Character development | Writers In The Storm

Three Ways to Develop Characters in Fiction

Guest Blogger — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:45:00 +0000

Learn three effective character development methods used by fiction writers, from sketching and discovery to improvisation.

The post Three Ways to Develop Characters in Fiction first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

How to Use Character Tropes Without Writing Cliches

Guest Blogger — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:45:00 +0000

Tropes are a starting point, not a shortcut. Learn more about using character tropes to create unique characters.

The post How to Use Character Tropes Without Writing Cliches first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Ways to Know Your Characters, Part 4- Strengths

Ellen Buikema — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 08:51:00 +0000

Strengths are a character's positive qualities–not just things they’re good at. Ellen shares 24 cross-cultural strengths to make your characters relatable.

The post Ways to Know Your Characters, Part 4- Strengths first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Ways to Know Your Characters, Part 2- Personality

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:35:00 +0000

Words have power. You can create characters you loathe or love, sometimes a bit of both. Explore your characters' personalities to make them unforgettable.

The post Ways to Know Your Characters, Part 2- Personality first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Ways to Know Your Characters, Part 1- Background

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 09:02:00 +0000

You have the power to create new worlds filled with characters, places, and plots. Help readers connect with your characters using background.

The post Ways to Know Your Characters, Part 1- Background first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Mastering Character Evolution: A Powerful Ladder of Choice

Guest Blogger — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 08:41:00 +0000

Your story is full of good ups and downs, but your readers want to be able to make a connection with your characters too. Laurie shares some possibilities.

The post Mastering Character Evolution: A Powerful Ladder of Choice first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

How Did You Ever Come Up with a Character Like That?

Guest Blogger — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 08:28:00 +0000

Author Sharon K. Connell shares her methods for character and personality development as well as the best piece of advice she's ever seen.

The post How Did You Ever Come Up with a Character Like That? first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

How to Create Characters Who Intrigue, not Overshare

Guest Blogger — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Shirley Jump offers tips on how we can avoid telling too much backstory and how to help your reader enjoy discovering what makes your character tick.

The post How to Create Characters Who Intrigue, not Overshare first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

What Separates a Good Writer from a Great Writer?

Guest Blogger — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 10:50:00 +0000

How do you improve your writing from good to great? Eldred Bird shares several traits of great writers. Most importantly plot, character, voice, and editing.

The post What Separates a Good Writer from a Great Writer? first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Make Music with Character Voices

Lynette Burrows — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Lynette M. Burrows discusses how to hook your readers by making your story's character voices work together like the instruments in an orchestra.

The post Make Music with Character Voices first appeared on Writers In The Storm.