Tag: character arc

Change Matters: How to Write Stories that Grip Readers & Don’t Let Go

Stories always have to be about people and the ways the story problem forces them to change. Without that? We don’t yet have a sound story.

Write About Inner Demons Without Boring the Reader into a Coma

Some weaknesses might be fairly obvious—grief, betrayal or addiction. The problem, however, is no one wants to read 300+ pages of someone whining about a loss or a compulsion. We would probably want to smother such a person to get her to shut up.

Lies, Denial & Buried Secrets—How to Create Dimensional Characters

Characters who seem strong, can, in fact, be scared half to death. Characters who seem to be so caring, can in fact be acting out of guilt, not genuine concern for others.

Creating Dimensional Characters—The Blind Spot

Today, we’re going to explore an extension of the WOUND. The BLIND SPOT. There are no perfect personalities. All great character traits possess a blind spot.

While You Were Sleeping—The Difference Between Narration & Internal Dialogue

Internal dialogue is the thoughts, dreams, stream-of-consciousness stuff inside a character’s mind only the reader is privy to. Most people talk to themselves, think in at least partial sentences, talk themselves into and out of all kinds of things, they weigh consequences, wrestle with past experiences all in their head in a split second. How many smart girls make bad decisions about men?