Creating a realistic and relatable main character is crucial for a good romance novel. This involves giving them a history, their own journey, a job, relationships with others, physical flaws, strength, failure, sexuality, and the spotlight. These elements help readers understand and bond with the main character, making the story more engaging and resonant.

Takeaways

• A main character's history, beliefs, and actions should be influenced by their past experiences.
• Main characters should have their own journey and not solely exist to fall in love with the love interest.
• Giving main characters a job helps build their sense of self and adds depth to their story.
• Main characters' relationships with others can illuminate their lives and provide support and growth.
• Physical flaws make main characters more realistic and relatable.
• Strength should be tempered with vulnerability to create a well-rounded main character.
• Failure is relatable and can lead to character growth and redemption.
• Sexuality is an important aspect of a romance novel's main character.
• The main character should be at the center of the story and constantly involved in the plot.
• Creating a realistic and relatable main character is essential for reader engagement and resonance.

Do you feel stuck in a rut with your writing? Do you struggle to even sit down to write? Does the blank page seem to loom over you like a cloud, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, and heading for Netflix?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Many writers experience this same struggle (me included). Whether you’re working on a novel or just trying to write an article, finding the motivation to get started—or keep going—can be difficult. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that can help keep your writing motivation high.

In this episode, I’ll be talking to author and teacher Elisabeth Sharp McKetta.

Elisabeth is the author of 13 books, including “She Never Told Me About the Ocean," "Ark," and "Edit Your Life: A Handbook for Living with Intention in a Messy World.”

We’ll delve into the importance of creativity, mental health, and the practice of writing, but Elisabeth also shares her experiences living in a tiny house with her family, emphasising how the simplicity and minimalism of small spaces can enhance focus and creativity.

Elisabeth provides insights into her writing process, the importance that therapeutic first drafts, and the joy of discovering deeper connections and themes.

And this episode highlights the importance of editing one's life to make room for creativity, the value of indulgence in writing practices, and the significance of understanding one's personal connection to their work.

Elisabeth's wisdom and experiences offer valuable lessons for writers and creatives looking for more time for their craft.

And if you’d like to know more, Elisabeth also delivered the TEDxBoise talk “Edit Your Life Like a Poem,” further showcasing her expertise and passion for intentional living and creativity.

Elisabeth's Website: https://elisabethsharpmcketta.com/

Elisabeth's TEDxBoise Talk: https://youtu.be/-ZXHIrZMeCQ?si=dnWkEmZWVrkl7sv3

In this episode of Master Fiction Writing, I sit down with the remarkable Becca Puglisi, co-author of the bestselling series from Writers Helping Writers. Join us as Becca takes us on a journey from the inception of the first book to the expansion of the series, sharing invaluable insights into the art of character development along the way.

Discover the inspiration behind the 'Emotion Thesaurus' and how it has become an essential tool for writers worldwide. Becca delves into the challenges and triumphs of creating the series, the collaborative process with co-author Angela Ackerman, and how feedback from the writing community has shaped their work.

And don't forget the very latest book in the series - 'The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Stress and Volatility'!

Unlock the secrets of writing compelling paragraphs that captivate your readers!

In this episode post, you'll learn how to create vivid imagery, build emotional resonance, and master pacing for maximum impact.

Whether you're just starting your writing journey or refining your craft, discover practical tips and exercises to elevate your storytelling.

As creative writers, each sentence we craft serves our story. But how do we elevate our writing from good to unforgettable? It all starts with mastering the art of sentence construction.

This episode dives into the essentials of crafting powerful, impactful sentences. Whether you're just beginning your writing journey or looking to refine your skills, this article is packed with insights and exercises that will transform your approach to writing.

In this episode, we plunge headfirst into the tumultuous world of writing myths and the harsh self-criticisms that writers often battle. Why do writers sabotage their own success? Is it easier to believe in fallacies than to face the hard truths? We're dissecting these questions and more!

We’ll unravel common misconceptions about the writing process, from the myth of waiting for inspiration to strike, to the pitfalls of chasing a perfect first draft.

Prepare to be challenged and enlightened!

• If you want to work with me, you can book a free, 20-minute discovery call here: https://calendly.com/stuartwakefield/book-coaching-discovery-call

• If you want to work with a different book coach, there's a fantastic online database of certified book coaches here: https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchme

• For a crash course on the nine Muses, check out this video! https://youtu.be/eTckaxEhC5U

📚 Unlock the Secrets of Compelling Character Backstories! 📚

Crafting captivating characters is the cornerstone of great storytelling. Dive into the art of character development in this latest episode! Learn how to infuse depth and authenticity into your narratives by mastering the art of crafting compelling backstories.

Discover techniques to seamlessly integrate backstory into your storytelling, avoiding common pitfalls like info dumping and irrelevance. From engaging dialogue to powerful flashbacks, explore the tools that bring characters to life and drive your plot forward.

Striking a balance between revealing backstory and maintaining narrative focus is key to captivating your audience.

Explore further with the online course, Emotional Echoes: The Art of Character Backstory, to master these storytelling techniques. Unlock the secrets for just $47!