Master Fiction Writing

It was great to be interviewed by Sara Gentry about creating characters! We delve into the significance of character backstory in storytelling, distinguishing between world backstory and character backstory - and emphasising the importance of understanding a character's history to make them relatable and believable. We talk about how backstory influences character decisions, the necessity of managing multiple characters, and the concept of "minimum viable backstory". Takeaways Backstory is essential for character development. Understanding a character's history helps readers connect. World backstory and character backstory serve different purposes. Characters need relatable motivations to engage readers. The complexity of characters can enhance storytelling. Managing multiple characters requires varying levels of backstory. Minimum viable backstory is crucial for side characters. Character reactions should be rooted in their backstory. Writers should focus on the cause and effect of character actions. Resources like podcasts and courses can aid in character development. Unlocking the Secrets of Character Backstory The Art of Character Development "Stuart is the king of character." "Backstory makes somebody feel real." "The minimum viable backstory." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Character and Backstory 01:22Understanding Backstory: World vs. Character 04:54 The Importance of Backstory in Storytelling 08:36 Character Consistency and Relatability 13:21 Managing Character Backstories in Complex Narratives 21:47 The Minimum Viable Backstory for Characters

In this conversation, Jennie Nash and I delve into the intricacies of fiction writing, focusing on the Blueprint for a Book and the limitations of traditional beat sheets. We discuss the importance of understanding a writer's intent, the emotional connection with readers, and the role of creativity within constraints. Jennie shares her insights on the Inside Outline, a tool designed to help writers explore their stories from the inside out, ensuring that every plot point is tied to an emotional reason. The discussion emphasises the need for writers to connect with their material and their audience, ultimately aiming to create impactful stories. For a FREE copy of Blueprint for a Book, click HERE.

In this conversation, Emma Dhesi and I explore the themes of personal growth, the Four Pillars to Author Success , and the importance of celebrating small wins. We discuss how clients evolve from feeling inexperienced to becoming peers in the coaching process, emphasising the significance of acknowledgment in personal development. Our conversation also highlights the journey of self-improvement and the necessity of recognising progress, no matter how small!

In this episode, I discusses the pros and cons of using multiple points of view (POVs) in writing. Point of view (POV) is the narrative perspective that guides the reader through the story. Multiple POVs can add depth and complexity to a story, but they also come with potential pitfalls. Pitfalls of multiple POVs include character chaos, plot complexity, and reader overwhelm. Start with one additional POV before diving into multiple POVs. Exercises like character journals, dialogue-only scenes, and POV shifts can help in distinguishing character voices and maintaining distinct perspectives. 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:27 The Allure of Multiple POVs 05:05 Pitfalls of POV Polygamy 06:30 Maintaining Character Voice in Third Person 11:33 Exercises to Hone Your Skills 12:53 It's Your Turn 15:48 Deciding Whether to Use Multiple POVs