Essential Guide to Writing a Novel

Readers want a character who can grow and change over the course of the story. Here is a discussion of the character arc: how we can use the arc to develop our character and the plot, giving the reader the big reward at the end of the story of a character who has met the moment with change.  Plus, here is how we can show (rather than tell) about a character's thoughts such as confusion and dread.Support the show

One of the best ways to have readers like our story is to have readers like--maybe even love--our main character.   But we usually don't want our protagonist to be a Pollyanna, always sweet and understanding.  Rather we want to create a fully-formed character--maybe with some weird or off-putting angles,  maybe some flaws and shortcomings--to make the character interesting and believable.  Here's a technique to make sure readers will root for our main character even if the character isn't usually endearing.  Also, here is how a master writer describes her settings.Support the show

We want to write but we don't have our story fully figured out.  What can we do?  Here are thoughts on inventing plot, things we can do to shake loose the plot from our brains.  Also, the techniques of a master of character description: Margaret Mitchell.  Support the show

Fiction's job is to entertain.  A main way to entertain is to be bold with our plot.  Here are thoughts on how to avoid the dull in our plot and how to create a story that keeps readers turning the pages.  Also, how to invent strong metaphors and similes.  And avoiding overly-precious, self-conscious writing.Support the show

In fiction in all genres only trouble is interesting.  How do we writers use trouble in our story?  Here are thoughts on how we can plot using conflict, crisis, and resolution, a technique important for all genres.  Also, should we use beta readers?  And the add-a-quirk technique.Support the show