fiction writing
Thoughts for authors of fantasy fiction
I thought I might pose some thoughts for fantasy authors to help them create a new fantasy world as the setting for their novel.
Writing Your Novel’s Premise
Writing a strong premise before you begin working on story structure (if you are a plotter) or just starting to write (if you are a panster) is important for a number of reasons. First, it will help you bring the idea for your story to life, and it is one of the foundational steps in … Read more
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