two great resources for crafting characters

This week, I await agent responses to queries of my YA contemporary, ON THE ROAD TO MARTY MCFLY, and fixes from my editor for my WIP, STARS IN MY POCKET. So, of course, I'm plotting a new YA series. Not only have I decided to tackle a series, but I'm jumping genres into Mysteries. I find this very exciting but extremely intimidating.

I won't say more about the premise or potential plots as I'm in the early planning stages. However, I have had tons of fun developing my characters. In a series, you need characters waiting in the wings for the next book. Think of popular YA series books like HARRY POTTER, PERCY JACKSON, THE HUNGER GAMES, or DIVERGENT. It's clear the authors planned longer plot lines out before the first novel sat on bookshelves.

Plots don't run on their own. You need characters. My writing style seeks character before plot. So I'm busy crafting these people who will soon walk and talk about the pages of my stories.

Making up a character is harder than it sounds. Making up a believable and relatable one is even trickier. Fortunately, there are many resources available to writers. I'd like to share my favorites with you.

THE POSITIVE and NEGATIVE TRAITS THESAURUSES by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi

These books are invaluable as are the two authors. Angela and Becca run the WritersHelpingWriters website, which features numerous useful articles on the craft. 

Each thesaurus features dozens of personality traits to mix and match, including detailed analyses of root causes, associated behaviors, ideas for overcoming the flaw or other traits that might cause conflict. Couple these books with THE EMOTIONAL THESAURUS, and you will have the necessary tools to create real characters.

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SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder

To me, the penultimate outliner for new writers. Snyder offers a simple set of "beats" to create a forward-moving plot. He does not ignore character, and that's why I include his book here. Some blame him for oversimplifying the storywriting process. To that, I say, "thank you!".

Read this "beatsheet" breakdown of the movie/book GONE GIRL for an idea of how character development and plot are intertwined.

Although Snyder died in 2009, his ideas continue to be shared. Peruse the site, buy his books, Google related articles. You will not be disappointed.

Here's one article on the site:

In "Character Pitfalls," Author Kristen Higgins reminds us "The story is the vehicle for the character."

I will share more another time on how "Save the Cat" saved my writing. What are your go-to resources for character development? What questions do you have? Let's talk. Share your comments or insights below.
Write on!

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