I typically need at least a chapter to get an idea of the character’s journey, the plot arc, and the plan for overall structure. Some chapters are 2,000 to 4,000 words. That’s a lot of work for the editor to put in!

Write that story that you wished you had read when you were younger. Write that story that you think no one wants to read, because guess what? People do.

It’s time to end fridging.

Fridging is when a character only exists to be killed or harmed in order to serve as an inciting incident for the main character.

Often it’s women or other minorities who get the fridge.

I love how more and more we’re getting stories of women who absolutely love to have sex, who are embracing their sexuality and are totally unapologetic.

In an old episode of The Simpsons, Bart is signing yearbooks. He signs a book for one of the twins who reads it out loud for us. “’See ya.’ She sighs. ‘He writes the way people talk.’”

It’s been years since I’ve seen that episode and I wouldn’t be able to tell you what the actual episode is about. That two second bit, however has stayed with me. Why? Because it’s something every writer should keep in mind.

You may have seen in my website footer that I have a pride flag. That is to indicate me as a safe place for authors and readers who are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It is not performative. I call out and I call in. And I shut up and learn when I’m called in. Even though sometimes my ignorance is innocent doesn’t mean that ignorance doesn’t hurt and leave scars. I haven’t always had it right. In fact, I had it very, very wrong for a long time.

Authors write for a myriad of reasons, but I firmly believe there’s one overarching reason: they must. Somewhere in their coding the desire to share their stories is so strong they can’t not.

So, what happens when that strong purpose is blocked?

What happens when an agent or a publishing company reads a query and says, “nah”?

Do I have clients who have been and still seek to be traditionally published? You bet! That’s a decision they made, they worked very hard, and they were pragmatic about their journey. I also have clients who have successfully self-published. We don’t have to deal in absolutes here – we’re not Siths. What works for you is what works for you.

How can some of the theatre greats help authors develop compelling characters?