KNOW YOUR CHARACTERS FROM THE INSIDE OUT

After each of my weekly writing classes, both online and in-person, I send out a list of Tips & Pointers along with their next assignment. It turns out, my students love these T&P's.

I thought you would, too. Here's one that will help if you've ever wrestled with character development:

Know your characters from the inside out -- When first creating a character, most writers begin with the basics of height, weight, and hair color. This one-dimensional, flat cardboard outline is nothing but an exterior description. Ho-hum!

So how can you create a life-like character that your reader will either love or despise? Admire? Resent? You must first ask questions of him. In-depth questions. Your purpose is to get to know him -- really know him.

You've probably read plenty of character-development outlines, but have any taken you so deep into a character that there is no doubt what his reactions or responses will be? That's the moment you create a believable character -- whether the reader likes him or not! Secretly, you may even hope he doesn't, cause it will keep them reading.

Is it because of where he was raised? His cultural background, language, or accent? Or perhaps because of a food allergy, or even a memory he's shouldered since his teen years?

Whatever the reason, you're holding the pen. You get to decide who your characters are. Whatever you do, make them memorable.

To get a copy of "Know Your Characters," my helpful guide to creating unforgettable, three-dimensional characters, just click here.