The first real “Traitor” character I remember reading as a kid, was Cephelo from “The Elfstones of Shannara.” Smarmy slimeball, completely amoral, ego the size of a small planet…this guy could make used car salesmen uncomfortable. His actions messed up a lot of things in the storyline. Fortunately for everyone…
How Obscure Mythologies Can Become Powerful Story Characters I can’t claim expertise in urban fantasy yet – only written one book in it (so far!). So, when working out the storyline for “The Stiamaq Emerald,” I had to figure out a good solid plotline without too much complexity. First major…
I did plan for some character histories from “The Stiamaq Emerald.” As this is the first, I figured I’d start with a reader favorite! A number of you love Meilianna. It’s not hard to guess why. Even my beta readers thought she was a blast. I don’t often write such…
Writing of the newest novel proceeds apace. I’m still in the first third of the book, but it’s making good headway. I want to reach 30,000 words – a little less than half the book – by June 1. That way I’m on track to finish, edit, get a cover,…
If you’ve read fiction longer than 1 hour in your life, you’ve come across a writing stereotype. Old, tired, yet somehow still kicking, writing stereotypes are those ‘easy shortcuts’ some authors take to jerry-rig a plot or cut back on actual writing effort. Cliché characters. Transparent plot “twists.” You know…
(With Answers, Even!) How old is ‘Silver Cane’? He’s in his mid-30s. Given his age, lanky frame, and having one of those long narrow faces like Andy Sixx (Black Veil Brides), people would likely label him a ‘punk rocker’ type if they saw him on the street. He doesn’t…
While reviewing my current work – “The Renaissance Compact,” Book 2 in the Stymph Sequence – I came to one of those famous “Author’s Dilemmas.” See, I had a character in the story. Let’s call him Frank. Frank’s a tertiary character. He has lines and does things that help the…
Something I’m certain you didn’t know…characters take work to develop. Obviously you want to develop the MAIN character, and the villain/villains. Readers want depth, lifelike depiction, conflict you can sink your teeth into! (Sorry, Stymph joke. Wait, not sorry.) When you’re dealing with dozens of characters per book though? All…
My first meta-fictional character has arrived! What is that? I’ll explain. Have a look at this cover: This is “The Richest Man in Babylon.” One of, if not THE greatest work on finance ever written. Its central character is a man named Arkad, the eponymous ‘Richest Man’ in ancient Babylon.…
