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How To Write Shop

Articles on the craft and business of writing

character development

Plotting a Book Made Easy

December 10, 2018 by Lori Devoti 1 Comment
plotting a book

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…]

Posted in: Characters, Plotting, Writing Craft Tagged: book outline, character development, plotting method

Make Your Characters Roar: Character Development Using Animal Totems

April 12, 2018 by Lori Devoti Leave a Comment
character development with animal totems

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…]

Posted in: Characters, Writing Craft Tagged: character development, Character ideas, creative writing ideas

Ten Writing Tips for Creating an Antagonist

June 13, 2017 by Kathy Steffen 36 Comments

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.

Posted in: Antagonists, Characters, Writing Craft Tagged: antagonist, character development

Character Goals: The #1 Thing Every Character Must Have

March 22, 2013 by Kathy Steffen 5 Comments

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…]

Posted in: Characters, Writing Craft Tagged: character development, novel writing, writing tips

Creating Characters with Personality: Unique Job and Lifestyle

May 16, 2012 by Kathy Steffen Leave a Comment

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.

Posted in: Characters, Writing Craft Tagged: character development, writing tips
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Featured Book

Save The Cat!
by Blake Snyder

A book on screenwriting that is great for novelists too! Another must have for your How To Write library.

Get at Amazon


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