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Character Questionnaire: Strengths and Flaws
November 04, 2024
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.
- On the craft
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Character Questionnaire: Relationship Arcs
November 04, 2024
As two characters push and pull against each other, readers get to see them both more clearly.
- On the craft
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Character Questionnaire: Psychology and Motivation
November 04, 2024
To create characters that readers truly care about, it’s essential to understand what drives them.
- On the craft
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Character Questionnaire: Backstory
October 31, 2024
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.
- On the craft
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Setting the Scene: Zoom Out Before You Zoom In
September 17, 2024
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.
- On the craft
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World-Building Questionnaire: Technology and Magic
September 04, 2024
Power, in all its forms, is a crucial source of tension and conflict. Power can corrupt, but it can also liberate.
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World-Building Questionnaire: Language and Communication
September 04, 2024
Even historical fiction authors must consider linguistic influences, especially as they impact worldview and personal values.
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World-Building Questionnaire: History and Current Events
August 21, 2024
Understanding your world’s history and current events is crucial. They affect the political landscape, societal norms, and your characters' motivations.
- On the craft
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World-Building Questionnaire: Religion and Belief Systems
August 15, 2024
Understanding your world’s religion and belief systems is crucial—they affect your characters' values, motivations, and interactions.
- On the craft
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World-Building Questionnaire: Daily Life and Customs
July 25, 2024
Understanding the daily life and customs of your world is crucial. They affect characters' behaviors, traditions, and interactions.
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World-Building Questionnaire: Economy and Trade
July 23, 2024
Your story world’s economy and trade affect the wealth distribution, power dynamics, and daily lives of your characters.
- On the craft
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World-Building Questionnaire: Government and Politics
July 01, 2024

Your story world’s government and political systems affect the power dynamics, conflicts, and daily lives of your characters.
- On the craft
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