Writing Fiction: 4 Tips To Help You Create A Character Ensemble

When you’re writing fiction, starting a new novel and setting up your cast of characters can be challenging. However, if you meet that challenge, not only will your novel be fun to write, it will also (other things being equal) sell. A few months ago, we spent a writers’ group meeting chatting about character creation. … Read more

Write Better Fiction When You Enhance Your Minor Characters

Write Better Fiction When You Enhance Your Minor Characters

At one of our writers’ group meetings last year, we talked about minor characters, and our discussion has stuck in my mind. When I create standard minor characters and walk-ons, such as the main character’s best friend, the waitress at the diner, and the car salesman, I look for opportunities to flesh out these characters … Read more

Writing Fiction: 5 Tips For Creating Great Character Names

Writing Fiction: 5 Tips For Creating Great Character Names

Here’s one of the biggest challenges in writing fiction: character names. If you’re one of the many writers who can’t work on your novel’s plot or on character development until you get your main characters’ names “right”, you’ve got grounds for endless procrastination. Finding character names is an ongoing hassle. Not only do you need … Read more