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In only a couple of weeks, writing enthusiasts across the globe will set off on NaNoWriMo 2024. That novel idea that’s been floating around in your head wants to succeed—here are some tips on winning NaNoWriMo. Writing Tip for Today: Here are some tips for preparing your novel idea for the NaNo challenge: The Character […]
We’ve all heard that our stories must contain rising tension and plenty of conflict. As a new writer, I thought that meant stuff had to blow up to make the conflict apparent. Boy, was I wrong! Writing Tip for Today: To maximize tension and conflict, force your character to reveal her biggest, darkest secrets. Here […]
When you write your character to life, you delve into what that character wants (more than anything!). But to really animate your character, readers must understand what makes that person tick. Writing Tip for Today: Let’s talk about ways to more fully imagine your character’s inner life: Back Story Need to Know We’re all the […]
The key to a compelling character relies on a balance between the character’s outer life (what happens to her) and inner life (what happens in her). Writing Tip for Today: Let’s look at some easy ways to create a winning inner life for your character: Light the Fire One of the most common mistakes […]
Writers of fiction must create a believable character, no matter the genre. Yet some interesting dilemmas arise when the character is constrained by history, by the future or even by contemporary standards. Writing Tip for Today: How can writers create believable characters, yet still appeal to present-day and future readers? Let’s look at some ideas: […]
Writers are often encouraged to fill in a grid of specifications about the characters they write. Height, age, hair and eye color are entered as well as education, occupation and location. These character forms are useful as a start. But readers will identify more with characters who speak to their emotional core. Writing Tip for […]
Over the weekend I had the privilege of attending a one day workshop with Donald Maass. Yep. THAT Donald Maass, of Writing the Breakout Novel and Writing 21st Century Fiction fame. So naturally, I’m thinking a lot more profoundly about my characters. How can you write your characters in a deeper way and why should […]
Last post we considered the story question, which defines the things the main character will or won’t do in order to overcome obstacles and reach a goal. Story arc is a way of explaining that journey. But what about the character’s personal arc?Writing Tip for Today: When writers refer to a character arc, they are […]
The accepted view on characters is that you must know them in some detail. Yet many novelists approach their characters in too-lifelike a manner. They don’t understand why no one cares much for this lifelike character.Writing Tip for Today: You need characters who are believable, not true-to-life. Here’s why: Too Good to be True. Readers […]
Before I start in on fixes, let me remind everyone that there are only two kinds of writing: Writing that works and writing that needs work. This means if you can write any of the identified “ailments” and make the reader still care, make him stay up all night reading, make her love your story, […]