Middle Grade, Part 4: Creating Authentic Characters
This article is part of a series. Click here to view Part 1: MG Overview, Part 2: MG Novels, and Part 3: Plotting MG. *** Middle grade characters aren’t like other characters. They’re open, but not introspective. Reactive, but confused and learning. And a quick connection must be made between them and the reader. Here, […]
Clever, Not Invincible: Keeping Your Characters From Being Overpowered
Have you ever read a book or watched a movie where the hero never got hurt? No matter how many enemies came after them, they always took them out. No matter how many bullets just missed their head, they always managed to dodge. That was an overpowered character. That is boring. It takes all the […]
Unheard Voices: How to Portray Mute Characters Authentically
Writing a mute, nonverbal, or nonspeaking character can allow you to explore new ways of expression, communication, and interaction. Novels depend heavily on dialogue, so when someone appears who doesn’t speak verbally, you are challenged to improve your understanding of your world, characters, their personalities, and how to write detailed, compelling narratives. It doesn’t come […]