Author of MISERERE: AN AUTUMN TALE and writer of dark fantasy. I've long been accused of telling stories, which is a southern colloquialism for lying.My website
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Tag Archives: character motivation
writing your way into a character
Originally, An Autumn Tale was conceived to be a young adult fantasy, and it was supposed to be Peter’s story. Yet I was having a terrible time seeing the story through Peter’s eyes. My writing instructor suggested writing several scenes … Continue reading
research and characterization
A Monday re-do. I don’t usually re-hash old posts, but this past weekend I was out of town in addition to experiencing a head cold, so needless to say, I didn’t have the time to write a Monday post. I … Continue reading
making your characters active, even when they’re not
Erica Hayes is one of those magical authors who is generous with her time. I’ve been reading her informative posts on other blogs and was absolutely delighted when she accepted my invitation to write a guest post for helluo librorum. … Continue reading
scary women
Before you read a word I have to say on the subject, you first must go here and read Gillian Flynn’s article For Readers I Was Not a Nice Little Girl… (from Powell’s). Scary women. Ms. Flynn isn’t saying anything … Continue reading
Posted in Characters, Writing
Tagged character development, character motivation, Characterization, female characters, writers, Writing
6 Comments
character-based vs. plot-based novels
Which would you prefer to write? A novel about a war that encompasses generations and various mythical countries or a novel about how one protagonist must cope within the war torn world? This is highly subjective and depends a great … Continue reading
Posted in notes on writing, Writing
Tagged character development, character motivation, Characterization, novel writing, plot-based novels, plots, reading, writers, Writing
9 Comments
unlikable characters
Last week someone made an interesting comment in their critique of my chapter nine. The individual said she didn’t find one of my main characters, Rachael, very likable or sympathetic. She didn’t like Rachael as much as she did Lucian. … Continue reading
lunch hour links for writers – 10/7/09
I’m still under the gun on my own deadline (both for my novel and for my ackademick), but I’m pleased to say the chapters are coming a lot more smoothly now. That’s thanks to a great group of critique partners … Continue reading
Posted in Lunch Hour Links
Tagged Alex Bledsoe, character development, character motivation, character sketches, Characterization, John Howell, novel writing, plot structure, Science fiction and fantasy writers, Science Fiction authors, structure in novel, Writer's Chatroom, writers, Writing, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
4 Comments
research and characterization
We all want believable characters in both what we read and what we write, there is no question about that. It doesn’t matter how wonderful your plot may be, without believable characters your novel will fall flat with the majority … Continue reading
backstory
Have you ever submitted something to your critique group and heard this: NO, that’s backstory, no backstory, it stops your action dead! You should never use backstory! Nuh-uh. When backstory is handled properly, it not only gives depth to your … Continue reading
on not giving up
I want you imagine me, tall and lanky, dancing in a circle and gibbering like a madwoman in absolute GLEE. You’re right, that is an ugly picture, but it’s apropos to how I feel right now. Why? Remember my twelve-year-old … Continue reading
