#WritingLife

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Character Development in Different Genres: Tailoring Personalities to Fit Your Story's Needs | Part I of Character Development Series

When it comes to writing, one of the most exciting and challenging aspects is creating compelling characters. Whether you're penning a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, a gripping fantasy, or a thought-provoking literary novel, the characters you bring to life play a pivotal role in captivating your readers. However, not all characters are created equal, and tailoring their personalities to fit the specific requirements of your chosen genre is essential for a successful and engaging story.

So, how can you ensure that your characters shine in the context of their genre? Let's embark on an insightful journey into the art of character development across different literary landscapes.

The Foundation of Genre-Specific Characters

Before delving into the intricacies of character development, it's crucial to understand that each genre comes with its own set of expectations and conventions. While a hard-boiled detective might thrive in a gritty crime thriller, they might feel out of place in a whimsical fantasy world. Therefore, the first step in crafting genre-specific characters is immersing yourself in the nuances and tone of the genre itself.

For instance, in a fast-paced action-adventure novel, the protagonist is often characterized by their resourcefulness, courage, and determination in the face of danger. On the other hand, a character in a cozy mystery may possess a keen eye for detail, a sharp wit, and a knack for uncovering secrets amidst the charm of a small town. By understanding the core elements of the genre, you can lay a sturdy foundation for building characters that resonate with the expectations of your readers.

Investigating Character Traits Across Genres

Let's take a closer look at how character traits can be tailored to suit different genres:

1. Adventure/Thriller:

Courage and Resilience: Characters in this genre often face high-stakes challenges and adrenaline-pumping situations. Their ability to confront danger with courage and resilience is a defining trait.

Quick Thinking: Whether escaping a treacherous trap or outsmarting a cunning adversary, characters in adventure and thriller novels are often marked by their ability to think on their feet.

2. Romance:

Emotional Depth: Characters in romance novels thrive on emotional connections. Their vulnerabilities, hopes, and desires form the cornerstone of their personality.

Charm and Passion: A touch of charisma and passion can elevate romantic protagonists, making them irresistible to both their love interests and readers.

3. Fantasy:

Imagination and Wonder: In the realms of fantasy, characters embody boundless imagination and a sense of wonder. Their belief in the extraordinary and the magical defines their essence.

Epic Journeys and Destinies: From chosen heroes to enigmatic wanderers, characters in fantasy often carry the weight of epic destinies and monumental quests.

4. Mystery:

Curiosity and Intellect: Mystery protagonists are marked by their insatiable curiosity and sharp intellect. Their inquisitive nature drives them to uncover the truth hidden within the enigmatic plots of their stories.

Intrigue and Suspicion: Characters in mystery novels often harbor secrets of their own, adding layers of intrigue and suspicion to their personas.

Crafting Characters with Genre-Specific Flair

Now that we've glimpsed into the distinctive traits that define characters across genres, it's time to infuse our characters with that genre-specific flair. Here are some creative strategies to tailor your characters to fit the unique demands of different genres:

1. Know Your Readers:

Before sculpting your characters, get to know your intended audience. Understanding their expectations and preferences within a particular genre can guide your character development process.

2. Subverting Tropes:

While adhering to genre conventions is important, don't shy away from subverting tropes to inject fresh and unexpected elements into your characters. This can breathe new life into well-trodden genres.

3. Embracing Authenticity:

No matter the genre, authentic and relatable characters are the cornerstone of captivating storytelling. Infuse your characters with genuine emotions and experiences that resonate with your readers.

4. Reflecting the Setting:

Characters are not isolated entities; they are shaped by the worlds they inhabit. Reflect the essence of the genre's setting in your characters' mannerisms, speech, and worldview.

5. Dynamic Character Arcs:

Consider how your characters' arcs can align with the thematic essence of the genre. From personal growth in literary fiction to valiant heroism in fantasy, tailor their journeys to harmonize with the genre's spirit.

The Power of Balancing Familiarity and Innovation

While it's essential to cater to the expectations of your chosen genre, it's equally vital to infuse your characters with a spark of innovation. Readers are drawn to characters who feel both familiar and refreshingly unique. By blending genre-specific traits with innovative twists, you can create characters that stand out while remaining rooted in the essence of their genre.

Unleashing Genre-Defying Characters

In the ever-expanding universe of literature, the art of character development is a dynamic and thrilling endeavor. As you embark on the journey of crafting characters for different genres, remember to immerse yourself in the heart of each genre, cultivate characters with depth and resonance, and balance convention with innovation.

Ultimately, the characters you create have the potential to transcend genres, captivating readers across a diverse spectrum of storytelling. So, unleash your imagination, breathe life into your characters, and watch as they navigate the rich tapestries of diverse genres, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

So, fellow writers, as you embark on your next literary odyssey, may your characters be as diverse as the genres they inhabit, and may their stories resonate with readers far and wide.

Happy writing! Warm regards, Ren T.

[gaaneden]

Thank you.

It's over and done. "Dear Penpal, Belgium 1980" earned $8000 and hit 2 stretch goals. Thank you everyone. So much. I appreciate each and every one of you.

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

To My Followers

Hey everyone! I've got some exciting news to share. I'm currently working on a brand-new murder mystery novel that I can't wait to share with all of you. This story is going to be a real page-turner, filled with twists, turns, and enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I'm pouring my heart and soul into crafting a gripping tale that will have you guessing until the very end. From complex characters to intricate plot lines, this book is going to have everything that makes a great mystery truly unforgettable.

I know how much you all love a good whodunit, and I promise to deliver an experience that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the genre or simply looking for a thrilling read, this book is sure to captivate you.

I'll be sharing updates and teasers along the way, so make sure to stay tuned! I'd love to hear your thoughts, theories, and any burning questions you might have about the story. Let's dive into the mystery together and create an unforgettable journey.

If you're as excited as I am, don't hesitate to drop a comment below or give this post a like. Your enthusiasm fuels my creativity, and I can't wait to embark on this adventure with all of you. Get ready for a wild ride, because this murder mystery is going to be one for the books!

[madmaddie351]

Every time...

[clarislam]

If you don't know which writing project to work on yet this season, here's part 2!

I hope these strategies (or the ones I shared earlier this week) help you figure out your next writing project!

Image reads: "Strategies To Figure Out Your Next Writing Project" 3. Pick a project based on which ones you already started and want to finish first. 4. Pick a project based on what type of mood you want to write (lighthearted, angst, hurt/comfort, etc.) Sheets of paper and emojis of various expressions can be seen beside the two points.

Looking for Part 1? Check out this post!

Want to learn more about me and my work?

Check out my Carrd for links to my books, website, and more: https://clarislam.carrd.co

[reverieparacosm]

Me and My Writing Drafts: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Me: stares at the screen Okay, time to write the next masterpiece!

Also Me: opens a new document Let's do this!

Brain: sends a million ideas at once Write about cats! No, wait, aliens! No, wait, a cat-alien invasion!

Me: creates multiple drafts simultaneously Why have one idea when you can have ten?

Me: scrolls through the drafts folder Ah, yes, my precious babies. So many possibilities, so little time.

Also Me: starts hyperventilating How can I choose just one? They're all my brainchildren!

Brain: mocking voice Remember that brilliant idea you had at 2 a.m.? Yeah, that one. Write about that!

Me: looks at the time It's 2 a.m. again. Of course, brain, why not torture me with more ideas when I should be sleeping?

Also Me: cries internally How can I ever finish anything when my brain is a chaotic writing factory?

Brain: whispers Hey, remember that unfinished draft from three years ago? Yeah, let's revive it!

Me: gasps The ghost of an unfinished draft haunting my writing career! Brilliant!

Also Me: clutches drafts tightly One day, my darlings, one day I'll conquer you all!

Me: sighs The struggle of a writer with too many drafts is real. But hey, at least I'll never run out of material!

[brandibradley]

I cannot confirm if this is an actual #MargaretAtwood quote but it sounded pretty and I wanted to share.

[clevermird]

writers ask: 6,12!

One day, I will get my shit together and answer ask memes promptly :P 6. What is your darkest fear about writing?

That it's not good. Perfectionism is a huge struggle of mine and any time I find myself feeling satisfied with a story, it sends me into this panic loop of "what's wrong with it that I'm not seeing?". The one exception to this is Silver, Ash, and Bone. I don't know what it is (it might just be that I've gotten enough external validation that I can fight the brain gremlins easily), but that one I'm pretty satsfied is at least decent, and the things that could be improved are that way because I wanted them that way even if they're objectively "worse".

Although I also recently found out that one of my main writing buddies was actively trying to sabatogue me into thinking I needed her help to write, so hopefully with that in mind (and without her whispering in my ear) I can start fighting off some of the brain gremlins with greater ease. 12. If a genie offered you three writing wishes, what would they be? Btw if you wish for more wishes the genie turns all your current WIPs into Lorem Ipsum, I don’t make the rules

oh, that's a tough one -This is kinda cheating, but I wish I could add illustrations that show scenes and characters perfectly the way they are in my head -To invent a better way to outline. I need outlines, I can't function without them, but I have yet to find or create a system that has both sufficient levels of detail and also has a good visual flow to help me with brainstorming and keeping track of different plot threads and such

-The ability to magically see what people put in private bookmarks on AO3. I just know there's interesting comments on some of them, I don't even care if they're negative I just wanna know!

[winters-tales]

Sunday 11th August

A rare weekend free means it's time for some body doubling; bring your writing, drawing, crafting and creating, and join me as I work on my novel!

Just a reminder that this is at 4pm every Sunday moving forwards, NOT 2pm as it has been previously!

[shamanarcher]

We Live in a Monde Brut

I know I’m in debt with my followers for not writing lately. It’s been two months since I wrote something. This happens because I’m getting into a state of mind that doesn’t give me much anymore a reason to write. All my ideas and subjects are the same from what I wrote previously, and repeating it over and over again about the same meditations will only lead me to become a boring writer.There…

[writers-republic]

Interview with David Swanson, author of Air-Conditioned Bus Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

Who doesn’t like vacations with ultimate relaxation preferences? The type of vacation a person takes depends upon individual desires. Most folks like to be wined-n-dined and pampered as if they’ve snuck into the 1/10 of 1% demographic.

A few eccentrics prefer different vacations. Developing the ability to ignore inconveniences that’s like a gym rat who refuses to believe their feet smell. DARREN, prefers these vacations. Being a backpack traveler, he’s just returned from his latest adventure and receives a call from his cousin informing him that their uncle, JORGE DaSILVA, would like to take a niece/nephew cruise. Jorge has lots of money. Darren becomes skeptical concerning the trip since this isn’t his idea of interesting adventure. RYAN mentions that Darren prefers adventures where the excitement comes from doing things off-thecuff. Street stall cuisine, park-bench accommodations, and having an AR-15 pointed at your skull.

Initially, Darren refuses to participate and various individuals including sister, GRETCHEN, try to change his mind. Manipulations eventually has him participating. Then, a monkey wrench gets thrown in when Jorge suffers a mild heart attack. He recovers, and the rivercruise vacation occurs. Things get stranger (if that’s possible…) Jorge tells Darren that he wishes he could’ve done these rough-n-tumble vacations when he was younger. Having just participated in a cruise, Darren wants to continue his backpack vacations right up until the day he’s forced to do the Barca-lounger thing. Eating pre-chewed meals through a straw.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This is not your conventional, sleep-inducing, writer’s biography. Individuals may experience chuckles. David Swanson is a writer/novelist who lives in Southwest Colorado. He writes non-fiction and fiction with a humorous/satirical bent. He’s just that passionate about writing in this style.

He did not obtain his Bachelor’s in creative writing from the University of Colorado, instead earning a B.A. in Biology. This degree opened up many doors in the area of outdoor, blue-collar-type jobs. The B.A. also dispelled the assertion that you can’t find a job with only a biology-B.A. It got him a U.S. Peace Corps forestry position. Mr. Swanson has won numerous regional awards for his writing. He’s been published. Name recognition is nice, but he’s confronted with the fact that literary entities pay him the money equivalent to that of the Bhutanese naval budget. A life-long obsession with comic book collecting has influenced the writing. Obviously, proving this isn’t possible.

He established a writing website (www.humorouswriter.com) where he posts short stories and essays. This posting of material to the site avoids lawsuits being filed against him. Mr. Swanson attended cartooning school from 1986-89. His time training and work as a cartoonist/illustrator has subconsciously influenced his writing (yeah right?)

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

5 Ways to Make Your Writing Sessions More Productive

Writing can be a truly daunting task, and sometimes it can be challenging to get into the right mindset to be productive. Whether you're a professional writer or just starting, there are certain techniques you can use to boost your productivity and make the most of your writing sessions. In this post, I'll be helping you add five beneficial ways to make your writing sessions more productive, so you can achieve your writing goals efficiently.

Section 1: Set Clear Goals

The first step to making your writing sessions more productive is to set clear goals. Without clear goals, it's challenging to measure your progress and stay motivated. Start by defining what you want to accomplish in your writing session. It could be completing a chapter, writing a specific number of words, or finishing a blog post draft, etc. Once you have defined your goals, break them down into smaller, achievable tasks. Create a to-do list and prioritize the tasks based on their importance. This will help you stay focused and on track during your writing sessions.

Focusing on one task at a time will also help you avoid distractions and increase your productivity. Take the time to plan your writing sessions, and you'll see a significant improvement in your output.

Section 2: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Creating a distraction-free environment is crucial for a productive writing session. Eliminate any potential distractions, such as social media notifications, phone calls, or emails. Turn off your phone or set it to airplane mode, so you're not tempted to check it during your writing session. If you're writing from home, let your family members know that you're working on a project and need some quiet time.

Choose a workspace that is comfortable and conducive to writing.

A cluttered or uncomfortable workspace can affect your concentration and reduce your productivity. Ensure that your workspace is well-lit and has good ventilation. You could also consider playing some soft background music to help you stay focused, but make sure it's not too distracting. Creating a distraction-free environment will help you stay focused and produce quality work in less time.

Section 3: Take Breaks

While it may seem counter-intuitive, taking breaks can actually increase your productivity. Sitting in front of your computer for extended periods can lead to burnout and reduce your creativity. Taking regular breaks can help you recharge and get back to work with renewed energy. Plan your breaks in advance and stick to them. It could be a short walk, a coffee break, or a reading session to one of those unfinished books sitting on your bookshelf. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something that helps you relax and recharge. Avoid checking your emails or social media during your breaks, as this can lead to distractions and reduce the effectiveness of your break. Remember, taking breaks is not a waste of time. It's an essential part of staying productive and achieving your writing goals.

Section 4: Write During Your Most Productive Time of Day

We all have a time of day when we're most productive. Some people are morning people, while others are night owls. Identify your most productive time of day and plan your writing sessions accordingly. During your most productive time of day, you'll be more focused, alert, and creative. You'll also be able to produce more quality work in less time. If you're not sure when your most productive time of day is, try experimenting with different times until you find the one that works best for you. Writing during your most productive time of day will help you stay on track and achieve your writing goals more efficiently.

Additionally, I am currently developing a writing session routine generator that is designed to be highly customizable and supportive. My aim is to deliver a tool that will be of great benefit to all of my followers and users.)

Section 5: Use Writing Prompts or Outlines

Using writing prompts or outlines can help you stay on track during your writing sessions. Writing prompts can help you get started if you're struggling with writer's block. They can also help you generate new ideas and perspectives. An outline is a structured plan that outlines the main points of your writing. It can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your writing is coherent and well-structured. An outline can also help you save time by reducing the need for extensive revisions. Using writing prompts or outlines is an effective way to stay productive and produce quality work in less time.

As a personal guideline, I make it a point to have an outline, particularly for my blog posts, unless I am engaging in freestyle writing.

Conclusion

Writing is a challenging task that requires focus, discipline, and creativity. By following these five techniques, you can make your writing sessions more productive and achieve your writing goals more efficiently. Start by setting clear goals, creating a distraction-free environment, taking breaks, writing during your most productive time of day, and using writing prompts or outlines. Remember, productivity is not about working harder, but about working smarter. By implementing these techniques, you'll be able to produce quality work in less time, and achieve your writing goals with ease.

TheWriteAdviceForWriters 2023

[gaaneden]

It's the Final Stretch! Just 3 days left in Dear Penpal, Belgium 1980! As a special treat, I've recorded an unpublished YA ghost story, "Hide and Seek Forever." Looking for something unusual for you or a loved one? How about a cozy ghost story told by postal mail? It's the gift of escape tunnels, ghosts, and adventure told over 24 letters that will ship worldwide. https://bit.ly/dear_penpal

[mixtapenumber16]

Day 15: A Day of Creation and Catch-ups (≧▽≦)

Hey internet void, checking in for Day 15! Today was a mix of productivity and social recharge.

Slept in a bit, waking up around 10 am. Decided to channel some creative energy into writing a script. Spent the afternoon driving around Manila, soaking up the city vibes and trying to find inspiration. Who knows, maybe the next great screenplay is brewing in this chaotic metropolis!

Around 6 pm, it was time for some adulting. Hit the grocery store for essentials like tissues and laundry detergent, but couldn't resist adding some treats for Marshall, my furry companion. The look of pure joy on his face when he got those dog treats was priceless.

To wrap up the day, I met up with a friend who's about to become a doctor (how cool is that?!) for a much-needed catch-up session. We drove around the neighborhood, chatting and laughing like old times. It's amazing how even a short drive can feel like a mini-therapy session.

Now, it's 10:30 pm, and I'm trying to get this post out before sleep takes over. Might add some more thoughts later, depending on how inspired I get. Stay tuned, internet void!

P.S. This whole blogging thing is turning into a pretty good habit. It's like having a virtual diary where I can spill my thoughts without judgment. Thanks for being a good listener, internet void!

[madmaddie351]

NEVER!!!

[clarislam]

You know today will be a great day as a writer and poet when you wake up and find out that one of your poems was selected for publication in a lit mag! 📖✍️🎉

Which one? Well, you'll find out in early September. 😊