How do you develop supporting characters? What goes into them versus your protagonist? How do you move them from plot device to fully fleshed being? And what role should they play? Above all how do you keep them from all sounding the same?
How do you know when to end your story? And how do you deliver your ending in a way that leaves readers thinking about your story and character for days? Be deliberate about what you leave unresolved, and don’t let that ending be disappointing! Above all make sure your protagonist takes center stage. And don’t be fooled by our decoy endings.
What is the difference between stakes, tension and danger, and how can we use them correctly to create a compelling story? How do you increase stakes without ending the world? And why should they be personal to your protagonist? How do you make readers really feel the tension? Use these three to craft a surprising story, no matter your genre.
Alida goes on a field trip this week and talks about the concept of writing likable characters. Do you need to write likable characters? Is that really the goal of character development?
In this week’s Word Essential 60 Second Writing Tip, Alida discusses short stories and how to get started writing them. Story Works Round Table Short Story Series: Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3...
I'm Alida I help people express their gifts to the world.
I do not believe in formulas. I believe that the stories we are compelled to tell the world make demands on us, and it is our privilege to meet those demands in order to reach the most people in the most authentic and compelling way possible.
Search Word Essential
Get current offerings, like the Writers Circle, workshops, & coaching.
Read ruminations on life, writing, & the writing life.
Story craft & writing tips, too!
Thanks for subscribing! Look for a confirmation email in your inbox.