Developing characters can be a daunting task. Sure, you may start out with a character type in mind; you might see him, know his mannerisms, hear him speak. But how do you develop a character that stays authentic with his actions, motivations, and rings true with a reader? As a writer, how do you keep … [Read more…]
Okay, I admit it. Along with being a romance novel fan, I’m also a romance FILM fan. This summer gave us some great superhero movies that led me into a number of conversations with friends (writer and not) as to what makes a romantic hero. This year’s variations were perfect vacation-from-reality fare, with the requisite … [Read more…]
I’m sure you’ve heard the advice “show, don’t tell,” but do you really understand it? Are you telling when you could be showing, especially with your character’s emotions? Gestures are one of the best techniques a writer can use to show emotion or attitude of a character. Especially around dialogue, adding a gesture or … [Read more…]
Last month, my husband and I had the distinct pleasure of seeing the classic movie Gone With the Wind on the big screen. (This was, actually, an anniversary celebration of our first date, on which we saw Casablanca on the big screen. If you knew me, you’d know how fantastically perfect these occasions are, being … [Read more…]
The non-human characters I have created as a fantasy writer have varied from the goddess Rhiannon/Epona in The Sword-Edged Blonde to the vampires of Blood Groove and The Girls with Games of Blood, and most currently the Tufa of The Hum and the Shiver. Below is a list of things for you to keep in mind when … [Read more…]