Character Development In Literature? Read More »
Any great story involves a cast of varied characters who each play an integral role. But ‘minor’ characters are an often overlooked element of storytelling. Many prospective writers position secondary characters in the proverbial trunk of the narrative vehicle, merely an afterthought to the key protagonists. Some may believe that if characters aren’t integral to the plot, …
Plot versus character. Two heavyweight wrestlers stepping into the ring. The question on many writers’ lips is: who will win? It’s a common conundrum, with many writers wondering where they should place their focus as they start out with their first stories. We can all think of examples where the plot led the way or …
Is Plot Development More Important Than Character Development? Read More »
Characters are shaped by their pasts – that’s why so many superheroes have spin-offs dedicated to telling their origin stories. While you don’t need to write detailed accounts of what happens to make your protagonist who they are today (though you can if you like!), having some idea of where they came from can shape …
10 Unique Origin Story Ideas For Your Fantasy Protagonist Read More »
Every good book has a strong cast of captivating characters accompanying the reader throughout the story. Whether it’s high-action fantasy, gritty crime drama or heart-wrenching romance, characters who are realistic and relatable are integral to an interesting read. So, you’ve done your research into how to master character creation. You know you need to create …
Do you ever find yourself with characters who are too flat? Or notice that you’re spending far too much time writing plot but still struggle with your characters’ motivations? Whether you’re a published author or an aspiring one, character building isn’t always easy. I was first introduced to the “Iceberg Theory” when I was taking …
Do you need character deaths in your fiction? Learn about this common theme and how to master it here…
Claire tells us how to create authentic backstory for your characters…
The prospect of publishing a novel is always exciting business for us writers. As a result, it’s easy to get ahead of ourselves in anticipation of completing the final product, and subsequently overlook one of the first and most critical steps of writing a novel: getting to know your characters well. Only after you truly …
(Then Write the Screenplay…) Book yourself an appointment with an EXEC from a studio. This will require the powers of persuasion, subtle harassment, luck, or a gun. Okay, maybe not the latter, but definitely a combination of the other three. When the time comes, introduce yourself with a smile. Have a firm handshake. Project confidence. …
Delving into brainstorming, character development and the importance of editing, Kristie Minshall tells us about her writing process.