The Chopping Blog

Few romance novels are just about the romance.

The easiest way to think about POV is as a lens that you hand the reader and say, here, you will now be viewing the world through this slightly warped piece of glass.

Whether they’re allies, enemies, mentors, or catalysts for change, minor characters serve to support or challenge the main character, highlight themes, and provide depth to the story world.

Voice isn’t just about verbal tics, slang, or quirks—it's the essence of how a character sees and interprets the world.

Your protagonist's strengths and the fallacies that shape their internal journey combine to create a character who is complex, dynamic, and capable of true transformation.

As two characters push and pull against each other, readers get to see them both more clearly.

To create characters that readers truly care about, it’s essential to understand what drives them.

Character backstory is more than just a list of childhood experiences or milestones; it's the emotional and psychological foundation for who they are today.

One common misstep I see in novel openings, chapter openings, and even new mid-chapter scenes is the tendency to zoom in too tightly, too soon.

Power, in all its forms, is a crucial source of tension and conflict. Power can corrupt, but it can also liberate.

Even historical fiction authors must consider linguistic influences, especially as they impact worldview and personal values.

Understanding your world’s history and current events is crucial. They affect the political landscape, societal norms, and your characters' motivations.