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Author Archives: knlistman
Remember me?
In the attempt to make characters memorable, some authors make them unreal. Sometimes bizarre to the point of being incomprehensible, and sometimes too talented. The complexities of real humans might overwhelm some readers but that is exactly where to start. … Continue reading
Posted in Writer's resource
Tagged character arc, flaw strength, memorable characters
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Writing rules to break
First write for yourself, and then worry about the audience. The best writers often had to transitioned from one culture to another. The discovery that their own world was not the only one provided them with a more unique voice. … Continue reading
Posted in Writer's resource, Writing trends
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I’d like you to meet my newest character
Are you tentative about introducing new characters? Afraid that too much attention in creating newcomers will allow them to overshadow your main characters? A variety of decisions must be made: How fast to introduce characters, how much detail to give, … Continue reading
Posted in Characters, Writer's resource
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Color coding characters
Physical appearance descriptions are only superficial. Describing hair, eyes, skin or clothing colors tells the reader nothing about internal motives. However, assigning specific colors to important characters is a good shortcut for coding their personality. You can remember what major … Continue reading
The strength of your character’s likability
Readers do not respond to characters in the same manner that they respond to real people. If a protagonist annoys other people in the novel, showing the reader the interior of this main character to establish a creditable reason for … Continue reading
The flaws of a likeable character
Enchanting books that I read in my childhood, which still hold up under my scrutiny as an adult are the ones I turn to for examples of how to write. One such classic, The Door in the Wall by Marguerite … Continue reading
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An Impossible Fantasy
November, the month when many strive to complete a 50,000 word novel (or novelette according to today’s standard). Would I consider that an exercise stretching me to my limit? Or, an impossible fantasy? For me it is definitely the second. … Continue reading
Food for the imagination
The movie viewer usually does not have to think as much as a person reading, with one notable exception—the occasion extraordinary science fiction film. These films were once an outlet to comment on society, often with a critical view, such … Continue reading
The icebox dilemma
The rapid pacing of movies allows script writers and directors a few freedoms that would be criticized in novels. They may stir in a scene that audience that reels in the audience in with mounting tension, but which ultimately does … Continue reading
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The writer’s secret sauce
Movies have an advantage over the written word when it comes to presenting the emotions of your characters. For example, you read that a man “had his lips raised in a half-smile on one side while he eyes narrowed.” Did … Continue reading
Posted in Writer's resource
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