Articles about character development

The Low-Down on First-Person Narrative

by Kathy Edens Oct 08, 2018

Are you considering first-person narrative for your next project? Go no further until you read this post!

4 Important Ways to Get Ready for NaNoWriMo

by Kathy Edens Oct 03, 2018

Are you ready for NaNoWriMo?

It’s the question most asked this time of year, right before National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) that takes over the month of November every year.

If this is your first time doing NaNoWriMo, don’t stress out too much about it. It’s a huge learning process where you’ll discover what’s most important for you to be able to produce content on a continual basis to move forward towards your end goal of 50,000 words in 30 days.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years is that it’s not so much about the end result. What you have at the end of 30 days will in no shape or form be a novel ready to print. Depending on your genre, novels can be 80,000 words and up. Just understand: you won’t be finished with it on November 30th.

Finding Your Unique Authorial Voice

by Kyle A. Massa Sep 24, 2018

Every author has a unique voice. It's just a matter of finding it. In this article, fantasy writer Kyle Massa offers his tips on how to discover your authorial voice.

Writing Character Voices: Channeling Your Inner Multiple Personalities

by Kathy Edens Sep 05, 2018

Think of the different voices you use in daily life. You have a certain voice you use with the boss, another one with your partner, and a completely separate one you save for your mother.

How you say things in each different voice results from your background, your education level, where you live, your personality traits and quirks, and to whom you’re speaking. Learn how to harness these voices to create the characters in your book.

5 Ways to Make Your Protagonist More Likable

by Kyle A. Massa Aug 28, 2018

"I don't like your protagonist." If this is what your readers say, consider these five tips.

How to Create and Use a Character Bible for your Novel

by Zara Altair Aug 20, 2018

Your character bible is the place you collect information about all the characters in your novel so you have easy access to details as you write. In this article, we examine how to create and use a character bible.

Character Transformation: Change is in the Air

by Kathy Edens Aug 09, 2018

It’s safe to say that people change. A good story will explain character transformation in ways readers understand it. In this article, we explain how to tackle character transformation in your novel.

Is Your Novel Idea Worth a Book?

by Zara Altair Jul 17, 2018

Try these six story exercises to test your idea for a novel. Avoid wasting time on an idea that doesn’t work before making a commitment to an entire novel.

Types of Characters in Your Story

by Kathy Edens Jul 05, 2018

Continuing our walk through of Orson Scott Card’s Characters & Viewpoint, we turn our attention to the types of characters available to novelists today. Author Kathy Edens explores the characters and viewpoints you need in your fiction writing.

The 10 Best Facebook Groups for Writers

by Kathy Edens Jun 06, 2018

NOTE: After getting a ton of amazing feedback from users, we updated this page for 2018.Check it out here: Our Favorite Facebook Groups for Writers - updated for 2018

Creating Compelling & Engaging Characters: What Makes Readers Love ’Em or Hate ’Em

by Kathy Edens Jun 01, 2018

How do you craft a character that everyone loves to love or loves to hate? In this article, author Kathy Edens examines the characteristics you should give your characters depending on the audience reaction you're seeking.

Time Saving Tips for New Novelists

by Zara Altair Jun 01, 2018

Are you a new writer? Discover why planning speeds up your writing time, and check out these steps for planning your novel.

Fiction Archetypes that Sell Like Wildfire

by Jennifer Xue May 09, 2018

Fiction writers don't start from scratch. They can utilize existing character and story archetypes, personality and emotional types, and the goals and the fears of each type. Combining them in a strong storyline is almost a guarantee for creating best-selling works.

Characters: Raise the Stakes to Make Readers Love 'Em or Hate 'Em

by Kathy Edens May 08, 2018

Not all characters are created equal. We teach you the techniques you need to grab your readers by the emotional coat-tails with these three character types.

Writing a Mystery? How to Get Readers to Love Your Sleuth

by Zara Altair Apr 30, 2018

How to create a sleuth readers will love. Check this strategy to build your mystery protagonist from concept to detail.

Writing Characters & Making Decisions: "What Kind of Story Are You Telling?"

by Kathy Edens Mar 28, 2018

Let’s take a look at the four types of stories that Orson Scott Card says comprises every novel. He uses the acronym "MICE", which stands for milieu, idea, character, event.

Within this framework, Card argues something deeply contoversial: not all novels require in-depth characterization.

How to Write a Mind-Blowing Plot Twist Like Gone Girl

by Kathy Edens Mar 12, 2018

As an author, don’t you want to create the mind-blowing plot twist that leaves readers begging you to write more books? Maybe the kind that result in big movie deals…

Wait. If your writing is a means to an end, it’s doubtful your plot twist will make the big bang needed to get on the big screen. Because you can’t force a plot twist; readers will smell it a mile away.

Do it authentically and you’ll create a feverish tension that keeps readers turning the pages to see how this new twist will play out next. Or you’ll end on a final piece of information that changes everything, resonating with readers long after the last page. Here’s how it works.

Writing Characters: Digging Beyond Life

by Kathy Edens Mar 05, 2018

Start with a real-life person—yourself. Plumb all your deep, dark places and put yourself in the shoes of your main character. You are a well of inspiration. Make this your jumping-off point to create truly believable characters.

Writing App Reviews: the Outlining Your Novel Workbook

by Kathy Edens Feb 18, 2018

Whether you are a planner or a pants-er, if you haven’t checked out the Outline Your Novel program, you’re missing out. I spent hours with this software and have never felt a more powerful urge to create.

How to Write Historical Fiction (without a history degree)

by Kathy Edens Feb 08, 2018

If you are an HF writer, hats off to you! I learned haters will find the smallest discrepancy in your writing and crow it from the rooftops. Perhaps HF writers have extra thick skin. Whatever their impetus, they don’t necessarily have a love of history per se—and certainly don’t need a degree. They find either a period, an event, or historical person thoroughly interesting and decide to dig deeper.