This Possum Paper Works writing tip looks at how to use character sheets to build better characters in your writing - and has a free template!
Antagonists are a simple way to introduce conflict into a story, and the quickest way to create a difficult antagonist is to...
Are you writing a fiction novel? Browse the writing tips in the blog post archives to learn how to write a book! #amwriting #writingtips #writingcommunity
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Lovable misfits, romantic entanglements, lasting friendships, adorable family dynamics - character chemistry is the secret sauce to creating a story people want to consume over and over. But how do you capture it? That’s what I set out to discover. I love children’s stories, so my first instin
Jami Gold's Writing Worksheets: Help for all writers, from newbies to experts and from plotters to pantsers.
Writing Characters: How to Write Character Reactions Your Readers Will Care About. Writing characters can be difficult. Understanding how characters react is...
You’re writing an incredibly epic scene, the tension is amping up…but for some reason, it’s dragging. That’s because the plot is missing something. But what? Today I’m…
There’s nothing quite like a really memorable villain to add drama to a story! Who can forget Count Fosco, or Moriarty, or Sauron? Use this worksheet to craft the perfect villain. Click Here to Download This Worksheet (PDF) If you’d like a more well-rounded villain, you might consider plotting their character arc. You can also…
Developing engaging characters is crucial for any story or narrative adventure. Learn how to develop authentic and memorable characters.
Looking for a new story idea? Before you can sit down and start writing a work of fiction, you will need to brainstorm three key elements: - What is your character’s Goal? (What does he want?) - What is this character’s Motivation? (Why does he want it?) - What is the Conflict your character will face? (What is stopping him from getting it?) In our post, How to Brainstorm a New Novel Using Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, we show you how to create a working outline to help get your story started!
When creating characters we already know we need to make them memorable, interesting, diverse and avoid those nasty stereotypes. However, we also need to consider how we create the characters’…
Literary fiction writers tend to avoid plot. We’re trained to be plot snobs, focused only on character development and description and point-of-view amongst other things. But your story can’t be plotless. Plot is tension, plot is drama, plot IS story. So we must learn to fuse plot and character seam
This 3-part character conflict worksheet can help put your character in trouble... and pull them out of it!
If you are just starting to write a novel, you may have come across character questionnaires to help you brainstorm basic information for your story cast, but how do you truly flesh out your characters on a deeper level? How do you make your characters jump off the page and feel “real?” In How to Create a Fictional Character in 5 Steps, we give you more than just the average list of questions to think about so that you can create characters your readers will love.
Learn how to create a plot by implying change, finding credible character goals and conflicts, and develop a connected, cohesive story.
It can be difficult to develop characters for your story. Check out my guide that breaks down what you need to do to have characters that drive your plot.
Most stories describe a character's transformation from one state to another. Here are 6 steps to understanding how characters change...
This 3-part character conflict worksheet can help put your character in trouble... and pull them out of it!
This guide has 5 great ways to start your story if you're stuck.
No matter how much tension you pack into the pages of your book, readers won’t care about your story if they don’t first care about your characters. After all, there’s nothing page-turning about a predictable protagonist playing out a predictable plot. If you want readers to invest in your characte
If you're looking to add conflict to your story or throw a few problems your characters' way, I've got some ideas for you.
Writing Worksheet – Mini Quest (PDF) In honour of NaNoWriMo, this month’s worksheets will have one purpose: to increase your word count by hook or by book. A mini-quest is a small diversion on the character’s path. If the ultimate goal is to save the princess, then a mini-quest may be to find the magic…
No matter what you write, keep your readers captivated with these no-fail techniques for creating and sustaining suspense in your stories.
Writers Write creates and shares writing tips. In this post, we discuss using opposites to create tension in characters, plot, and setting.
Are you looking for a character sketch template that will make your writing life easier? Turn towards Scrivener.
Is your student a budding novelist? Start her career off on the right foot with this short story writing worksheet.
One of the trickiest types of characters to get right are children. Learn 8 major tips for how to write child characters that resonate with readers.
