How Writers Build Their Characters

How do writers build their characters? Ideas for stories swing by very often in a writer's head. So do setting and dialogue. One of the hardest things I find about writing is developing my characters. No matter how gripping and original your story is, if your readers don't feel, or can't relate to your characters' plight/position, they cannot completely engage with your novel.

So how do writers build their characters?

See also - lessons on writing articles: how to write an article online
Places to earn from your writing: writing opportunities
And to top up your earning: earn online

How To Stop Procrastinating And Get Writing

How to stop procrastinating and get writing is a guest post by Samantha Gray.

Research papers are a vital part of the dialogue that moves the scientific community forward, and an inevitable part of an online degree program — they can also be personally intimidating and a chore to write.  Just the thought of putting pen to paper can sometimes seem so gargantuan and so unpleasant that you will put if off and put it off until the pressure is on to complete your project. 

Student researchers are often prey to needless delay, self-sabotage, and any number of other behavioral manifestations that fall underneath the umbrella widely known as "procrastination."  But writers of every kind can identify with procrastination struggles, regardless of field, style, or form — even bloggers are all too familiar with procrastination.

How to stop procrastinating and get writing

Actually start writing

There has been a surge of interest in the source and correction of procrastination across the social spectrum, with students being highest on the list.  But much of this research is purely quantitative and doesn't offer concrete solutions to the problem of procrastination - especially in writing.

Best Blogs I Visited in 2011

Best Blogs I Visited in 2011 seeks to highlight the writing and blogging sites I've found most helpful this year. This is a post I want to do to give back something to those site owners who've helped me in my own blogging career. Thank you very much for all the information and selfless knowledge and know-how you've extended to me. Many of you have never visited my blog, I know. However, you've been my virtual support and I want to share you with my subscribers, faithful readers and passing visitors (and of course, give you my support through my testimonials, screenshots and links).  You have been my writing and blogging based favourite blogs in 2011!

Best blogs I visited in 2011

I've landed on several amazing sites this year. If I'm one of your frequent commentator and you're not listed here, I'll bear you in mind and feature you in another post. If your site is not in this niche, look out for more best blogs articles on my other sites in your niche, especially if you have a relationship blog. In no particular order, here we go!

Harry The Happy Caterpillar Grows

Harry The Happy Caterpillar Grows is a new book written by Cindy Jett to help children adapt to change.

How do you talk to a young child about their resistance to a change in routine, the fear of starting school, or moving to a new area? As adults, we know that change is a part of life, but very often young children want to keep things as they are. It makes them feel safe. A new picture book, “Harry the Happy Caterpillar Grows” by Cindy Jett  addresses how to help children when they fear change.

My Follow Friday - The Write Worship

I came across The Write Worship some time ago by accident. The striking thing that first impressed me about this blog was the charming and peaceful way in which the writer conveys her thoughts. I follow the blog, not only because it beautifully outlines the path to being published, but because of the way the author demonstrates her talent in weaving the most beautiful phrases and sentences.

 

The Write Worship is a place where writers and readers meet and discuss their love and passion for the creative side of writing. The blog writer, Tamika, also has a tremendously positive way of looking at life and the ways of the world.

The write worship is indeed a place to go when you feel blessed or when you're stuck for inspiration of what to write next. This blog is an all encompassing site to fill your spiritual needs as both a write and a reader. You're guaranteed to come away filled and inspired. 

My Favourite Christmas Book

image source

How The Grinch Stole Christmas! is my favourite christmas story ever. I read it to my kids several times in the run-up to the christmas holidays. I adore the repetitions and the fact that Dr. Seuss dared use 'mouses' for the plural of mouse. 
It shows that we can all choose our own way of writing, inject our personality into our text, and still come up with a fantastic, workable product.

Next year I resolve to stop worrying about old writing rules and stick to what I know best - writing as me!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

My Follow Friday - Nathan Bransford

Nathan Bransford Literary Agent.  I follow this blog and included it on my 'Best Blogs About Writing And Publishing' section because it showcases vital reading material for writers, agents and publishers alike. If you’re a writer starting out in the business, this is a page you must bookmark.


Many of the ‘how tos’ are clearly specific to one particular literary agency, but the general ideas and tips are superb. 'How to write a synopsis,' 'How to write a non-fiction book proposal,' and 'How to format your query letter' are just some of the basic topics covered.


The general posts are definitely read-worthy and have opened my eyes to a lot of what happens in the industry. Admittedly, some of the information have put me off making enquiries to literary agencies, but knowledge is key to surviving in the publishing world, even if you’re doing it on your own.


Nathan Bransford is definitely my top recommendation to follow. Note there is no follow panel, but you can subscribe to it through the feed.

So, who else are you following and why?

Edited to say, Nathan does have a follow panel. I've subscribed to his blog, but have never seen the panel. It's on the lower right of the page. Thanks Michelle H for pointing this out,