Want quick tips to add instant chemistry to the relationships of your characters??
(🥳With examples🥳)
First of all, I want to say that you can also use most of them for platonic/ non-romantic relationships, so feel free to use this tips however you think they might work better in your story. So, without further adue, let's get to the tips!!!
Make your characters LISTEN to each other. Like, if A tells B they're not a morning person, B could make some coffee for A or lower the volume of their alarm.
This might sound quite obvious, but show that you characters care for each other. It might be as simple as one of them giving the other a glass of water when they feel a little dizzy, but it works wonders!
Make your characters physically close. When you are emotionally close to someone, you tend to be physically close too. But here is the thing. Make your characters react like it's second nature: "how would I not hug B when I haven't seen them in days?" or "Of course I'm gonna take A's hand when I feel insecure".
They don't have to be constantly thinking about each other, but when they do, MAKE IT MATTER!! For example, character A is out shopping, and they see B's favorite cookies. B didn't have a good day, and A knows that. But A also knows B is gonna fucking love the cookies, so they buy some.
Let them believe and trust each other. Also applies if one of them is a little distrustful: let your characters rely on one another, even if at the start they aren't as comfortable doing it. For a distrustful character, letting the other one help with chores might be a HUGE thing.
Other tips for writers: previous | next
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What to give a fuck about,while writing your first draft!
I`ve posted a list about things you don´t need to give a fuck about while writing your first draft. Here are things you NEED TO CARE about! (in my opinion)
Your Authentic Voice: Don't let the fear of judgment or comparison stifle your unique voice. I know it´s hard,but try to write from your heart, and don't worry about perfection in the first draft. Let your authenticity shine through your words.
Your Story, Your Way: It's your narrative, your world, and your characters. Don't let external expectations or trends dictate how your story should unfold. Write the story you want to tell.
Progress Over Perfection: Your first draft is not the final product; it's the raw material for your masterpiece. Give a fuck about making progress, not achieving perfection. Embrace imperfections and understand that editing comes later.
Consistency and Routine: Discipline matters. Make a commitment to your writing routine and stick to it.
Feedback and Growth: While it's essential to protect your creative space during the first draft, be open to constructive feedback later on. Giving a f*ck about growth means you're willing to learn from others and improve your work.
Self-Compassion: Mistakes, writer's block, and self-doubt are all part of the process. Give a f*ck about being kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up if the words don't flow perfectly every time. Keep pushing forward and remember that writing is a journey.
Remember, the first draft is your canvas, your playground. Don't bog yourself down with unnecessary worries.
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Dear fellow writers,
‘Said’ is beautiful. Please use it more. It isn’t anything to be feared of hated. It’s not boring or overused. It makes all the other dialogue tags more special when they’re used on occasion.
‘Said’ makes your writing less cluttered. It can be a simple way of reminding the reader who is talking without bombarding them with synonyms.
“Use it along with action to make it more interesting,” she said, picking up her pencil.
He smirked, and said, “Or with expressions and body language.”
“Or,” she said, “just as a quick reminder of who is talking.”
“And if you know who is talking, a dialogue isn’t always necessary.”
Of course you can use other dialogue tags, but please don’t exclude ‘said’. It’s heartbroken from being ignored.
‘Said’ is beautiful.
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Ultimate "Know Your Character Inside Out" Template
The ultimate template for creating a character, without losing your mind, while you're at it.
Character Background Template ... (open)
1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Gender & Pronouns:
4. Physical Appearance:
- Hair color:
- Eye color:
- Height:
- Build:
- Distinguishing features (scars, tattoos, etc.):
5. Background and Upbringing:
- Where were they born and raised?
- What was their family structure like (parents, siblings)?
- Describe their childhood environment and upbringing.
- Were there any significant events or traumas in their past?
6. Education and Skills:
- What level of education did they receive?
- Did they excel in any particular subjects or skills?
- Have they pursued any additional training or education since then?
7. Personality Traits:
- Describe their personality in a few words.
- What are their strengths and weaknesses?
- How do they typically react under stress or pressure?
8. Motivations and Goals:
- What are their short-term and long-term goals?
- What drives them to pursue these goals?
- Are there any fears or insecurities that motivate or hinder them?
9. Relationships:
- Who are the most important people in their life?
- How do they interact with family, friends, and acquaintances?
- Do they have any romantic interests or significant relationships?
10. Past Experiences:
- Have they faced any major challenges or setbacks in the past?
- How have these experiences shaped their beliefs and values?
- Have they experienced any significant losses or tragedies?
11. Worldview and Beliefs:
- What are their core beliefs and values?
- How do they view the world around them?
- Are there any cultural, religious, or philosophical influences in their life?
12. Inner Conflict:
- What internal struggles do they face?
- Are there any unresolved issues from their past that continue to affect them?
- How do these inner conflicts impact their decisions and actions?
13. Connection to Outer Conflict/Plot:
- How does their personal journey intersect with the main plot or external conflict?
- What stakes are involved for the character in the larger story?
- How do their goals and motivations align (or conflict) with the central conflict?
(Shorter) Knowing Your Character Inside Out Checklist
Personality Traits:
- Introverted/Extroverted
- Optimistic/Pessimistic
- Assertive/Passive
- Empathetic/Self-centered
- Logical/Emotional
- Adventurous/Cautious
- Honest/Dishonest
- Ambitious/Content
Beliefs and Values:
- Religious beliefs (if any)
- Moral code
- Political beliefs
- Views on relationships
- Attitude towards authority
Fears and Insecurities:
- Common fears (spiders, heights, etc.)
- Deep-seated insecurities (failure, rejection, etc.)
- Traumatic experiences (if applicable)
Desires and Goals:
- Short-term goals
- Long-term aspirations
- What motivates them to pursue these goals?
Strengths:
- Intellectual strengths
- Physical abilities
- Emotional resilience
- Social skills
- Unique talents or abilities
Weaknesses:
- Personal flaws
- Areas of vulnerability
- Bad habits
- Limiting beliefs
Backstory:
- Family background
- Childhood experiences
- Significant life events that shaped their identity
- Education and career path
- Previous relationships
-Josie
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Want simple tips to heavily improve your skills with character voice??
(📝Note: character voice is the way you convey your character's personality though their pov or dialogue when you write. No two characters speak the same📝)
I speak from experience when I say character voice is hard to get right. Characters, like people, have lots of layers that affect the way they see the world around them and how they interact with other characters. That's why character voice is so important in stories, and why if you write it in a compelling and effective way it will hook people into your story. I hope you learn something new in this post!!
When writing character voice, there's a list of things that you should take into account:
Where are they from? Their past and what they've lived plays a huge part in character voice. Maybe your character grew by the ocean, and so they compare things from the present to the beach, the rocks or the sea itself. You will rarely read about a sailor that is an expert in pants and compares scents to flowers. They might, instead, talk about how a house smells like the wet wood of a ship.
Think about how their personality shapes their language. If they are insecure, they might end most of their sentences with "isn't it?" or "right?" and ask a lot of questions, whereas if you have a confident character, you might find them saying things like "we should do this" or "that will be fun" instead.
What their "lense" is. This is more of an ethic aspect of the character. What have they learn it's okay, and what do they find uncomfortable? Would they find it gross if their friend left laundry on the floor?
Give them special traits (both for dialogue and narration). Maybe character A quotes a lot when they narrate and uses long paragraphs, or maybe B speaks about their past a lot and uses popular sayings. Personally, one character of mine has the tendency to repeat himself when he speaks, as in "yeah, yeah, I'll do it" or "no, no, no. Never" because he is really enthusiastic, and it fits really well with his character.
Pay attention to how they would talk about themselves. Maybe your character doesn't like people to know they're sad because it makes them feel vulnerable, so they will just say they feel annoyed or don't want to talk in that moment. This also means that they will not tell the reader something they are not comfortable saying in the first place.
How is their education? Education is also very important in this context. Did they went to university and have a rich vocabulary and structured sentences, or where they rised in a little farm far from town? You can also play with both a bit: maybe your character did go to university, but maybe they also came from a low income family, and characteristic of both things merge when they talk. Example: long, structured, sentences but a simple and sight forward vocabulary.
That's all for now and happy writing!!
Other tips for writers: previous | next
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