Toe-to-Toe... Conflict Rules "The greatest rules of dramatic writing are conflict, conflict and conflict," says James Frey. So what are you to do with that? Literature teachers everywhere teach that there are 4 main types of conflict: … [Read more...]

Getting to Know You. Details, details, details I'm going to stretch your imagination today as we really connect with the characters you are creating. We want them to pop off the page. They should be so real … [Read more...]

Directory Services: Character Names So many people running through your head! How will you ever keep them straight? With this template. It's a quick list of character names. Research shows: Research shows that when people are reading for pleasure, they read faster than when … [Read more...]

Can't we all just get along? Let's list some conflict goals. You may wish for world peace in reality, but within the pages of your novel you need conflict. To get true conflict, you need people with competing goals. Today you get the opportunity to clarify what your characters' … [Read more...]

The Guy Next Door Minor Characters? The extras on your shopping list... Okay. You've figured out your main characters, the stars of your story. Now who will be the supporting actors and actresses? This is your chance to use those preconceived ideas about names and/or … [Read more...]