Character Archetypes – The Shapeshifter
Can a shapeshifter character add twists and turns to your plot and make your novel more dynamic?
Character Archetypes – The Threshold Guardian
If your hero/ine needs to be tested, consider using a threshold guardian archetype character to add tension and conflict.
Character Archetypes -The Outlaw
Maybe your book needs an outlaw. Outlaws are not always the bad guy, nor are they always gunslingers, though that is what may come to mind. The outlaw and the lawman aren’t necessarily separate or opposite either. Maybe your outlaw tries to go straight, and your cop is dirty. Your outlaw can be the good … Read more
Character Archetypes -The Mentor Character
Maybe your protagonist needs someone to bounce around ideas with. Or maybe your hero/ine needs guidance. Or maybe your protagonist needs someone to set them straight on those things that your hero/ine doesn’t want to deal with. You may need a mentor character in your novel.
Do you need a sidekick?
We talked a bit about the sidekick character last time. But should you consider adding a sidekick to your current WIP? Should you add a sidekick character to your outline? Let’s look at reasons you might want to add a sidekick character to your novel. Does your story lack tension? Does your protagonist plod through … Read more
Character Types
Let’s talk about the types of characters you can use to people your novel. There are stereotype characters who are an over simplified characterization of a type of person which generally are flat and motivationless characters. Once example may be a bartender used in one scene in your book. There are cliché characters such as … Read more
Character Development Part 1
You have worked out your story’s plot. You know the direction your story will go, you know the problems your characters will face, and how your story will resolve. Good for you. You’ve put in the time and thought to make the story plausible. But who is your protagonist? Sure, you have the general idea … Read more
Ten Scenes – Plot Part 9
Hiya! It feels like it’s been a decade since I’ve last posted, but here I am again with an attempt at normalcy. The last several posts were about various scenes or parts of a plot. I posted those bits and pieces with the intent of helping you to organize ten scenes that will help write … Read more
Plot Part 8 – The Point of No Return
It’s a weird world right now. How about we do something with some normalcy? Like work on your story outline. You’ve been working on your manuscript outline draft and we’ve covered the first few of story blocks in your outline to help you get on your path to writing: the opening scene, the climax, the … Read more
Should You Use a Pen Name? Part 3
I\’ve been chatting with some authors about the use of pen names. This week it\’s Steven B. Moores, author of Dead on Cuban Time, Cherub\’s Play, and Love\’s Last Stand. Tell us about you as human, and you as author. In my day job I’m an attorney with the US Environmental Protection Agency, helping keep … Read more