Writing a Great Villain

Loki

When it comes to villains, we’ve seen the clichés.  Dark lords.  Psychopaths.  Petty super villains who kill their own henchmen. We’ve also heard the advice.  Villains need personal goals.  Villains need depth.  Villains need to be the heroes of their own stories. In my experience, conversations about villains get overshadowed by the question of whether … Read more

5 Tips for Writing Kick-Ass Characters

Walter White from Breaking Bad

Characters make the story. They are the most difficult aspect of any work in progress, and the most crucial to its success. There are so many elements to be considered when dealing with characters, especially when your cast is many.  And let’s face it; your characters are in need of some tender loving care. Have … Read more

The Human Beneath the Hero

A common trait of beginner fiction is that its protagonists are all – to use the technical term – “total badasses.” They have no appreciable sense of fear, pain, apprehension, or doubt. They take multiple drastic wounds without slowing down, are threatened with all manner of terrible fates without flinching, and always seem to know … Read more

Bridging the Gap Between Author and Character

When sitting down to plan a story, I focus my attention on developing memorable heroes and horrendous villains, constructing epic settings filled with ancient magic, and crafting plots with satisfying endings. But what’s lacking is anything connected to the piece of advice that I’ve heard repeatedly: Write what you know. These words, which I’ve been told … Read more

5 Characteristics of a Hero

Ten years ago I began writing a fantasy epic.  I spent months building my own world, complete with fresh mythologies and exotic cultures.  I had a great villain and an original plot.  Everything appeared to be in place for me to write a first class novel.  Sadly, a quarter of the way through a terrible … Read more