Plotting a book scares a lot of authors. Developing characters and planning a book outline intimidates a lot of writers as well. But, honestly, none of these things are scary. They’re fun. Really. The key to plotting a book, or planning a book outline, if that is how you prefer to think of it, is … [Read more…]
Character development can be hard work. You want to create characters who ring true, but who are also interesting and unique. You also want them to be consistent. You don’t want them hopping from one feel to another and get comments from readers that your characters are unbelievable. I like to use the Enneagram for … [Read more…]
If you think your protagonist is the most important part of your book, think again. Your story is only as good as your antagonist. Here are ten different ways to make an antagonist worthy of your protagonist and story.
Character goals. Do your characters have them? Do you know? Do you ever sit down to the blank page and your characters do nothing? You get in the zone, but still, the scene goes nowhere? Are ideas dried up and the story has no place to go? Do your characters get into conflict (as they … [Read more…]
It’s more than just an “interest” technique (although there’s nothing wrong with building interest). A character’s job/career or lifestyle can and should be a story driver and can even expand into theme, bringing the story more depth and power.