The short story "The Coin" was written as an example of the (very rare) story that has no named characters, not even a named Protagonist, not a human one, anyway.
In almost all other stories, it is important to know how to write characters who stick in the reader's mind. "The Coin" is an ...
I want to make my characters stand out with vivid, memorable cues for readers. Character "tags" are distinct elements that differentiate characters from one another, helping the reader identify them easily. How do I write character tags? Consider 9 types of character tags in fiction:
- Name –...
"Give me what I want, and no-one gets hurt."
"I know that voice." Marshall Calhoun swiveled on the barstool. "Silas McReady. Ol' Lead Heart."
"In the flesh."
"Been a while."
"Fifteen years, Ethan. Long time."
"What's with the gun, Silas?"
"Wanted to start this off on the right foot. Hear...
In fiction writing, creating characters that resonate with readers is crucial. One powerful way to achieve this is through your character's inner thoughts. These introspections add layers to the character, making them feel real and relatable. Let's explore why inner thoughts are a game-chan...
Nothing captures readers' imaginations quite like a well-crafted hero. This article will cover:
- Who is the Hero (vs. "Main Character" and "Protagonist") - hint, they're not always the same character
- Why we need heroes - 3 reasons a well-crafted hero is great for your story
- Pitfalls whe...
The flash fiction story "What Could Be Worse?" was written in the "Character" method, one of the 3 ways to develop an idea into a story. That is: take a central character through a character arc or transformation, based on the idea, developing the story around this character transformation....
The traveling salesman was alone in the train compartment, still shaken from what he had seen. Why had she done it?
"May I join you?"
Not waiting for a reply, the man in black sat down across from the salesman, but did not introduce himself. In fact, he turned his head to look ...
“I give up! It’s all shit!”
“Pardon?”
“I said that out loud, didn’t I?” The burly, bearded man knocks back the last slug of the cheap whiskey, motions at the bartender for another, and swivels on the bar stool, eyes bleary.
“Of what do you speak?” The small man with the fantastic mustaches ...
Unlock the Secrets of Crafting Unforgettable Characters
In the world of storytelling, characters are the heartbeat of any narrative. For fiction writers and avid readers alike, understanding character tropes and their counter-tropes is essential. In this article, we'll explore the signi...
The sunset makes the darkening sky blush and adds rose highlights to the emerald water. A young couple, a man and a woman, perhaps in their early twenties, tanned and trim, golden-skinned in their bathing suits, have their beach blankets spread on the white sand. They sit close together, facin...
We want to develop the definitive list of the best mystery writers. Who are the best mystery writers (and how do we know that they are, in fact, the very best)?
Consider 3 dimensions for discovering the best mystery writers:
- Peer Recognition – writers (and their mystery novels) that are hig...
Writing is a solitary occupation. But does it have to be?
There are several ways of making writing less solitary, in fact there's a whole spectrum. Here are three examples:
- The Light Touch: Writing Accountability (and Inspiration) Groups
- The Safe Challenge: Writing Contests
- The Shared Cr...
